Flaky, golden pastry is replaced with a low-carb alternative, layered with creamy crab filling, rich cheeses, and aromatic seasonings. These rolls are baked to perfection, glazed with sweet Thai chili sauce, and finished with fresh green onions for a protein-packed appetizer everyone will love.
Servings: 8 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Option
Ingredients
Low-Carb Dough:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
Crab Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 blocks), softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4–5 green onions, finely chopped
- 8 oz crab meat (fresh or imitation), chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Toppings:
- Sprinkle of Italian cheese (before baking)
- Sugar-free sweet Thai chili sauce (after baking)
- Green onions, chopped (after baking)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Low-Carb Dough
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup mozzarella with cream cheese for 30–45 seconds. Mix with almond flour, egg, and salt until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough between parchment sheets into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Make the Crab Filling
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, crab meat, mozzarella, Italian cheese, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix until creamy and well blended.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Spread the crab filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll, brushing the seam with egg wash to seal.
4. Slice and Bake
- Cut the roll into 8 even slices. Arrange on the prepared pan.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with a little Italian cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
5. Finish and Serve
- Brush warm rolls with sugar-free Thai chili sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
- Almond Flour Dough: Low-carb alternative to puff pastry; naturally gluten-free and high in protein. If desired, a coconut flour version can be used, though it may be slightly more crumbly.
- Soy Sauce: Use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium, soy-free option.
- Sugar-Free Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Keeps carb count low while maintaining sweetness.
Protein Boost Tip: Add extra crab or an additional ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella to the filling for even higher protein content.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Variation: Mix 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes into the crab filling.
- Cheese Lovers: Add extra Italian blend cheese on top before baking for a melty finish.
- Serving: Pairs well with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables for a low-carb meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Slice rolls, wrap individually in parchment, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to baking time.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories: 310 | Protein: 22g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g
Dietary Highlights: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Option
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular puff pastry if I’m not worried about carbs?
A: Yes, you can swap almond flour dough for puff pastry, but carb count will be much higher.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Substitute crab with hearts of palm or jackfruit, and use vegan cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives.
Q: Can I use canned crab?
A: Absolutely—just drain well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Personal Notes
I developed this low-carb version to enjoy Crab Rangoon without the guilt of traditional pastry. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and savory, with just the right hint of sweetness from the Thai chili glaze. It’s become my go-to high-protein appetizer for gatherings or a special treat at home.
