Blue Crab Beignets

Crispy, golden-brown beignets filled with fresh blue crab meat, mascarpone, and chives. These savory fritters combine delicate crab with a light beer batter for an elegant appetizer.

6 servings
40 min

Ingredients

  • ½ small shallot
  • 6 ounces fresh blue crabmeat
  • cup mascarpone
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 4 cups Vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup amber lager
  • 1 piece deep-fry thermometer

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Combine shallot, crabmeat, mascarpone, and chives in a medium bowl; season with salt. Gently fold to combine. Set aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Pour oil into a large saucepan fitted with a deep-fry thermometer to a depth of 6". Heat oil over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 375°F.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in beer, just to blend (batter will be thick).

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Working in batches of about 4 and returning oil to 375°F between batches, measure 1 heaping tablespoon crab mixture, roll into a ball, and drop into batter. Using a fork, toss to coat and lift from batter, letting excess drip back into bowl. Carefully lower beignets into oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until crisp and deep golden brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.

    20 min

  5. 5.

    DO AHEAD: Crab mixture can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.