What Is Imitation Crab and How Is It Made? (2024)

FAQs

What is imitation crab and how is it 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.

Imitation crab is a highly processed food made by combining minced fish with starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and additives to mimic the flavor, color, and texture of real crab meat. While it's significantly less expensive than real crab, it's also less nutritious.

Can you eat imitation crab raw? Yes. It is pre-cooked, so you are able to eat it straight from the package. Many people use it as part of a larger recipe though, adding it to cream of crab soup, crab Rangoon or crab salad.

The only ingredient you won't find in imitation crab meat? Crab! You can look at imitation crab the same way you look at a hot dog. It is not vegan because it relies on fish-based ingredients, but it is rarely single-sourced or one “main” ingredient.

Crab is packed with protein, which is important for building and maintaining muscle. Crab also contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. These nutrients play vital roles in improving general health while helping prevent a variety of chronic conditions.

If you have a leftover opened package of imitation crab meat, store it in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). When it's properly stored in the fridge, it should be eaten within three days just like other varieties of fish, per the USDA.

You can thaw this product by placing it in your refrigerator 24 hours before you plan on using it. You can also submerge the product in lukewarm water until thawed (between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on size of package). To speed this thawing process, replace the water with fresh lukewarm water as it cools.

Imitation crab is made of a white fish paste called surimi, starches, egg whites, salt, sugar, and crab flavoring or a few bits of real crab just to achieve the right flavor. The ingredients list may vary depending on the recipe of the manufacturer.

Why do sushi restaurants use imitation crab? ›

Why Was Imitation Crab Created? Even processed crab—packaged and sold in refrigerated containers or cans—can wield a heavy price tag. Imitation crab meat, on the other hand, is not only more affordable, but a serviceable substitute in sushi rolls, salads, and dips.

Can someone eat imitation crab if allergic to shellfish? Likely not. This is because imitation crab typically contains 2% or less of king crab meat (shellfish) and also contains natural and artificial extracts of crab and lobster.

Surimi is a white fish paste that is typically made from demersal fish (fish that live near the seafloor) like wild Alaska pollock, Atlantic cod, haddock, hake, and others. The fish is first deboned and washed, then minced into a paste.

Imitation crab meat checks both boxes, so it's safe to eat during pregnancy. Pollock, which is the fish of choice for makers of imitation crab meat, is a low mercury fish and pregnancy-safe in reasonable amounts (two or three servings per week).

Though it may not be toxic, this combination of ingredients isn't a healthy food to offer your dog. It's best to avoid offering your pup anything labeled as imitation crab or containing imitation crab.