Crab sticks, also known as krab sticks, seafood sticks, or imitation crab meat, are a ubiquitous appetizer and ingredient that many of us have enjoyed without really knowing what they’re made of. Despite the name, these fishy snacks actually contain no real crab at all. So what are crab sticks made from? Let’s unravel the mysteries of this popular seafood product.
Surimi – The Primary Ingredient
The key component of crab sticks is surimi, a concentrated fish protein paste made from pulverized whitefish To make surimi, fish like Alaskan pollock or Pacific whiting are filleted, minced, and rinsed repeatedly to remove fat, odor, and flavor. The result is a pliable white meat paste that can be shaped.
Surimi provides the bouncy, chewy texture that mimics real crab meat. But on its own, it lacks flavor, which is why crab stick producers add in flavorings and dyes.
Imitation Crab Flavorings
While surimi offers up the body, crab sticks get their taste from added flavorings designed to imitate real crab These include
- Crab extract – Provides essence of crab flavor
- Bonito flakes – Adds smoky, savory depth
- Mirin – Sweet rice wine for fruitiness
- Yeast extract – Natural MSG for savoriness
- Sugar and salt – Balance out flavors
Together, these ingredients provide a balanced, crab-like flavor profile to the bland surimi.
Vibrant Coloring
In addition to flavorings, color agents give crab sticks their signature vibrant hues. The natural color of surimi is unappetizing gray, so dyes like paprika oleoresin, turmeric, and cochineal extract are used to achieve rich red, orange, and yellow tones. This eye-catching coloration makes crab sticks stand out.
Forming the Stick Shape
Once the surimi, flavors, and colors are blended, the mixture gets extruded into sticks through metal molds. The sticks are quickly frozen to set their shape before being cut to size. After packaging, they are shipped out to be enjoyed in various dishes.
A Fascinating History
While crab sticks feel like a modern product, their origins go back centuries! Surimi was invented in Japan in the 12th century as a fish preserving method. Commercial production began in the early 1900s.
In 1969, a Japanese company called Sugiyo produced the first crab stick product, known as kanikama. Crab sticks came to the North American market in the 1970s and gained popularity internationally through the late 1900s thanks to food technology advancements.
Perception vs. Reality
With their crab-like appearance and flavor, it’s easy to assume crab sticks contain real crab meat. But their ingenious creation transforms fish surimi into a product that convincingly mimics luxurious crab legs using artificial flavorings and dyes.
Healthiness and Alternatives
In moderation, crab sticks can be part of a healthy diet, providing protein, vitamins, and minerals without much fat or carbs. But for an alternative with less processing, you can try real crab-based products without surimi fillers and artificial add-ins.
How Is Imitation Crab Made?
Imitation crab is made with surimi, a paste made out of finely shredded or pulverized fish. After the fish is minced, it is heated and pressed into shapes that resemble meat from a crab leg. The resulting imitation crab looks similar to the original crab in its coloring and texture.
Binding agents, like egg white, starch, vegetable oil, or sugar, are added to the surimi paste to make the meat stick together. Occasionally, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is added to the surimi. Orange or red coloring is the key ingredient added to make the mixture resemble shellfish meat. For the preservation of the product, the makers vacuum seal and pasteurize the imitation crab meat. When you buy the product, you will eat it straight from the package.
Which Should You Choose?
When choosing between real crab and imitation crab, you should consider:
- The price. Imitation crab is often easier on the wallet, as fresh crab can be very costly.â
- Nutritional value. Both are similar in calorie count, but real crab meat has more protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is much less processed.
- Ease of use. You can use imitation crab straight from the package. The product is also easy to find in various forms like sticks, chunks, shreds, or flakes. â
Imitation crab, as its name says, is a mock version of crabmeat. Itâs a highly processed food containing minced fillet, egg whites, salt, sugar, and other additives to make it look like real crab meat. Itâs more affordable, but less nutritious, than fresh crab meat. The decision is yours to make as to which youll buy for dinner.Â
Amazing! How Imitation crab is made – Food Factory
FAQ
Are crab sticks healthy to eat?
The crab sticks also pass a nutritional punch as a source of protein and omega-3; they contribute to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
What kind of fish is imitation crab made of?
Imitation crab, also known as surimi, is primarily made from Alaskan pollock. The fish is deboned, washed, and finely ground into a paste called surimi.
What are the ingredients in imitation crab sticks?
Fish Protein (Alaska Pollock), Water, Potato Starch, Cane Sugar, Egg Whites, Contains 2% or Less of the Following: Salt, Kosher Flavor, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Natural Paprika Oleoresin as Color.
What is a seafood extender made of crab sticks?
Surimi (meaning “ground meat” in Japanese) is a processed seafood product made from fish. Also called seafood highlighter or seafood extender, surimi is often used as a crab meat substitute in sushi rolls and crab sticks, as well as an ingredient in seafood salads, fish balls and other dishes.