Spice up your appetizer game with this irresistible copycat recipe for Joe's Crab Shack Great Balls of Fire! These golden, crispy seafood bites are packed with a flavorful mix of tender crab meat, chopped shrimp, creamy cheese, and a fiery kick from diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper. Each ball is perfectly breaded with crunchy panko and fried to perfection for an irresistibly satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving a taste of your favorite restaurant classic, these indulgent treats are quick to prepare and sure to impress. Serve them hot with a side of ranch dressing or spicy aioli for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for seafood lovers, this recipe is a must-try!
In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped shrimp, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Remove the chilled seafood balls from the refrigerator. Coat each ball in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure each ball is fully coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the breaded balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or spicy aioli.
Calories |
10534 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1047.9 g | 1343% | |
| Saturated Fat | 189.3 g | 946% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1412 mg | 471% | |
| Sodium | 6007 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.7 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.0 g | ||
| Protein | 195.7 g | 391% | |
| Vitamin D | 14.2 mcg | 71% | |
| Calcium | 1421 mg | 109% | |
| Iron | 18.2 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 2074 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.