James Martin Crab Beignets | British Chefs Table (2024)

James Martin Crab Beignets are made with fresh blue crabmeat, mascarpone cheese, shallot, fresh chives, and coated in a beer-infused batter. This British appetizer, perfect for snacks or sides, takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6-8 people.

Try More Recipes:

• James Martin Fish Pie
• James Martin Scampi Recipe
• James Martin Seafood Lasagne

What Is James Martin Crab Beignets?

James Martin’s Crab Beignets recipe is a delicious New Orleans-inspired dish. It combines fresh blue crabmeat with mascarpone cheese, shallots, and chives. The mixture is coated in a beer-based batter, and fried until golden and crisp. Serve these delightful crab beignets hot for a flavorful seafood treat.

James Martin Crab Beignets Ingredients

• 6 ounces fresh blue crabmeat, picked over (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 small (1 ounce) shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/4 ounces)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch (about 1 1/2 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup (8 ounces) amber lager beer
• Vegetable oil, for frying

How To Make James Martin Crab Beignets

1. Blend crabmeat, mascarpone, shallot, chives, and a pinch of salt together by gently stirring in a basin. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large basin and whisk until smooth. The batter will be thick, so add the beer gradually and stir until combined.
3. Fill a Dutch oven or other large saucepan at least 3inches deep with oil. Bring to 375°F in a medium-high oven. Prepare a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Make a loose ball with 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture and place it in the batter. Coat the ball in thebatter using a spoon. Use a spoon to scoop the ball out of the batter, aiming to get as much of the liquid as possible onto the spoon.
5. Put the beignet into the heated oil by sliding it in carefully from above. Make sure the Dutch oven isn’t too crowded and repeat the process with another 2 or 3beignets.
6. Fry until crisp and deep golden brown, turning occasionally around 3 minutes. Salt the beignets after transferring them to a paper towel-lined dish with a slotted spoon.
7. Allow the oil to heat back up to 375 degrees in between batches, then repeat with the remaining crab mixture and batter. Servehot and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure fresh and high-quality crabmeat: Choose fresh blue crabmeat for the best flavor and texture. Ensure that it is picked over properly to remove any shell fragments.
• Use mascarpone cheese for creaminess: Mascarpone cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the crab filling, enhancing its flavor and providing a smooth texture.
• Finely chop shallots and chives: Finely chopping the shallots and chives ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the filling. It also prevents large chunks that may affect the texture.
• Gradually add beer to the batter: When making the batter, add the beer gradually to achieve the desired consistency. This will help you control the thickness of the batter and avoid lumps.
• Maintain the frying oil temperature: It’s crucial to keep the oil at a consistent temperature of 375°F for frying. This ensures that the beignets cook evenly, become crispy, and absorb minimal oil.
• Drain excess oil before serving: Once the beignets are fried to a golden brown, drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil. This step helps maintain their crispiness and prevents them from becoming greasy.

What Goes Well With Crab Beignets?

Crab beignets pair well with various accompaniments some options include a zesty remoulade sauce, lemon wedges for a citrusy touch, a fresh green salad, or a side of crispy french fries.

How Long Will Leftover Crab Beignets Keep It?

• In The Fridge: Leftover crab beignets can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container or by wrapping tightly them in plastic wrap.
• In The Freezer: Leftover crab beignets will keep for up 2 months in the freezer. Put them in a freezer-safe bag or container after individually wrapping them in plastic wrap. Let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Crab Beignets?

• Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Place crab beignets on a baking sheet and heat them for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are crisp.
• Microwave: Cover the crab beignets loosely with a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe platter. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute on high power, or until they are heated through.
• Air fryer: Bring the temperature of your air fryer up to 375°F (190°C). Put crab beignetsin a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.

FAQs

Try More James MartinRecipes:

• James Martin Cheese And Onion Quiche
• James Martin Cottage Pie
• James Martin Aubergine Lasagne

James Martin Crab Beignets Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 233
• Total Fat 5.9g
• Saturated Fat 2.8g
• Cholesterol 130mg
• Sodium 2370mg
• Potassium 199mg
• Total Carbs 31g
• Dietary Fiber 1.4g
• Sugars 1.8g
• Protein 13.3g
• Vitamin A 1%
• Vitamin C 11%
• Calcium 16%
• Iron 13%