Be sure to use the best and freshest crabmeat you can get your hands on. This makes all the difference in these lightly battered and totally addictive fritters - trust me!
Makes 12 Servings
Ingredients
CRAB MIXTURE
1/2 small shallot, finely chopped
6 ounces fresh blue or other lump crabmeat, picked over
1/3 cup mascarpone 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
Kosher salt
BATTER AND FRYING
Vegetable oil (for frying; about 4 cups)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
1 cup amber lager
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
A deep-fry thermometer
Preparation
CRAB MIXTURE
- Combine shallot, crabmeat, mascarpone, and chives in a medium bowl; season with salt. Gently fold to combine. Set aside.
BATTER AND FRYING
- Pour oil into a large saucepan fitted with a deep-fry thermometer to a depth of 6 inches. Heat oil over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 375°.
- Meanwhile, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in beer, just to blend (batter will be thick).
- Working in batches of about 4 and returning oil to 375° 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.
***DO AHEAD: Crab mixture can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.