Can Imitation Crab Meat Be Frozen? A Complete Guide

Real crab meat is considered a delicacy because its so fluffy, tender, and salty/sweet. But it can be expensive, especially king crab legs — and thats why imitation crab was created. However, even though the taste is comparable, the differences are noticeable. It can be an acceptable substitute, as long as its handled and prepared without making mistakes.

Imitation crab has been around since the 1970s, when it was invented in Japan. It took about another 10 years for it to make its way here. Since its arrival, youll usually find it in grocery store seafood departments. It’s possible that the fake crab and its close relative the fake lobster would be kept in separate refrigerated cases, though, instead of sharing space with the real shellfish. These products are sold in chunk, stick, and shredded forms. The packages are marked with words like crab sticks, surimi, krab, and imitation crab meat.

Its found in California rolls too, as a substitute for the real stuff. Faux crab is widely used. Oftentimes, you might not even realize that its in those sushi rolls or entrees youre served in restaurants. It’s still seafood, which is good news, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for the real thing 90% of the time. There may have been some myths about it, but this information will bust them. It also includes how to make it and some safety tips.

Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, is a popular seafood product made from fish paste and additives. With its affordability and versatility, it’s no wonder many home cooks buy imitation crab in bulk. This leads to the common question – can you freeze imitation crab meat?

The short answer is yes, you can freeze imitation crab meat safely for up to 6-12 months. Properly freezing imitation crab allows you to store it long-term and avoid waste

However, there are some best practices on how to freeze imitation crab meat correctly to maintain quality. Thawing and handling frozen crab meat properly is also key. Let’s dive into all the details on freezing imitation crab meat.

Overview of Freezing Imitation Crab

Freezing imitation crab meat is perfectly safe when done properly. Here’s a quick summary:

It can be frozen uncooked straight from the package. No prep needed.
Portion into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
Store at 0°F or below for up to 6-12 months maximum.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
Avoid refreezing thawed imitation crab meat if possible.
Cook thawed crab meat right away, don’t leave it sitting out.
Frozen imitation crab may take on more watery texture after thawing.

Follow these guidelines for freezing imitation crab meat successfully!

Should You Freeze Imitation Crab Meat?

Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of imitation crab meat while retaining its quality as best as possible. Here are some key benefits of freezing imitation crab meat:

Lets you buy in bulk and save money. Stock up when there are sales.
Reduces food waste since it won’t spoil as quickly.
Allows you to enjoy imitation crab year-round, not just when fresh.
Retains the taste and texture fairly well under proper freezing conditions.
Provides a convenient protein to have on hand for recipes, appetizers and more.
Can be stored 6-12 months if kept continuously frozen.

For the most part, imitation crab holds up well to freezing when done properly. Give it a try!

How to Freeze Imitation Crab Meat

Freezing imitation crab meat is simple. Here are step-by-step instructions:

Start with fresh, high-quality imitation crab. Avoid freezing if it smells off or looks slimy.
Break apart or portion the crab meat as desired. Freezing in single-use amounts makes thawing easier.
Place imitation crab meat in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air. This prevents freezer burn.
Seal the bags or containers well. Label with the date and contents.
Freeze imitation crab meat at 0°F or below. Use the coldest section of your freezer.
Once solidly frozen, packages can be consolidated so they stack better.
Properly frozen imitation crab meat will last 6-12 months in the freezer before quality declines.

And that’s it! Now you have ready-to-use imitation crab on hand whenever a recipe calls for it.

Tips for Freezing Imitation Crab Meat

Follow these handy tips for best results when freezing imitation crab meat:

For faster freezing, spread packages in a single layer on trays and freeze initially for 1-2 hours before stacking.
Avoid overcrowding the freezer which slows down freezing. Leave space between packages.
Use high-quality freezer bags and containers to prevent leaks or freezer burn.
Portion imitation crab meat in amounts you’ll realistically use in a recipe at one time.
Flatten packages to freeze more compactly and maximize freezer space.
Place packages close together once frozen solid so no air pockets exist between.

Thawing Frozen Imitation Crab Meat

Thaw imitation crab meat properly for best flavor, texture and food safety:

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator – this is the safest method.
Can also be thawed in cold water within an airtight bag – change water every 30 mins.
Don’t thaw crab meat at room temperature or in hot water – food safety risk.
Cook thawed imitation crab meat immediately, within 1-2 days max. Don’t refreeze.
Microwave defrosting is OK but it alters the texture somewhat.
Avoid refreezing thawed uncooked imitation crab meat whenever possible.

The freezer is ideal for long-term storage, while the fridge preserves thawed crab meat for brief periods.

Can You Refreeze Imitation Crab After Thawing?

It’s best to avoid refreezing thawed imitation crab meat if possible. Refreezing tends to degrade the quality, making it watery and mushy in texture. The cell walls break down and weep fluid during repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

However, refreezing previously frozen imitation crab meat is safe if done properly. Here are some tips:

Only refreeze if the thawed crab meat was kept chilled at 40°F or below.
Do not refreeze imitation crab meat left at room temperature for over 1-2 hours.
Refreeze thawed crab meat within 3-4 days for best quality.
Refreezing will likely cause a softer, mushier texture overall.
Refreeze thawed crab in freezer bags or airtight containers, not the original retail packaging.
Label refrozen packages with the current date and use within a couple months.

The best practice is to thaw only what you’ll use immediately. But refreezing thawed imitation crab won’t make you sick if you take precautions.

Storing Thawed Imitation Crab Meat

Once thawed, imitation crab meat has a shorter shelf life. Follow these storage guidelines:

Keep thawed imitation crab meat refrigerated at 40°F or below
Use thawed crab meat within 3-4 days at most for best flavor and texture
Do not refreeze thawed imitation crab meat if it’s been refrigerated over 5 days
Discard thawed crab meat if it smells unpleasant or looks slimy/mushy
Store open packages in a sealed container and avoid cross-contamination

Proper refrigeration preserves thawed imitation crab meat for a few days until ready to use. But don’t take chances with spoilage – when in doubt, throw it out.

Can You Cook Imitation Crab Meat While Frozen?

It’s not recommended to cook frozen imitation crab meat directly. Defrost it first for:

More even cooking results
Better flavor and texture
Improved food safety
Shorter cooking times

Cooking from frozen runs risks such as:

Uneven cooking with raw centers
Poor texture – rubbery or mushy
Loss of juices and flavor
Potential bacteria survival

For best results, defrost imitation crab fully in the refrigerator before adding to any dish or recipe. But in a pinch, you can cook frozen crab at lower heat, checking frequently for doneness.

Freezing Pre-Cooked Imitation Crab Meat

Pre-cooked imitation crab meat can also be frozen successfully:

Cool cooked crab meat thoroughly first – at least 1 hour
Use shallow containers or freezer bags to freeze flat
Reheat thawed crab meat gently to avoid drying out
Don’t freeze pre-cooked crab meat longer than 2-3 months
Use within 3-4 days after thawing in fridge

With proper cooling and storage methods, cooked imitation crab meat freezes decently for future use.

Effect of Freezing on Imitation Crab Meat Quality

Does freezing affect the taste and texture of imitation crab meat? Here’s what to expect:

Properly frozen imitation crab will retain its flavor quite well.
Refreezing thawed uncooked crab meat causes more degradation in texture and taste.
The texture will become softer from cell damage during freezing.
Repeated thaws and refreezes make meat watery and mushy.
Imitation crab meat may absorb freezer odors over very prolonged storage.
Discoloration and drying out are minimal if frozen and thawed properly.

While not exactly the same as fresh, frozen imitation crab holds up pretty well in terms of taste and texture.

How to Use Frozen Imitation Crab Meat

Once thawed, imitation crab meat can be used in all the same ways as fresh crab meat. Here are some tasty ways to use frozen crab meat:

California sushi rolls – just thaw first.
Cold crab dip with cream cheese, mayo, and spices.
Hot crab dip mixed with artichoke, spinach and cheese.
Hearty crab cakes, fish cakes or croquettes.
Crab salad stuffed in tomatoes or avocado halves.
Crab salad sandwiches on brioche buns with lettuce and aioli.
Creamy crab pasta with parmesan and white wine sauce.

can imitation crab be frozen

Don’t think that it contains a lot of real crab meat

Imitation crab is usually made from pollock, a fish with a mild flavor and odor. During processing, it is first skinned, deboned, and washed. The excess fat and other unwanted parts are then removed. From there, it gets pulverized into a white, paste-like substance known as surimi. Then, ingredients like sugar, oil, egg whites, and starch are added to bind it all together. There is often red or orange food coloring put in to make the faux-crab look like shellfish meat. Finally, it gets heated up, formed into the shapes seen in the packages, pasteurized, and sealed.

There might be some crab extract added for flavor, but dont expect any big chunks of the real thing. An 8-ounce package of Louis Kemp Crab Delights imitation crab contains Alaskan pollock, artificial crab flavor, and 2% or less snow crab meat. Its just enough to mimic the taste of the real thing (at least in some peoples opinions).

Don’t forget to check the expiration date

Even though imitation crab is processed, its main ingredient is still fish. This means that it should always have a legible expiration date printed somewhere on the package. It is never wise to eat these products after that time. because they will develop a sour taste and a scary smell. Eating expired imitation crab could cause serious gastrointestinal distress. When checking, keep in mind that the expiration dates may be on the front or the back.

While reading over the package, you should also check to see if it was made with any kind of other fish besides pollock and for unusual ingredients that might alter the taste. One brand might have a more appealing flavor, so feel free to experiment. The prices for imitation crab are reasonable enough to sample a few. Target sells that 8-ounce Louis Kemp Crab Delights package for $2.89 and ACME has a similar product by Trans Ocean for $3.00. for comparisons sake, a 5-ounce can of white albacore tuna sold by Walmart is around $1.50 these days — but has a longer shelf life.

Big Mistakes Everyone Makes With Imitation Crab

Can imitation crab be frozen?

Pro Tip: Oxygen is the enemy to all frozen foods including imitation crab, so make sure to place the meat in an air-tight, freezer-safe bag or container prior to placing it in the freezer. One of the best ways to thaw imitation crab is to leave it in the fridge for a few hours.

What happens if you freeze imitation crab meat?

The same applies to imitation crab meat. Once you thaw the crab meat, you expose it to harmful bacteria, which also deteriorates the quality. When you freeze imitation crab meat, ice crystals accumulate and damage the cell walls of the meat. Re-freezing will result in mushy crab meat.

Can imitation crab meat be refrozen?

If the imitation crab meat has begun to thaw and has lost its ice crystals, it should not be refrozen. This runs the risk of ruining the texture and taste of the imitation crab meat, and also for bacterial growth that can lead to food poisoning.

Can You thaw imitation crab meat?

Thawing imitation crab meat depends on how quickly you need it. Remove the unopened bag of synthetic crab meat and let it thaw overnight in your freezer. Doing this way will allow the meat to thaw safely. You can take out the crab sticks from the freezer for a faster defrosting and then run it under some cold water to thaw it more quickly.