What is Imitation Crab Meat Actually Made Of?

Imitation crab meat has become a popular ingredient in dishes like California rolls, crab cakes, seafood salads, and more But what exactly is this mystery meat? Despite the name, imitation crab contains no real crab at all. So if it’s not crab, what is imitation crab meat actually made from?

The main ingredient in imitation crab is something called surimi. Surimi is a paste made from fish that has been mechanically deboned minced, washed repeatedly and pulverized into a dough-like substance. The most common fish used for surimi is Alaskan pollock, which is an abundant and sustainable white fish.

After the pollock is processed into surimi, other ingredients are added to give it the texture and appearance of real crab meat:

• Starch – To help the surimi hold its shape when formed and frozen
• Egg whites – For binding and giving the surimi a moist, crab-like texture
• Sugar and sorbitol – To allow the product to freeze smoothly without damage
• Vegetable oil – For texture and white color
• Salt – For flavor
• Artificial crab flavor – For taste
• Red food coloring – To replicate the natural reddish hue of crab

The surimi mixture is then formed into blocks, sliced into thin pieces, layered, rolled and folded into sticks or shreds meant to resemble crab legs or chunks of body meat. Finally, the imitation crab is steam cooked to finalize the texture before packaging.

• Surimi (fish paste, usually from pollock)
• Starch
• Egg whites
• Sugar
• Sorbitol
• Vegetable oil
• Salt
• Artificial flavor
• Coloring

While it contains real fish, the heavy processing and addition of starch, sugar, and artificial ingredients makes imitation crab quite different from whole, natural crab meat nutritionally. Imitation crab is much higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals compared to real crab.

However, because it consists of minced fish scraps and inexpensive additives, imitation crab costs a fraction of the price of real crab. It also replicates the flavor, texture and appearance quite well. So for an affordable alternative in dishes like crab rangoon and seafood salad, imitation crab is a frugal choice.

When buying imitation crab, check the labels closely. It may also be called “crab flavored seafood”, “krab”, “sea legs”, “artificial crab”, or even just “surimi”. If you want real crab meat, look for packages that specifically say they contain 100% crab without other ingredients or additives. And expect to pay accordingly.

Imitation crab has allowed average consumers to enjoy the taste of crab without spending a fortune. But it comes at the price of heavy processing and nutritional quality. If your budget allows, indulging in real crab from time to time provides superior nutrition and flavor. But for an occasional crab craving on a budget, imitation crab meat fills the void. Just know what’s actually in those crab sticks and California rolls before you eat!

Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, is primarily made from a fish paste called surimi, which is often made from Alaskan Pollock. It also includes a variety of other ingredients like starch, sugar, egg whites, and flavorings to mimic the taste and texture of real crab meat.