Perhaps you already know about imitation crab, which is one of the best foods ever made by humans for people who love crab but don’t like how much it costs. What you may not be familiar with is how to properly store it.
Surimi is a mixed paste made of white fish (usually Alaskan Pollock), starch, sodium, sugar, and natural and artificial flavors. It is used to make imitation crab. The paste is then pressed into thin molds and colored with a thin layer of orange food coloring. This makes a stick that looks and tastes like a real crab leg. But what about storage? Since fake crab isn’t really crab, do the same rules apply? The answer is important because fake crab meat that isn’t stored properly can make you sick with Listeriosis. If you want to know how to store your fake crab the right way, keep reading. You may have been doing something wrong in the past that you can fix for a better future with your tasty (almost) crab.
The Complete Guide to Storing Imitation Crab Meat in the Fridge and Freezer
Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, is a versatile and affordable seafood product made from white fish. With its mild flavor and shredded texture similar to real crab, it’s perfect for crab cakes, sushi rolls, seafood salads, and more. But like any perishable food, proper storage is crucial for safety and quality.
As an imitation crab meat fanatic, I rely on it to quickly prepare seafood dishes at home without spending a fortune on real crab. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned how I store and freeze surplus imitation crab to get the longest shelf life and best taste.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about storing imitation crab meat in the refrigerator and freezer Follow these tips for enjoying imitation crab at peak freshness and avoiding waste
Refrigerator Storage
For short-term storage, the refrigerator is ideal for keeping imitation crab meat safe and fresh. Here are some fridge storage tips:
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Store opened packages of imitation crab meat in the coldest part of the refrigerator, at 40°F or below.
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Transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, pressing out excess air. This prevents drying out.
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Use opened imitation crab meat within 3 days. It will start deteriorating in quality and freshness after that.
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Check for signs of spoilage like changes in color, sliminess, or foul odors. Discard if any are present
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When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When frozen, eat within 3 months; when refrigerated, eat within 3 days.”
By following refrigerator guidelines, you can safely keep unused imitation crab meat for a few days until your next seafood meal. But for longer storage, the freezer is your best bet.
Freezer Storage
For storing imitation crab meat longer term, the freezer maintains safety and quality for months. Follow these tips:
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Portion imitation crab meat into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air. This prevents freezer burn.
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Label bags/containers with contents and freeze-by date (3 months from freezing date).
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arrange bags in single layer in freezer to ensure fast freezing. Once frozen, stack or consolidate bags.
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Maintain constant 0°F freezer temperature. Fluctuations in temperature degrade quality over time.
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Use frozen imitation crab meat within 3 months for best flavor, texture, and freshness. Discard if older.
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Thaw frozen imitation crab meat overnight in the refrigerator before using. Do not thaw at room temperature.
With proper freezer storage, you can keep unused imitation crab meat for up to 3 months until ready to use. Let it thaw in the fridge before adding to your favorite recipes.
What Happens if Imitation Crab Meat Goes Bad?
Imitation crab meat, like any seafood product, can go bad if stored incorrectly. Here are some common signs of spoiled imitation crab meat:
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Mold growth – this appears fuzzy or slimy and means the imitation crab meat has spoiled. Discard immediately.
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Foul, fishy odor – a strong, ammonia-like scent means the crab meat has started decomposing. Toss it out.
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Change in color – graying, yellowing or darkening usually signals spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.
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Slimy texture – bready or slimy consistency is a red flag for spoiled crab meat.
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Weird flavor – sour, bitter, or “off” tastes typically mean the imitation crab meat has gone bad.
When stored properly in the fridge or freezer, imitation crab can stay fresh and delicious for use in recipes. But if you detect any signs of spoilage, don’t risk eating it. Remember, safety first!
Extra Tips for Handling Imitation Crab Meat
Here are some additional tips for safely handling and storing imitation crab meat:
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Purchase imitation crab meat from reputable brands and inspect packaging before buying. Avoid cans or pouches that are damaged or swollen.
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Check sell-by and use-by dates and pick packages with the furthest dates for maximum freshness.
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Refrigerate imitation crab meat promptly after purchase – don’t leave sitting out.
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Clean hands, surfaces, utensils and containers before handling. Avoid cross-contamination.
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Never thaw imitation crab meat on the counter or in hot water. Use the refrigerator or microwave instead.
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When reheating cooked imitation crab meat, reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
By mastering how to store imitation crab meat properly, you can always have this versatile seafood staple ready for Asian-inspired dishes any night of the week. Refer to this guide whenever you need a refresher on achieving maximum freshness and shelf life.
Mistake: Assuming shelf life is always the same
Shelf life is the amount of time that a food can be stored and remain edible. How the food is stored—in a store, a warehouse, your home, or somewhere else—among other things, makes it different. Thusly, the shelf life of imitation crab meat varies. For example, pasteurized, vacuum-sealed fake crab meat can stay in the fridge for about two months before it needs to be opened. After it is open, that shelf life drops to three days. If you buy loose imitation crab at the market and keep it in the fridge the right way, it will stay good for three to five days. If you freeze your imitation crab, however, the shelf life extends to six months or more.
Keep an eye on the “best by” and “sell by” dates on everything you buy, and don’t forget to check the expiration dates. Also, keep in mind that keeping fake crab meat in the fridge for longer than recommended is not only bad for you because bacteria can grow and make you sick, but the taste will also get worse. Any fresh or frozen fish loses its texture and flavor after being stored for too long, so it’s best not to leave it out for too long.
Mistake: Thawing your imitation crab meat too soon
If you’re having a dinner party this weekend and want to serve fake crab in one of many tasty ways, don’t start thawing it on Monday. If you let your fake crab thaw too early, it could go bad before you can serve it, which is the worst thing that can happen.
Put the frozen meat in the fridge about 24 hours before you need it to thaw out your fake crab. This allows it to defrost slowly and safely. Once it is thawed out, it should be used within three days.
The fake crab should not be put back in the freezer after it has been thawed if you decide not to use it. For most people, it’s not a good idea to freeze, thaw, and then re-freeze fish because it loses quality over time and will lose even more quality after another thaw.
IMITATION CRAB MEAT — PURCHASED COMMERCIALLY FROZEN. FOOD STORAGE – HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP.
FAQ
Can imitation crab be bad?
How long does crab meat last in the fridge?
How to tell if crab has gone bad?
How long can crab salad stay in the fridge?
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 long can you keep imitation crab meat in the fridge?
When it’s properly stored in the fridge, it should be eaten within three days just like other varieties of fish, per the USDA. If you cannot eat it within that time frame, store the leftovers in a freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for up to six months. When freezing the imitation crab meat, be aware that its texture will change when it’s defrosted.
How long does imitation crab meat last if frozen?
If frozen, it can spend up to 6 months in the freezer without signs of spoiling. How to tell imitation crab meat is bad? Some signs of spoilage include the typical “fishy smell”, sour taste, and a slimy appearance. Pay close attention to it when thawed, as usually in its frozen state it’s hard to know whether it has spoiled or not.
Does imitation crab meat go bad?
Imitation crab meat is a popular and cost-effective seafood alternative, but it also requires special care. To keep the meat from going bad, you should store your imitation crab in an airtight container or bag. It’s best to store this food in the refrigerator as it won’t last long at room temperature.