Easy Krab Egg Rolls (Baked Low-Fat)
The scent of egg rolls always takes me back to bustling street food markets during my travels in Southeast Asia. While I savored authentic versions there, the memory of these lighter, baked krab egg rolls, which I first made for my kids one weekend afternoon, brings a completely different kind of joy. There’s something truly satisfying about creating a healthier, homemade version of a beloved classic – the crispy shell, savory filling, and knowing exactly what went into each bite makes them a winner every time.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 20
- Yield: 20 egg rolls
- Dietary Type: Low-Fat
Ingredients
- 20 egg roll wraps (or more, as needed)
- 8 ounces imitation crabmeat, diced
- 16 ounces cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 15 x 10 inch Jelly Roll Pan
- Spray Bottle
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced imitation crabmeat, cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix, chopped onion, sesame oil, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This is your flavorful filling.
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Prepare the egg roll wraps by placing them in a stack between damp paper towels. This will prevent them from drying out and cracking as you work. Keep the stack covered with the damp paper towels to maintain their pliability.
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Lightly spray a 15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray. This will prevent the egg rolls from sticking during baking.
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Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean work surface, positioning it in a diamond shape (with one point facing you).
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Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crab mixture into the center of the wrapper. Do not overfill, as this will make the egg rolls difficult to roll and seal properly.
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Fold the top point of the diamond down towards the center of the wrapper, covering the filling.
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Next, fold the left and right side points inward, towards the center, creating a sealed envelope shape.
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Roll the egg roll tightly from the bottom point upwards, encasing the filling completely. Place the finished egg roll, seam side down, onto the prepared jelly roll pan.
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Continue filling and rolling the remaining egg roll wrappers with the crab mixture until you run out of filling or wrappers. Be sure to keep the unused wrappers covered with damp paper towels to prevent drying.
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Once all the egg rolls are arranged on the pan, lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray. This will help them crisp up and brown evenly during baking.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
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Remove the baked crab egg rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the pan before serving.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overfill: Overfilling the egg rolls makes them difficult to roll and can cause them to burst open during baking. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper.
- Seal tightly: Ensure the egg rolls are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out. You can use a small amount of water or egg wash to help seal the edges of the wrapper.
- Even browning: For more even browning, rotate the baking pan halfway through the baking time.
- Extra crispy: For extra crispy egg rolls, try baking them on a wire rack placed inside the jelly roll pan. This allows for better air circulation and crispier bottoms.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent drying.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crab mixture for a hint of spice.
- Vegan alternative: For a vegan version, replace the crab meat with shredded tofu and use a vegan coleslaw mix.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these baked krab egg rolls warm, straight from the oven. They are delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a homemade peanut sauce.
Leftover egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a similar result.
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked egg rolls. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 114.2 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 11 g | 10% |
| Total Fat | 1.3 g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 5.1 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 379 mg | 15% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.4 g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Protein | 4.8 g | 9% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Krab Egg Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Medley: Incorporate other chopped vegetables into the filling, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
- Shrimp or Chicken: Substitute the imitation crabmeat with cooked shrimp or shredded chicken for a different protein option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers if you have a gluten intolerance.
- Different Dipping Sauce: Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as plum sauce, sriracha mayo, or a tangy ginger-lime sauce.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use fresh crabmeat instead of imitation crabmeat?
A: Absolutely! Fresh crabmeat will add a richer flavor to the egg rolls. Just be sure to remove any shell fragments before adding it to the filling.
Q: What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A: You can use a baking sheet instead. Just make sure to spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Q: Can I fry these egg rolls instead of baking them?
A: Yes, you can fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. However, baking them is a healthier, low-fat alternative.
Q: How do I prevent the egg roll wrappers from tearing?
A: Keep the egg roll wrappers covered with damp paper towels to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
Q: What is the best way to reheat leftover egg rolls?
A: The best way to reheat leftover egg rolls is in a preheated oven or air fryer. This will help them crisp up again.
Final Thoughts
These easy baked krab egg rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist. The combination of savory krab, crunchy vegetables, and crispy baked shell is simply irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover how simple and satisfying it is to make your own egg rolls at home. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and dipping sauces to create your own signature version. I’m confident that these will be a hit with your family and friends! Enjoy!