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How Long Can Imitation Crab Sit Out? The Surprising Truth

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Imitation crab, also known as surimi, is a popular ingredient in dishes like California rolls, crab rangoon, and seafood salads. While it may contain real crab flavoring, imitation crab is made from fish that has been pulverized and shaped to resemble crab meat. This means that despite its name, imitation crab is highly perishable and can’t be left out like regular cooked crab. So how long can imitation crab sit out before it goes bad?

Understanding Imitation Crab Composition

To understand imitation crab’s shelf life, it helps to know what it’s made of. The main ingredients in imitation crab are:

  • Fish: Pollock, cod, tilapia, and other white fish are used for their mild flavor. The fish is washed, cooked, pulverized, and shaped.

  • Starch Potato starch, wheat starch and other binders are used to give imitation crab its signature chunky shred-like texture.

  • Preservatives Sorbitol, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium polyphosphate are added to retain moisture and prevent spoilage

  • Flavorings: Crab extract, seafood flavoring, and paprika provide signature crab taste.

  • Coloring: Red dye like erythrosine or carmine is used to give imitation crab its vibrant orange-red hue.

So while imitation crab contains real seafood, its high starch and low moisture content make it prone to faster spoilage than fresh crab.

How Long Does Imitation Crab Last?

Imitation crab has a shorter shelf life than fresh seafood. Here are some general guidelines for how long it lasts:

  • Unopened, in the fridge: 2-3 weeks from the manufacturer’s printed expiration date.

  • Opened, in the fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container.

  • In the freezer: 6-9 months in a sealed container.

No matter if it’s opened or unopened, imitation crab should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The warmer temperature allows bacteria to multiply quickly and can make imitation crab unsafe to eat.

How to Tell If Imitation Crab Has Gone Bad

Since imitation crab has a relatively short shelf life once opened, it’s important to know how to spot signs of spoilage. Here are some ways to tell if your imitation crab has gone bad:

  • Sliminess: Fresh imitation crab should feel firm. Discard any pieces that are mushy or coated in slippery slime.

  • Fishy odor: Imitation crab normally has a mild seafood smell. Rancid imitation crab will have a pungent “fishy” odor.

  • Dull, faded color: Good imitation crab looks bright reddish-orange. Toss it if the color fades or turns brown or grey.

  • Mold growth: Check for fuzzy mold, which can appear if imitation crab is kept too long. Any moldy pieces should be thrown away.

When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out” applies to imitation crab too.

Storing Imitation Crab Properly

To get the most shelf life out of imitation crab, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

  • Keep unopened packages refrigerated at 40°F or below. Check the expiration date.

  • Once opened, transfer imitation crab to an airtight container or zip top bag. Press out excess air.

  • Make sure your fridge is 40°F or colder. Check the temperature with a thermometer.

  • Freeze imitation crab for long term storage. Portion it into servings before freezing.

  • Thaw frozen imitation crab overnight in the fridge, not on the counter. Don’t refreeze thawed imitation crab.

  • Prepared imitation crab dishes like California rolls should be kept and reheated to 165°F.

Safe Handling of Imitation Crab

In addition to proper storage, food safety also means handling imitation crab carefully to avoid illness. Follow these guidelines:

  • Wash your hands before and after handling imitation crab. Use hot soapy water.

  • Avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for imitation crab.

  • Cook imitation crab thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F. Heating it kills bacteria.

  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully when ready to eat. Don’t let sit at room temp.

  • Discard imitation crab that is past its use-by date or shows signs of spoilage. Don’t risk getting sick.

The Bottom Line

Imitation crab has a much shorter shelf life than fresh seafood. Unopened, it lasts around 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Once opened, for best quality, use imitation crab within 3-4 days. Letting it sit out for more than 2 hours or ignoring signs of spoilage can allow bacteria to grow and increase your risk of foodborne illness. Following proper storage, handling, and food safety practices will help keep imitation crab fresh and tasty while avoiding food waste.

how long can imitation crab sit out

Yes, you can store imitation crab in your freezer

how long can imitation crab sit out

Sometimes imitation crab can actually be purchased from the store frozen, but even if you purchased a refrigerated type, you can stash it in the freezer as soon as you get home, or freeze whats left of an opened package. Imitation crab is good for up to nine months in the freezer before its quality may begin to deteriorate.

If youre freezing an unopened package, you can just place that in the freezer, though it might help the quality stay better longer if you also put it in a freezer-safe bag. For an opened package of imitation crab, if its not in one already, youll want to move it to an airtight container just as you would for refrigeration. However, it might make more sense to place it in several containers, with however much you deem a serving, so you dont have to thaw all of it at once when you just want a little in the future.

To thaw, you should place it in your refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. However, smaller amounts of imitation crab can thaw more quickly than larger amounts, so this is another reason why you might want to freeze individual portions. Once its thawed, you can get to making those crab rangoon nachos or mini sushi bake cups.

IMITATION CRAB MEAT — PURCHASED COMMERCIALLY FROZEN. FOOD STORAGE – HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP.

FAQ

How long can imitation crab stay unrefrigerated?

Surimi seafood, including imitation crab and imitation lobster, should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 32°F and 38°F. If the product is left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it must be discarded.

How can you tell if imitation crab has gone bad?

The most obvious sign that imitation crab has gone bad is a fishy smell, so toss it out if the odor is strong. Whenever leftovers look slimy or taste sour you can bet the imitation crab is past its prime and needs to go in the garbage, even if you haven’t reached the sell-by date that’s on the package.

How long can crab sit at room temperature?

Cooked crab should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. After that, it becomes unsafe to eat due to rapid bacterial growth.

Can I eat imitation crab out the bag?

Surimi (imitation crab) is already cooked when you buy it, so it’s fine to eat right out of the package. It has to be kept in the refrigerator until you use in and it can also be frozen in the package. Refrigerate leftovers, tightly wrapped, immediately.

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