Imitation crab meat, sometimes called surimi, is a popular ingredient in many dishes like crab rangoon, crab dip, seafood salad, and more. It’s an affordable alternative to real crab meat made from minced fish that’s shaped and colored to resemble crab. Since it’s less perishable than fresh seafood, imitation crab offers convenience for home cooks. But with any thawed protein, proper storage is key to safety and quality. So how long does frozen imitation crab meat last after thawing? Here’s what you need to know.
Freezer Storage Timeline
Imitation crab meat that is continuously frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely as long as the packaging remains intact. However for best quality, it should be used within the following timelines
- Unopened, store-bought frozen imitation crab: 12 months
- Opened package, stored in airtight container: 6 months
The imitation crab will still be safe to eat after these dates, but its texture and flavor may gradually decline. Make sure to wrap or seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Refrigerator Storage Timeline
Once thawed, imitation crab meat should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Follow these guidelines for maximum freshness:
- Unopened package: Within 2 days of the “sell by” date on package
- Opened package: Within 3 days
As with fresh seafood, it’s important to use thawed imitation crab soon after opening. Make sure to transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
What If It Has Been Left Out?
Imitation crab meat should never be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grows rapidly between 40-140°F. Discard any imitation crab meat that has been left out longer than this timeframe.
How To Tell If It’s Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that imitation crab meat has spoiled:
- Slimy texture
- Fishy or ammonia-like smell
- Discoloration
- Mold
- Sour flavor
If you notice any of these, play it safe and throw it away. Don’t taste test imitation crab meat that shows signs of spoilage.
Tips For Thawing
- For food safety, thaw frozen imitation crab meat overnight in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- You can also submerge unopened packages in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Microwave thawing is quick but can affect texture. Thaw at 50% power, stopping to stir occasionally.
- For convenience, transfer thawed meat to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
How To Use It Up Quickly
If you know you won’t use up that bag of thawed imitation crab in time, try these easy ideas:
- Crab salad sandwiches or wraps
- Simple dip with Greek yogurt, lemon, and herbs
- Quick crab cakes or patties
- Stir fry with veggies and noodles
- Toppings for salad or avocado toast
With proper freezing and refrigeration, you can enjoy imitation crab meat for months past the date on the package. Follow the storage guidelines above to keep it fresh and minimize risk of foodborne illness. Trust your senses – if it smells or looks off, throw it out. When in doubt, stick to the recommended 3-day limit after thawing for the safest results. With a versatile ingredient like imitation crab, you can feel good about freezing it while still using it up quickly in yummy recipes.
Mistake: Not storing imitation crab at the right temperature
If you want your imitation crab meat to last in the refrigerator or freezer, you need to be sure to store it at the right temperature. Since 38 degrees F is the sweet spot, it is recommended to keep the seafood on the bottom shelf where the refrigerators temperature is usually lowest. To check that your fridge is at the proper temperature, you can purchase a specialized thermometer to keep inside the fridge if yours doesnt have one built-in. You can also use an instant-read meat thermometer to get a reading on the fly.
If you are storing your imitation crab meat in the freezer, the ideal temperature is at or below 0 degrees F. Not all home freezers are set to this temperature (most are around 10 degrees F), but if yours doesnt go that low, dont worry. Youre still in the safe zone at 10 degrees F, but your imitation crab will stay good for around one year instead of two.
Mistake: Thawing your imitation crab meat too soon
If you are planning to serve imitation crab one of the many delicious ways at a dinner party this weekend, dont be tempted to start thawing it out on Monday. Thawing out your imitation crab too early can lead to a host of problems, the biggest of which is that crab going bad before you can serve it.
To thaw out your imitation crab, place the frozen meat in the refrigerator around 24 hours before you need it. This allows it to defrost slowly and safely. Once it is thawed out, it should be used within three days.
If you change your mind about using it, though, dont put the imitation crab back in the freezer once it has been thawed. Freezing, thawing, then re-freezing fish is not usually recommended because it breaks down over time, reducing its quality; it will only degrade further with another thaw at a later time.
IMITATION CRAB MEAT — PURCHASED COMMERCIALLY FROZEN. FOOD STORAGE – HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP.
FAQ
Does frozen imitation crab go bad?
You should use the package or freeze it before the date on the package. If you freeze it before the use by date, you can store it frozen for up to nine months.
How do you know if imitation crab meat has gone bad?
Imitation crab has gone bad if it has a strong fishy or sour smell, a slimy or discolored appearance, or if it’s past the printed expiration date. These are all signs the product is no longer safe to consume. Always remember that when in doubt, it’s better to be safe and throw it out.
How long can you keep frozen crab meat in the freezer?
Uncooked frozen crab meat in general lasts in the freezer safely for about 6 to 8 months. After that, be wary of the outcome. In an article by Southern Living on the topic of crabs, culinary experts say: “It’s best to freeze crab in the shell, or in preparations such as crab cakes or casseroles for up to three months.
How long does imitation crab meat good for?
Handling: Keep frozen up to 18 months. Thaw before using; refrigerate any unused portions promptly. Unopened, refrigerated average shelf life is 30 days. Opened, refrigerated shelf life is approximately 3-5 days.
How long does imitation crab meat last if frozen?
If frozen, it can spend up to 6 months in the freezer without signs of spoiling. How to tell imitation crab meat is bad? Some signs of spoilage include the typical “fishy smell”, sour taste, and a slimy appearance. Pay close attention to it when thawed, as usually in its frozen state it’s hard to know whether it has spoiled or not.
How long can you keep imitation crab meat in the fridge?
When it’s properly stored in the fridge, it should be eaten within three days just like other varieties of fish, per the USDA. If you cannot eat it within that time frame, store the leftovers in a freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for up to six months. When freezing the imitation crab meat, be aware that its texture will change when it’s defrosted.
Can imitation crab fish be frozen?
Usually, when fish is thawed in a refrigerator, it can be frozen again. However, in the case of imitation crab fish, considering it’s a component of various ingredients, it’s not very safe to refreeze once defrosted, Proceed with caution! How long does imitation crab meat last in the fridge and freezer?
Does imitation crab meat go bad?
Save for Later! Imitation crab meat is a popular and cost-effective seafood alternative, but it also requires special care. To keep the meat from going bad, you should store your imitation crab in an airtight container or bag. It’s best to store this food in the refrigerator as it won’t last long at room temperature.
How long does imitation crab last?
The shelf life of imitation crab varies depending on whether or not they are vacuum sealed for freshness. The vacuum-sealed packages can last up to a year if stored in the freezer. Unsealed imitation crab lasts between 4 and 5 days when refrigerated. To properly stored imitation crab, the temperature should be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you freeze imitation crab meat?
When freezing the imitation crab meat, be aware that its texture will change when it’s defrosted. If the container of imitation crab meat is opened, transfer it to an airtight glass or plastic container to preserve its freshness.