Fluffy Crab Beignets Recipe: A Dreamy Golden Treat

Crispy, golden crab beignets dance on the plate like culinary magic waiting to happen.

Light puffs of seafood delight emerge from classic New Orleans cooking traditions.

Deep-sea flavors merge with delicate pastry techniques in this remarkable appetizer.

You’ll find each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and tender crab meat.

Maritime richness blends seamlessly with soft, pillowy dough that melts in your mouth.

Regional influences shine through every carefully crafted morsel of these delectable treats.

Prepare to impress and indulge in a recipe that promises pure coastal comfort.

FAQ Section For James Martin Crab Beignets

• What ingredients make the batter unique?

The beer in the batter creates a light, crispy texture and adds a subtle flavor depth that makes the beignets extra delicious.

• Can I use a different type of seafood instead of crab?

Shrimp or lobster can be excellent substitutes, maintaining the same preparation method and flavor profile of the beignets.

• How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil is precisely 375F, or drop a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning.

• Is it necessary to chill the crab mixture before frying?

Chilling helps the crab mixture hold its shape and prevents it from falling apart during frying, ensuring a perfect, compact beignet.

Why James Martin Crab Beignets Are A Tasty Bite

• Craft Gourmet Appetizers: Elevate your cooking skills with these sophisticated yet approachable crab beignets that impress guests without requiring professional chef training.
• Quick Party Pleaser: Prepare these crispy, golden delights in minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or unexpected company.
• Flavor-Packed Bites: Combine succulent crab meat with creamy mascarpone and fresh herbs, creating an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Crowd-Warmer: Suitable for game nights, cocktail parties, or as a delightful starter that bridges casual and elegant dining experiences.

What’s Inside James Martin Crab Beignets

• Crab Meat: Fresh seafood that provides the primary flavor and texture of the beignets.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that adds richness and helps bind the crab mixture.
• Flour, Cornstarch: Create a light and crispy coating for the beignets.
• Beer: Adds lightness and helps create a delicate, airy batter.
• Shallot, Chives: Fresh herbs that provide a delicate, mild onion-like flavor to the crab mixture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the beignets.
• Baking Powder: Helps the batter rise and become light and fluffy.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the beignets to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil after frying.

Step-By-Step For James Martin Crab Beignets

Step 1: Prepare Crab Filling

Combine fresh crab meat with creamy mascarpone cheese. Finely chop shallots and chives. Add a light sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavors. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and refrigerate to let the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Create Crispy Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gradually pour in cold beer while whisking. Continue mixing until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a deep pan or heavy-bottomed pot. Pour vegetable or canola oil. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain a consistent temperature for perfect frying.

Step 4: Shape and Coat Beignets

Using a small scoop or spoon, form the chilled crab mixture into compact balls. Carefully dip each ball into the prepared beer batter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently lower battered crab balls into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve an even golden-brown exterior. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Drain and Finish

Remove beignets using a slotted spoon. Place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with additional salt while still warm. Repeat the frying process with remaining crab mixture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer beignets to a serving platter. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Optionally, pair with a zesty dipping sauce like remoulade or aioli.

Pro Tips For James Martin Crab Beignets

• Chill Mixture Perfectly: Refrigerate the crab mixture for at least 30 minutes to help it hold shape and prevent falling apart during frying.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 375F oil, ensuring crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without burning.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place beignets on a wire rack over paper towels to prevent soggy bottoms and keep them extra crispy.
• Choose Fresh Crab: Select high-quality, fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture in your beignets.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy beignets right after cooking to experience maximum crunchiness and optimal taste while they're piping hot.

Creative Options For James Martin Crab Beignets

• Gluten-Free Seafood Fritters: Replace wheat flour with rice flour and gluten-free cornstarch for celiac-friendly version.
• Shrimp Alternative Beignets: Swap crab with chopped shrimp for equally delicious seafood appetizer.
• Low-Carb Keto Bites: Use almond flour instead of regular flour, replace beer with sparkling water, and add extra herbs for crispy, low-carb option.
• Vegetarian Cheese Beignets: Substitute crab with ricotta cheese and finely chopped spinach for meat-free alternative.

What To Serve With James Martin Crab Beignets

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, crispy beignets and complement the delicate crab flavor.
• Citrus-Based Cocktail Companion: Mix a bright gin and grapefruit spritzer that brings tangy notes which enhance the seafood's sweetness and balance the fried texture.
• Herb-Infused Aioli Dipping Sauce: Create a quick sauce blending fresh dill, lemon zest, and garlic into mayonnaise for a creamy, herbaceous accompaniment that elevates the beignets' taste profile.
• Sparkling Rosé Refreshment: Choose a light, bubbly rosé with subtle berry undertones that cleanses the palate between bites and matches the delicate crab and crispy coating.

Storage Tips For James Martin Crab Beignets

• Store leftover beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual beignets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange beignets on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Set air fryer to 350F. Place beignets in a single layer, cook for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and crispiness.

Crab Beignets Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Louisiana-style crab beignets bring coastal charm to your kitchen, blending New Orleans’ culinary magic with delicate seafood perfection. Each golden-brown morsel delivers rich crab flavor that invites you to savor Southern hospitality in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh blue crabmeat
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup amber lager
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese

Batter Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1/2 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Blend delicate crab meat with creamy mascarpone, finely minced shallots, and fresh chives, seasoning with a subtle salt accent. Refrigerate mixture for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor cohesion.
2. Create a light, airy batter by combining flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate beer, whisking until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
3. Prepare a deep frying vessel, heating oil to precisely 375°F, ensuring optimal temperature for crisp exterior.
4. Using a small scoop, form compact crab mixture into uniform spheres.
5. Carefully coat each crab ball in prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Gently lower battered crab spheres into hot oil, maintaining consistent temperature.
7. Fry for 3-4 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior.
8. Remove beignets using a slotted spoon, transferring to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Sprinkle with additional salt while still hot for enhanced flavor profile.
10. Continue process until entire crab mixture is transformed into crispy, golden beignets. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and temperature.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality crabmeat for the most delicate and sweet flavor profile in your beignets.
• Chill the crab mixture thoroughly to help it hold its shape when forming balls, preventing them from falling apart during frying.
• Use a light beer like a pilsner or pale ale to create a crispy, airy batter that enhances the delicate crab texture.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 375F to ensure crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without absorbing excess oil.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 34 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 333 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 604 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg