Alcapurrias de Cangrejo con Salsa de Pimiento

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy fried fritters filled with succulent crab meat and spices, served with a vibrant green bell pepper sauce. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes blends fresh or canned Crab meat, Mashed potatoes, finely chopped Onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 290 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine crab meat, mashed potatoes, chopped onion, diced green pepper, cumin, salt, and lime juice until well mixed.
  2. Step 2: Divide mixture into 12 portions, forming flat patties about 2 inches in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
  4. Step 4: Dredge each patty in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and place in hot oil.
  5. Step 5: Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, turning once.
  6. Step 6: While frying, blend diced green pepper, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp salt in a blender until smooth, then simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot alcapurrias with a dollop of green pepper sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Alcapurrias de Cangrejo con Salsa de Pimiento take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Alcapurrias de Cangrejo con Salsa de Pimiento?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Alcapurrias de Cangrejo con Salsa de Pimiento?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Alcapurrias de Cangrejo con Salsa de Pimiento for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Alcapurrias de Cangrejo con Salsa de Pimiento?

Puerto Rican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying