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, often called surimi, is a popular ingredient in sushi rolls, seafood salads, and other dishes. Made from minced white fish that is crafted and colored to resemble real crab meat, this inexpensive product provides the look and texture of crab without the high price tag.
But because imitation crab is a processed seafood product many home cooks wonder – can it go bad? How can you tell if that package of imitation crab is still safe to eat?
Here is a comprehensive guide to determining whether your imitation crab has spoiled, plus tips on proper storage to maximize its shelf life
How Imitation Crab Meat is Made
To understand the shelf life of imitation crab, it helps to know what it’s made of. The main ingredient is Alaskan pollock or other white fish, which is washed, cooked, and minced into a dough-like paste
Colorings (usually carotenoids) are added to turn the surimi pinkish-orange, along with crab flavorings, starch, egg whites, salt, and sugars. The result is a pliable meat substitute that can be formed into various shapes like shreds, chunks, or legs.
Refrigerator Storage Timeline
Imitation crab meat that is properly stored in the refrigerator typically lasts 3 to 4 days after opening the package. Make sure to store opened packages in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
Sealed, unopened packages can last up to 2 weeks past the sell-by date if continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below.
Can Imitation Crab Meat Be Frozen?
Freezing extends the shelf life of imitation crab significantly. Frozen and properly wrapped, it will keep for 4 to 6 months in the freezer at 0°F.
To prevent freezer burn, wrap opened packages tightly in plastic wrap or place the contents in an airtight freezer bag before freezing.
Thaw frozen imitation crab in the refrigerator overnight before using. Don’t thaw at room temperature as this allows bacteria to multiply quickly.
How to Know If Imitation Crab Has Gone Bad
Because it’s a processed product rather than fresh seafood, the signs of spoiled imitation crab meat can be subtle. Here are tips for spotting when it’s time to toss imitation crab:
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Slimy texture – Fresh imitation crab should be bouncy and firm. Discard any that feels slippery or slimy.
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Fishy, sour, or ammonia smell – Imitation crab that has gone bad will have an unpleasant orfishy odor, even when sealed.
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Change in color – Look for unnatural colors like gray, beige, or brown as the pink pigments fade.
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Mold growth – Check packaging carefully for fuzzy mold spots, especially if refrigerated past the use-by date.
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Expired date – Follow the expiration date and don’t eat imitation crab more than 4 days after opening.
When in doubt, remember the saying “when in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled crab.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Imitation Crab?
Consuming imitation crab that has spoiled carries the risk of foodborne illness. Potential symptoms include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever, chills
- Headaches
- Body aches
The severity depends on your age and health, along with the type of bacteria present. Certain bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes are especially harmful to pregnant women, infants, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
See a doctor if symptoms don’t resolve within 48 hours or worsen. Food poisoning can lead to dehydration which may require IV fluids.
How to Keep Imitation Crab Fresh Longer
Follow these simple tips to extend the shelf life of imitation crab meat:
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Refrigerate unopened packages at 40°F or below. Don’t store in the door where temperatures fluctuate.
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Once opened, reseal or transfer to an airtight container. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
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Check sell-by and use-by dates. Don’t freeze imitation crab past the use-by date for optimal quality.
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When freezing, portion into single-serve bags. Thaw only what you plan to eat within a few days.
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Purchase vacuum-sealed packages when possible for longer shelf life unopened. But once opened, use within 3-4 days.
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Trust your nose. If you detect any sour or fishy odors, discard the imitation crab immediately.
With proper refrigeration and freezing, imitation crab can keep for months. But once opened, it has a relatively short shelf life. Follow these tips to determine if your imitation crab has gone bad and when to throw it away. Pay attention to smell, appearance, and expiration dates to enjoy this tasty seafood imitation safely.
Not considering allergens
People who are allergic to shellfish can’t eat crabmeat, but that doesn’t mean they can eat fake crabmeat. According to the FDA, crustacean shellfish and fish are both major food allergens. These are two different kinds of seafood allergies. While some people are allergic to one or the other, some are allergic to both. The same kind of thing can happen with tree nuts and peanuts. Also, these are two different allergens because peanuts are legumes and are more like foods like soybeans than nuts.
Someone who is allergic to crab cant eat other crustaceans like lobster, shrimp, or crayfish, either. Others have mollusk allergies and must stay away from octopus, clams, mussels, scallops, and oysters. If someone is allergic to fish, they can’t eat any sea creatures with fins and gills, including pollock, which is used to make fake crab. If you’re not sure what something is, always read the label to see what it’s made of. Also, keep in mind that fake crab can contain small amounts of real crab.
Don’t cook it for too long
Overcooking imitation crab is a rite of passage for newbies who prepare it for the first time. Thats because people dont always realize that its pre-cooked when its processed – unlike fresh crab meat. Think hot dogs — but imitation crab cant be heated for as long. Imitation crab meat can be served chilled, at room temperature, or warmed up. Cook it for too long and it will dry up or fall apart, and ultimately be rendered tasteless.
One of the best ways to warm up imitation crab is to use a steamer. Its easy to make your own if you dont have one, too. Boil a cup or two of water in a pot with a colander or strainer resting on top. Add in the imitation crab and let it sit there for just 10 minutes. You can also cook it in butter and garlic in a pan for five minutes at a time. When it feels warm to the touch, remove the pan from the burner. Imitation crab can also be heated in an oven on low heat for 10 minutes. It tastes great on pizza too, but don’t add it until three to five minutes remain in the cooking time. More adventurous cooks deep-fry imitation crab, battering it first and dropping it into oil heated to 350 degrees. The chunks or sticks should be light golden brown — not dark — when taken out.
Big Mistakes Everyone Makes With Imitation Crab
FAQ
How can you tell if imitation crab has gone bad?
How long can you keep imitation crab in the refrigerator?
How do you know if crab meat is expired?
Does imitation crab smell bad?
Does imitation crab go bad?
There is imitation crab, which is actually a seafood paste containing zero crab, called surimi. An 8-oz. bag of imitation crab runs anywhere from $3 to $10, and you get what you pay for. It’ll probably take quite a while for imitation crab to go bad. How about you skip the fake stuff and go for the good stuff.
How long does imitation crab last?
The shelf life of imitation crab varies depending on whether or not they are vacuum sealed for freshness. The vacuum-sealed packages can last up to a year if stored in the freezer. Unsealed imitation crab lasts between 4 and 5 days when refrigerated. To properly stored imitation crab, the temperature should be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you know if imitation crab is bad?
To tell if your imitation crab is bad, there are a few tips you can follow to determine freshness: Check for an expiration date on the package. If it has passed this date, don’t eat it. Follow the mentioned tips to know the estimated shelf life of imitation crab. Notice any parts of the meat that have turned solid white?
What happens if you eat spoiled imitation crab?
Sometimes the imitation crab is used as a filler in processed seafood, like tuna salad. If you eat spoiled imitation crab or any other type of fish that’s gone bad, your stomach will probably get upset and might make you feel nauseous for several hours. Some people experience vomiting, while others have diarrhea symptoms.