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, commonly known as surimi, is a popular seafood product made from finely pulverized whitefish. With its versatility, mild flavor and affordable price point, surimi crab is a pantry staple for many home cooks. But can you freeze imitation crab after opening the package?
The answer is yes – with some caveats. Freezing is an option for preserving surplus imitation crab, but proper freezing and storage techniques are critical. Read on for a complete guide to freezing imitation crab meat after opening.
Overview of Freezing Imitation Crab After Opening
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Freezing imitation crab allows you to prolong its shelf life for future use. However, it can negatively affect texture.
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Prepare crab meat properly before freezing, Portion into airtight containers to prevent freezer burn
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Store frozen imitation crab at 0°F or below for up to 3 months Eat within 1-2 months for best quality
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use. Do not refreeze previously frozen crab.
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Avoid freezing imitation crab in its original packaging. Repackage for better preservation.
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Best uses for previously frozen crab are cooked dishes like casseroles, soups and stir-fries. The change in texture is less noticeable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Imitation Crab
Follow these steps for safely freezing imitation crab meat:
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Check freshness: Inspect crab for any discoloration, odors or slime before freezing. Only freeze high-quality, fresh surimi.
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Portion crab meat: Break up crab legs and shape meat into smaller 1-2 serving portions. This prevents waste from thawing more than needed.
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Package in airtight containers: Place portions in zip-top freezer bags, plastic wrap or freezer-safe containers. Eliminate air pockets and seal tightly.
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Label containers: Mark package with contents and freeze-by date. Imitation crab stores best within 1-3 months.
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Freeze quickly: For fastest freezing, spread packages in single layer on freezer shelves. Once frozen, stack together.
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Store at 0°F or below: Keep frozen crab at constant 0°F temperature or colder. Avoid fluctuations which shorten shelf life.
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Thaw in refrigerator: For food safety, thaw frozen crab overnight in the fridge. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Tips for Successfully Freezing Imitation Crab
To retain the best quality when freezing imitation crab meat, keep these guidelines in mind:
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Avoid freezing in original packaging or containers. Repackage in airtight wrapping first.
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When handling uncured surimi, treat it like raw fish. Follow sanitary practices and keep chilled.
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Consume thawed crab within 24 hours for food safety. Do not attempt to refreeze previously frozen crab.
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Expect some degradation in texture. Frozen imitation crab works best in cooked preparations.
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Add a bit of lemon juice or white vinegar to the packaging to help maintain flavor.
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For individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before bagging.
How Long Does Imitation Crab Last When Frozen?
Properly stored frozen imitation crab has these approximate shelf life expectancies:
- Freezer Temperature 0°F: 3 months
- Freezer Temperature -10°F: 6 months
- Freezer Temperature -20°F: 9-12 months
For optimal freshness and texture, try to eat frozen surimi within 1-2 months. Cooked frozen crab dishes can last up to 3 months if kept constantly frozen.
Uses for Previously Frozen Imitation Crab
Previously frozen imitation crab works beautifully in these recipes:
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Casseroles – The crab maintains moisture and binding.
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Seafood soups and stews – Added late in cooking for easy incorporation.
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Stir fries – Quick cooking minimizes texture change.
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Dips and spreads – Mixed with cream cheese, mayo or sour cream for a protein boost.
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Sushi rolls – Paired with sauce, fish roe and vegetables.
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Salads – Chilled pasta or potato salads help moisture retention.
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Sandwiches – Combined with plenty of flavorsome fillings.
Final Tips for Freezing Imitation Crab
Give your frozen imitation crab the best chance of success. Before freezing, inspect for freshness, portion into manageable sizes, and package airtight in freezer-safe wrapping. Store at a constant 0°F, allowing 1-3 months before consuming for ideal quality. Thaw refrigerated overnight before use.
With proper handling, surimi can be frozen post-opening for convenient and budget-friendly seafood any time. Just remember to account for the change in texture by using previously frozen imitation crab meat in cooked dishes or preparations with complementary ingredients.
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.
Don’t expect to get a lot of protein from it
The body feels full when it eats proteins, which also help repair and build muscle and work as enzymes. How much a person needs changes based on their age, weight, and gender. A snack or meal should have between 10 and 30 grams. Chicken, beans, and eggs are all good sources of protein — and so are fish and shellfish.
There are 54 grams of protein in 8 ounces of baked salmon, which is why this fish is thought to be the best. Pollock is no slouch either, coming in at 39 grams of protein per 8-ounce serving. And one cup of real crab meat has 23 grams. Though thats considerably less, its still up there.
The protein in an 8-ounce serving of imitation crab drops down further because its processed. Nutritionix shows it at only 17. 3 grams. It also has 1200 micrograms of sodium and 14. 1 grams of sugar. Like most unadorned seafood, its low in fat unless its served with mayonnaise, butter, and other creamy additions. Other commonly-added ingredients vary, including things like mirin wine, paprika, potassium chloride, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate.
IMITATION CRAB MEAT — PURCHASED COMMERCIALLY FROZEN. FOOD STORAGE – HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP.
FAQ
Does imitation crab meat freeze well?
How long is imitation crab good for after opening?
How to store leftover imitation crab?
Can I refreeze imitation crab after thawing?
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 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.
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.