If you're a fan of a California roll, a menu staple at many sushi restaurants, chances are you've sampled imitation crab. The slightly pink roll filler is used as a substitute for real crab and can be a great budgetoption if your grocery bill starts to add up.
But what really is imitation crab? What is it made out ofand how is it made?
Here's what you need to know about the popular seafood dupe, from health benefits to allergy warnings.
What is imitation crab?
Imitation crab meat is made of surimi. It is a substitute for real crab meat, and essentially formed through the processing of other fish into a paste.
The fish most often used is pollock. Surimi makes up about35% to 50% of imitation crab. The rest is comprised of:
◾ Starch
◾ Water
◾ Vegetable oil
◾ Salt
◾ Egg whites or soy for protein
◾ Sugar
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What is surimi?
According to Healthline, this refers to a paste made from fish flesh that has had the bones removed, has been washed to remove fat and then minced into a paste.
The paste is then blended with other ingredients and cooked before it is reshaped to resemble actual crab meat.
What is kanikama?
Kanikama is the word used for surimi or imitation crab in Japan.
Does imitation crab have real crab meat?
A very, very small amount.
Imitation crab usually has less than 2% real crab meat, along witha bit of extract from real crab added for flavoring.
Is eating imitation crab good for you?
Like any dietary question, the answer depends a bit on the individual.
Real crab meat is richer insome key nutrients, including Vitamin C and B12.It is also more protein-rich.
Real crab, however, is much higher in fat and sodium. So if you're on a low-sodium diet, imitation crab might be a better choice.
Notably, imitation crab also has a high number of additives.
Does imitation crab have protein?
It does, but not as much as real crab meat.
In comparing 3 ounces of imitation crab and real Alaska king crab, Healthline reports that imitation crab has 6.5 grams of protein compared to real crab's 16.4 grams.
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.
Do you have to wash imitation crab before eating?
No.
Imitation crab is precooked and therefore sold in ready-to-use form. Crab sticks are particularly popular and many recipes instruct you to just toss them in an air fryer and serve with some sauce.
Can I eat imitation crab if I'm allergic to shellfish?
It's probably best to avoid it.
Think of imitation crab like sausage.It is no one thing, instead, a lot of different ingredients are mixed up and labeled as one.
As a result, consumers don't always know exactly what is in their imitation crab.Imitation crab products can fail tolist seafood ingredients accurately, increasing food safety and allergy risks, Healthline reports.
Additionally, imitation crab does contain small amounts (usually 2% or less) of real crab meat as well as an extract for flavoring. If your allergy is severe, this could pose a risk.
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FAQs
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.
What is imitation crab actually made of? ›
Imitation crab is made from surimi, which is fish flesh that has been deboned, washed to remove fat and unwanted bits, then minced into a paste. This paste is blended with other ingredients before being heated and pressed into shapes that mimic crab meat ( 1 ).
How unhealthy is imitation crab? ›
Imitation crab is highly processed and contains food additives like MSG, which can trigger adverse side effects in some people. Compared to regular crab, the imitation crab meat nutrition profile also lacks many of the vitamins and minerals found in fresh crab.
How can you tell if imitation crab is real? ›
The easiest way to know if what you're buying is real or not is to read the label. Imitation crab is often labeled as "crab sticks" or "krab," if not clearly marked as "imitation." If the front of the carton isn't clear, be sure to flip the package over and read the ingredients.
What is the ingredient list for imitation crab? ›
MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, SEA SALT, CARRAGEENAN, YAM FLOUR, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, DISODIUM INOSINATE, SODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE, CARMINE, PAPRIKA, COLOR ADDED.
What fish do they use for imitation crab? ›
Surimi — meaning ground meat in Japanese — is a paste made from the flesh of deboned, cleaned, and minced whitefish. The most commonly used fish in imitation crab is Alaska pollock. It accounts for almost 50% to 75% of the world's total surimi.
Can you eat imitation crab raw? ›
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.
What is the white stuff in imitation crab? ›
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.
What is the red stuff on imitation crab meat? ›
Natural and artificial crab flavorings are added, and some of these flavorings are made from real crab or from boiled shells. Carmine, caramel, paprika, and annatto extract are often used to make the crab's red, orange, or pink coloring.
Does fake crab go bad? ›
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.
Eating healthy is important for you, but it's also important for your furry friend. In other words, it's best to avoid feeding your pup foods stuffed with unnatural ingredients, which includes imitation crab. Overall, heavily limiting crab meat and avoiding imitation crab is the best for your pup's diet.
What can I use instead of imitation crab? ›
Use thinly sliced tofu in place of imitation crab in all your favorite sushi rolls or imitation crab sticks.
Why is pollock used as an imitation crab? ›
The rising costs of crab have made imitation crab a more appealing option for many shoppers. However, you'll find Alaska pollock in plenty of other products besides imitation crab. Its mild taste and affordability make it a good option in fish sandwiches, fish sticks, fish tacos, and more.
Can you eat imitation crab if you have a shellfish allergy? ›
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.
What are sea legs made of? ›
Alaska Pollock, water, snow crab, egg whites, corn starch, sugar, contains 2% or less of the following: tapioca starch, modified potato starch, salt, sorbitol, mirin wine (sake, sugar, salt, water, yeast extract), soybean oil, natural and artificial crab flavor (Swimming Crab and/or Snow Crab), carrageenan, konjac ...
What is crab paste made of? ›
While the exact recipe varies somewhat from region to region and brand to brand, crab paste is usually a mixture of fermented crab guts and roe cut with some kind of acid like vinegar or citrus and oil, which makes it a prime candidate for basting meats while they cook.
What is crab extract made of? ›
A crab extract used as a tasty flavouring or health-care food is prepared from whole crab through boiling, baking and pulverizing. It contains crab meat powder, crab roe powder, crab shell powder, the educed substance generated in distilling and the concentrated extract.
