Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi can be a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient for home cooks. Made from whitefish that has been pulverized and shaped to resemble crab legs imitation crab offers the sweet flavor of crab without the high price tag.
While not a perfect substitute for real crab meat, when used thoughtfully, imitation crab can be transformed into appetizers, main dishes, salads, and more that your family is sure to love. Here are 18 delicious ways to use imitation crab meat in your cooking:
Appetizers
Imitation crab meat shines when used to make easy yet impressive appetizers and snacks. Try these ideas:
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Crab Rangoon – These crispy wonton pouches filled with a creamy imitation crab and cream cheese mixture are a classic starter. Bake or fry them up and serve with sweet and sour sauce.
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Crab Cakes – For an easy spin on crab cakes, combine imitation crab with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings like Old Bay. Pan fry the cakes until golden brown.
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Crab Dip – Blend together imitation crab with cream cheese, sour cream, and spices. Bake until bubbly and serve with crackers or chips
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Crab Stuffed Mushrooms – Fill mushroom caps with a simple mix of imitation crab, cheese, breadcrumbs and herbs. Bake until hot and melted.
Salads
The shredded texture and mild flavor of imitation crab meat makes it suitable for all kinds of fresh and tasty salads. Ideas include:
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Classic Crab Salad – Toss imitation crab pieces with celery, onions, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings. Chill before serving.
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California Sushi Salad – Build a salad with imitation crab, avocado, cucumbers, shredded carrots, edamame, and rice vinegar dressing.
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Crab Louie – Make this classic with imitation crab, hard-boiled egg, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado on leafy greens.
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Waldorf Crab Salad – Mix imitation crab with apples, celery, walnuts, raisins, and mayonnaise. Serve on a bed of lettuce.
Main Dishes
For heartier main dishes that feel special, turn to these imitation crab recipes:
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Crab Alfredo – Toss cooked fettuccine with Alfredo sauce, imitation crab, peas, and seasonings for a creamy pasta dish.
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Crab Quiche – Add diced imitation crab to your favorite quiche recipe for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Crab Casserole – Mix imitation crab with cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs and bake until bubbly and browned.
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Crab Cakes – Fry up crab patties and serve them on buns with your favorite condiments for satisfying crab cake sandwiches.
Asian-Inspired Dishes
The origins of imitation crab meat can be traced back to Japan, so it lends itself nicely to Asian-inspired cooking. Try it in:
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Sushi – California rolls and other basic sushi rolls often contain imitation crab. Wrap rolls with rice, nori, cucumbers, and crab.
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Seafood Fried Rice – Stir bites of imitation crab into fried rice with veggies like peas and carrots. Season with soy sauce.
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Crab Rangoons – Fold wonton wrappers around imitation crab and cream cheese and fry or bake until crispy.
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Crab Salad Lettuce Wraps – Spoon a flavorful crab salad made with imitation crab into refreshing lettuce cups for a fresh appetizer.
Soups and Chilis
The mild sweetness of imitation crab also works well in soups and chilis. Add it to:
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Seafood Chowder – Simmer imitation crab in a creamy New England-style chowder with potatoes, corn, and spices.
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Crab Bisque – Puree imitation crab into a smooth and velvety bisque along with cream and sherry.
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Crab and Corn Chili – Boost your favorite chili recipe by stirring in bites of imitation crab for extra texture.
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Miso Soup – Float pieces of imitation crab in the traditional Japanese soup made with miso paste and dashi broth.
Fun Snacks
For quick snacks, bites, and shareables, imitation crab can add flavor and novelty. Mix it into:
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Crab Salad Stuffing – Use imitation crab salad as a filling for celery sticks or hollowed out tomatoes for an easy snack.
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Crab Melts – Top bagel halves or English muffins with imitation crab salad and melted cheese for open-faced crab melts.
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Crab Hand Rolls – Spread rice, imitation crab, cucumbers, and avocado on nori sheets and tightly roll them up for handheld sushi.
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Crab Deviled Eggs – Stir diced imitation crab into the yolk filling of deviled eggs along with mayo, mustard, and spices.
With a little creativity, imitation crab can transform everyday dishes into something special your family and friends will be excited to try. Keep these ideas in mind next time you have a pack of this versatile seafood-flavored ingredient on hand.
Imitation Crab Dip Photo credit: Housewives of Frederick County
As an expert on all things crab, my imitation crab dip and hot crab dip are some of the most popular recipes on the internet.
They’re super easy, too! Really it’s just about mixing the right ingredients in a bowl — with some of that Old Bay Seasoning of course! It gets devoured very quickly!
I’ve even got a guide to what to serve with crab dip — sorted!
Rainbow Roll Sushi Photo credit: Masala Herb
This rainbow sushi rolls recipe by Masala Herb is prepared with imitation crab, avocado, cucumber and various toppings to make the sushi roll look just like a rainbow.
If you’ve never made a sushi roll before, she gives easy step-by-step instructions so there’s no need to be worried.
It’s a great recipe that’s very similar to California rolls — my favorite kind of sushi!
What Can I Make With… Imitation Crab! | Cooking for Two | 4 Easy Recipes using Imitation Crabmeat
FAQ
What is the best way to eat imitation crab meat?
Comments Section Sushi or sushi bowl, especially spicy krab. Add to creamy pastas. Alfredo, mac n cheese, or a baked pasta casserole if you want to go full midwestern. And don’t forget good old krab dip. My dad used to just chop it and put it on salads with vinaigrette when I was a kid.
How long can you keep imitation crab meat in the fridge?
Unopened, refrigerated average shelf life is 30 days. Opened, refrigerated shelf life is approximately 3-5 days.
Is it healthy to eat imitation crab?
Is imitation crab meat healthy to eat? No. Imitation crab meat is bad for you. It’s highly processed and contains MSG, food additives, dyes, and other synthetic ingredients. Plus, the high sodium content and gluten can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
What pairs well with imitation crab meat?
Garlic butter sautéed imitation crab is also delicious served over pasta or in toasted buns. Korean avocado, sauteed oyster mushrooms or other fresh vegetables like steamed green beans, peas, corn or edamame are all great side dish pairings for this recipe.
Does imitation crab have crabmeat?
Just like the name implies, imitation crab contains no crabmeat. Fish is, however, one of the main ingredients. It is made using surimi, which is a paste made of fish and a few other ingredients. Surimi is often made with pollock, which is also used to make fish sticks and breaded fish products. How Is Imitation Crab Made?
What is imitation crab made of?
“Imitation crab is made of white fish, starch and other ingredients to create the texture and taste of crab meat,” explains Silverstein. “The preparation of fish for imitation crab is actually a Japanese method called surimi, which is used not just for imitation crab but also to make fish sticks, fish cakes and other popular seafood dishes.”
Where does imitation crab meat come from?
As previously mentioned, imitation crab meat initially came from Japan in the mid-seventies (1). It was produced as a more affordable alternative to expensive real crab meat. The main ingredient is called surimi, a kind of fish paste product made from processed white fish.