Can You Cook Imitation Crab Meat? Here’s How to Do It Right

Imitation crab meat also known as surimi crab sticks, or krab, is a popular ingredient in many dishes like sushi rolls, seafood salads, and more. Made from fish paste mixed with starch, sugar, egg white, and crab flavoring, it has a similar texture and taste to real crab at a fraction of the price.

While imitation crab is pre-cooked heating it up enhances its flavor and gives it a delicious warm texture. Here’s everything you need to know about cooking imitation crab meat at home.

What is Imitation Crab Meat Made Of?

Imitation crab is made from minced white fish, usually pollock or hake. The fish is mixed with starch, egg white, sugar, MSG, crab flavoring, and colorings to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of real crab meat.

Common brands of imitation crab contain around 25% fish and 75% fillers and additives. It provides protein and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, but is high in sodium.

Compared to real crab which contains no carbs or sugar, imitation crab has added sugars and starches. This gives it a sweeter, milder flavor than real crab.

Can You Eat Imitation Crab Raw?

Imitation crab sticks are fully cooked during processing, so they can be eaten straight out of the package without further cooking. For the best texture and flavor though, lightly cooking crab sticks is recommended.

Eating raw imitation crab comes with some health risks. As a processed seafood product, it can contain harmful bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella if improperly handled.

Cooking imitation crab meat destroys any dangerous bacteria present. Pregnant women, young children, elderly, or immunocompromised people should avoid eating raw imitation crab.

How to Cook Imitation Crab at Home

While imitation crab can be used in some recipes raw, cooking it brings out its sweet, briny flavor. Here are some easy ways to prepare imitation crab meat at home:

Sauté in Butter

• Ingredients: Imitation crab, butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper
• Instructions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add imitation crab and sauté 3-4 minutes until heated through. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Steam

• Ingredients: Imitation crab
• Instructions: Place imitation crab in a steamer basket or colander. Steam for 6-10 minutes until heated through.

Bake

• Ingredients: Imitation crab, breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings
• Instructions: Mix imitation crab with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings like Old Bay. Form into patties and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Air Fry

• Ingredients: Imitation crab
• Instructions: Air fry imitation crab at 380°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway.

Stir Fry

• Ingredients: Imitation crab, vegetables, soy sauce, oil
• Instructions: Stir fry imitation crab and vegetables like peppers, onions, or snap peas in oil for 5-6 minutes. Toss with soy sauce.

Soup

• Ingredients: Imitation crab, chicken broth, veggies, seasoning
• Instructions: Simmer imitation crab in chicken broth with vegetables and spices of choice for a quick and easy crab soup.

Cooking Tips

• Cut imitation crab into small pieces to shorten cooking time. Batons or shreds will heat faster than large chunks.

• Don’t overcook imitation crab or it can become rubbery. Cook just until heated through, about 3-6 minutes.

• Add lemon juice right before serving to keep the crab meat tender. Acid can cause it to break down if cooked too long.

• Use a nonstick pan or light oil to prevent imitation crab from sticking and falling apart.

• For extra flavor, season with Old Bay, garlic, sesame oil, green onions, herbs, etc.

• Imitation crab sticks make an easy addition to fried rice, pasta, frittatas, casseroles, chowders, and more.

Can You Freeze Imitation Crab Meat?

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of imitation crab. It will last for 3-6 months in the freezer depending on the quality and freshness. Here’s how to freeze imitation crab meat:

1. Separate crab sticks into smaller pieces if large. This helps them freeze more quickly.

2. Spread crab meat pieces in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.

3. Transfer frozen crab to an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out excess air.

4. Label bag with contents and freeze-by date. Store in freezer up to 6 months.

To use frozen imitation crab, thaw overnight in the fridge. For a quick thaw, place the vacuum sealed bag under cold running water for 30 minutes. Cook thawed crab meat before eating.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Imitation Crab?

It’s best not to refreeze thawed imitation crab meat. Refreezing can cause the texture to become mushy. If imitation crab has been left to thaw in the fridge for over 24 hours, it should not go back in the freezer.

However, imitation crab that was thawed in the microwave or cold water can safely be refrozen if it still contains ice crystals. Use refrozen crab meat right away after thawing again, and don’t refreeze more than once.

Healthiest Ways to Eat Imitation Crab

While imitation crab is not the most nutritious seafood option, there are healthy ways to enjoy it:

• Use imitation crab as a lower-carb substitute for chicken, tuna, or egg salad. Serve it on a salad or in a lettuce wrap.

• Make imitation crab cakes with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, and bake instead of fry.

• Fill an omelette or crustless quiche with imitation crab and veggies for a protein and nutrient boost.

• For a lighter crab rangoon, use wonton wrappers baked instead of fried, and stuff with imitation crab and reduced-fat cream cheese.

• Enjoy imitation crab in a seaweed salad, sushi, or poke bowl with plenty of antioxidant-rich vegetables.

• Try lighter dips and spreads using imitation crab blended with Greek yogurt, avocado, or hummus.

Is Imitation Crab Meat Healthy?

While imitation crab is definitely not as nutritious as real crab, it can be enjoyed moderately as part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Lower in mercury and other contaminants compared to real crab

• Lower in calories and fat than real crab meat

• Inexpensive and convenient source of protein

• Contains some minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium

Cons:

• High in sodium, containing around 300-500mg per serving

• Contains chemical additives like MSG, nitrates, and artificial colors

• Higher in carbs and sugar than real crab

• Not a significant source of healthy omega-3s like real crab

• Less protein compared to real crab or other seafood

Overall, imitation crab is an affordable product that can be used to add flavor, texture, and protein to dishes. While not incredibly nutritious, it can be incorporated into a healthy diet in moderation.

FAQs

Is imitation crab keto friendly?

Imitation crab contains 3-5g net carbs per serving, so it can fit into a keto diet in moderation. Limit servings to 2-3oz, and account for the carbs in your daily total.

What’s the difference between imitation crab and real crab?

Imitation crab is made of fish paste, while real crab is 100% crab meat. Imitation crab has added starch, sugar, and flavorings to resemble real crab. Real crab has a richer flavor and healthier nutrition profile.

Does cooking imitation crab make it healthier?

Cooking imitation crab meat reduces the risk of foodborne illness compared to eating it raw. However, it does not significantly change the nutritional value.

Can you bread and fry imitation crab cakes?

Yes, imitation crab cakes can be battered and fried just like real crab cakes. For a healthier option, try baking breaded crab cakes instead of frying.

What dishes use imitation crab?

Imitation crab is popular in appetizers like crab rangoon, sushi rolls, seafood salads and pasta salads, chowders, dipping sauces, crab stuffed mushrooms or peppers, casseroles, stir fries, and more.