Can Imitation Crab Meat Be Frozen? A Detailed Guide

Imitation crab meat sometimes called surimi, is a popular ingredient in many dishes like sushi rolls seafood salads, and more. It has a texture and flavor similar to real crab meat, but is made from fish like pollock or whitefish. Since it contains seafood, proper freezing and thawing is important for food safety. In this detailed guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing imitation crab meat.

What is Imitation Crab Meat?

Imitation crab meat is a seafood product that is designed to mimic the flavor, texture and appearance of real crab meat However, it does not actually contain any crab The main ingredient in imitation crab is surimi, a paste made from fish that has been finely pulverized and mixed with starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and other additives like artificial crab flavoring and colorings.

Common types of whitefish used to produce surimi include:

Pollock
Cod
Hake
Catfish

Surimi provides the protein and texture, while the starch firms it up so it can hold its shape. The egg white adds binding to make the product flaky. Food coloring gives it that distinctive reddish-orange hue, and crab flavoring makes it taste like the real thing.

Imitation crab is inexpensive, widely available, and can be substituted in any recipe that calls for real crab meat. It’s appreciated by many home cooks and restaurants for its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and versatility.

Can Imitation Crab Meat Be Frozen?

Yes, imitation crab meat can be frozen, with a few caveats:

Don’t refreeze: Most imitation crab meat is previously frozen at the factory before being sold. It should not be thawed and refrozen more than once, as this greatly increases the risk of foodborne illness.
Freeze it fresh: If you are able to find imitation crab meat that is fresh (not previously frozen), you can safely freeze it yourself at home. Make sure to freeze it as soon as possible after purchasing.
Use proper freezer bags or containers: To maintain quality, store the imitation crab meat in an airtight freezer bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn.
Freeze in portions: Divide the imitation crab into usable portions before freezing. This allows you to thaw only what you need at a time.
Label bags: Mark the contents and freeze date clearly on each bag or container. Imitation crab can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
Freeze below 0°F: For best preservation, freeze imitation crab meat at 0°F or below. Consistent freezing temperatures are key to maintaining texture and flavor.

How to Safely Thaw Imitation Crab Meat

It’s important to thaw imitation crab meat safely, as it contains seafood which can harbor bacteria when left at improper temperatures. Here are some recommended thawing methods:

Refrigerator: For slow thawing, place the frozen imitation crab in the refrigerator. This gently thaws it over 24-48 hours.
Cold water: For faster thawing, put the frozen imitation crab in a watertight bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Microwave: Thaw imitation crab in the microwave using the defrost setting at 30% power. Check it frequently and don’t let it cook through.

Once thawed, use the imitation crab meat within 1-2 days for food safety. Do not refreeze any unused portion unless it still contains ice crystals, indicating it’s never fully defrosted. Discard any thawed imitation crab meat that looks or smells unpleasant.

How Long Does Imitation Crab Meat Last?

The shelf life of imitation crab depends on whether it’s fresh or previously frozen, and how it’s stored after opening:

Unopened, fresh: Use within 2 days if refrigerated, 6 months if frozen.
Unopened, pre-frozen: 1 week past sell-by date if refrigerated, 6 months if returned to freezer.
Opened, refrigerated: Use within 3 days.
Opened, frozen: Up to 6 months in airtight packaging at 0°F.

For best quality, use imitation crab meat as soon as possible after purchase or thawing. Discard any with an off odor, color, or slimy texture.

Cooking Tips for Imitation Crab Meat

Imitation crab is pre-cooked so no heating is required. Simply thaw and add to salads, sushi rolls, dips, and more.
For hot dishes, gently heat through without overcooking to retain moisture. Stir into casseroles just before serving.
Mix with mayo for crab salad, add to seafood bisque, make crab cakes or Rangoon.
Saute briefly in oil or butter for extra flavor. Be careful not to break up the pieces.
Add to omelets, fried rice, or ramen for quick protein.
Mix with panko breadcrumbs and pan fry for crab croquettes.
Avoid high heat or prolonged cooking times which can toughen the texture.

Nutrition Facts for Imitation Crab

While not as nutritious as real crab, imitation crab does provide these nutrients:

Protein: 10-13g protein per 3 oz serving
Calcium: Around 100mg per serving
Sodium: 250-400mg per serving
Low fat: Less than 2g fat per serving
Low calorie: 25-50 calories per ounce
No carbohydrates
Low mercury: Safer than some seafood for pregnancy

Imitation crab can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. It provides an inexpensive source of lean protein and calcium. Just watch the sodium content if limiting salt intake.

Is Imitation Crab Meat Healthy?

There are some debates about how healthy imitation crab meat is:

Benefits

Lower in calories than real crab
Lower in sodium and fat than real crab
Less expensive than real crab
Mild flavor appeals to some over real crab
No shells orpicking required
Safe for those with shellfish allergies

Downsides

Highly processed combination of fish, starch, and additives
Less nutritious than real crab meat
Contains sodium, preservatives, colorings
Higher carb content than real crab
Can trigger reactions in those sensitive to additives

Overall, eating imitation crab in moderation as part of an otherwise healthy diet is fine for most people. Those with certain food intolerances or looking to strictly limit additives may want to avoid it.

Can You Freeze Imitation Crab Meat? The Answer

So after taking a detailed look at imitation crab meat – what it is, how to freeze it, thaw it, store it, cook it, and its health impacts – what’s the final answer to whether you can freeze it?

Yes, you can safely freeze imitation crab meat with a few caveats:

It should not be thawed and refrozen more than once
For best quality, freeze it fresh rather than pre-frozen
Portion it out and use airtight freezer bags or containers
Thaw carefully in the fridge, cold water, or microwave
Use within 1-2 days of thawing in the fridge

Follow these guidelines, and imitation crab meat can be frozen for up to 6 months without sacrificing too much texture or flavor. It provides a handy ingredient to keep stashed in the freezer.

can imitation crab meat be frozen

Big Mistakes Everyone Makes With Imitation Crab

FAQ

Can you freeze packaged imitation crab meat?

An unopened and intact (still tightly vacuum-packed) package kept below 38°F can be kept until the ‘use by’ or ‘sell by’ date on the package. You should use the package or freeze it before the date on the package. If you freeze it before the use by date, you can store it frozen for up to nine months.

How long can you keep imitation crab meat in the fridge?

Vacuum-sealed products that are pasteurized have a refrigerator shelf life of two months but, once opened, should be treated like fresh fish and used within three days. Imitation crab sold in loose form in trays in fish cases will keep in the refrigerator three to five days.

How do you thaw frozen imitation crab meat?

Thawing: Remove crab meat from package before thawing or pierce bag and thaw in the bag in refrigerator overnight. Imitation crab meat should thaw within 18 hours. Drain excess liquid before using. Do not thaw product at room temperature or accelerate thawing.

Does crab meat go bad in the freezer?

Uncooked frozen crab meat in general lasts in the freezer safely for about 6 to 8 months. After that, be wary of the outcome. In an article by Southern Living on the topic of crabs, culinary experts say: “It’s best to freeze crab in the shell, or in preparations such as crab cakes or casseroles for up to three months.

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 crab meat be frozen?

Crabmeat, while often sold frozen, should not be refrozen. If you buy your crab meat fresh, you should avoid freezing it. It is highly likely that the crab meat has been frozen somewhere along the manufacturing chain, and refreezing it is not safe. Keep reading to learn what you should do instead of freezing imitation crab meat.

Do imitation crabs need to be refrigerated?

Freezing the imitation crab with a small piece of paper towel will ensure that any excess moisture in the container is absorbed without damaging the crab itself. This can lead to a better final texture. Typically, imitation crab is sold in small sticks.