Crab spring rolls with crab cakes and watercress

James Martin makes the most of crab meat for a delicious, Asian inspired starter.

Ingredients

For the spring rolls
  • 300g/11oz spider crabmeat, picked
  • 4 spring onions, finely sliced
  • 3 tbsp finely shredded cucumber
  • 1 lime, juice only
  • 2 tbsp crème fraîche
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 sheets spring roll wrapper
  • 1 free-range egg, beaten
For the crab cakes
  • 300g/11oz white crabmeat, picked
  • 150g/5oz cold mashed potato
  • 1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped
  • ½ lemon, juice only
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • large handful watercress
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Preparation method

  1. For the spring rolls, place the crab meat into a bowl with the spring onions, cucumber, lime juice and crème fraiche. Mix until well combined and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

  2. Place a spring roll wrapper onto a chopping board lengthways. Place a tablespoon of the crab mixture 3cm/1¼in from the bottom edge of the wrapper. Fold the bottom lip over, then the sides in and roll up into a cylinder. Seal the end edge with beaten egg. Repeat with the remaining spring roll wrappers and filling.

  3. Heat the oil in a saucepan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown when dropped into it. Alternatively, use an electric deep-fat fryer heated to 180C/350F. (CAUTION: Hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)

  4. Carefully lower the spring rolls in small batches into the oil and deep-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden-brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

  5. For the crab cakes, place the crab, potato and coriander into a bowl and mix until well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add lemon juice, to taste.

  6. Take a golf-ball sized piece of the crab mixture and form into a flat pattie.

  7. Heat a frying pan until hot and add the olive oil. Fry the patties on each side until golden-brown and cooked through.

  8. Dress the watercress with a little extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.

  9. Pile the spring rolls and crab cakes onto serving plates and finish with a handful of watercress.

James Martin recipes from Saturday Kitchen

Less than 30 mins preparation time

10 to 30 mins cooking time

Serves 4

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