Crab puff

Crab Puff

A plate of crab puffs

Crab puffs, also known as crab rangoon, are a popular appetizer in American Chinese cuisine. They consist of a mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, and seasonings wrapped in a wonton wrapper and deep-fried until golden brown. These savory treats are often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

History

The origin of crab puffs is somewhat unclear, but they are believed to have been invented in the United States in the mid-20th century. They are a staple in many Chinese American restaurants and are often featured on the menu as a starter or appetizer.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients in crab puffs include:

• Crab meat - Fresh or canned crab meat is used for the filling.
• Cream cheese - Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Wonton wrappers - Thin sheets of dough used to encase the filling.
• Green onions - Chopped finely for added flavor.
• Garlic - Minced to enhance the taste.
• Soy sauce - Adds a salty, umami flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce - Used for additional depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper - For seasoning.

Preparation

Close-up of a crab puff

To prepare crab puffs, the crab meat is mixed with cream cheese, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This mixture is then spooned onto wonton wrappers, which are folded into a triangular or flower shape. The edges are sealed with water or egg wash to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

The filled wontons are then deep-fried in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, they are drained on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Crab puffs are typically served hot and can be accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces. Common choices include:

• Sweet and sour sauce
• Plum sauce
• Soy sauce
• Hot mustard

They are often garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Variations

While the traditional crab puff recipe uses crab meat, there are several variations that incorporate different ingredients:

• Imitation crab - A more affordable alternative to real crab meat.
• Shrimp - Used as a substitute or in combination with crab.
• Spicy - Adding sriracha or chili flakes for a kick.

Related Pages

• Dim sum
• Wonton
• Appetizer
• Chinese cuisine