Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, can be a delicious and affordable alternative to real crab meat. While it lacks some of the subtle briny flavor of real crab, it takes well to seasoning and pairs nicely with butter. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of cooking imitation crab meat with butter, from choosing the right products to seasoning and cooking techniques. With my tips and tricks, you’ll be able to prepare restaurant-quality crab dishes right in your own kitchen.
Choosing the Right Imitation Crab Meat
The first step is selecting a high-quality imitation crab meat. There are a few things to look for:
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Texture – Seek out meat labeled as “chunk style” or “flake style”. This indicates larger pieces that will hold up better during cooking.
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Color – The crab should have a natural light pink or reddish hue, Avoid grayish colored meat,
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Ingredients – Check the ingredients list. You want crab meat made primarily from pollock or other white fish. Avoid products with excessive fillers.
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Brand – Popular options include Louis Kemp Crab Delights and Trader Joe’s Imitation Crab Meat. Read reviews to find a brand you like
Getting the right crab meat establishes a solid foundation for your dish. Now let’s make a flavorful butter sauce.
Preparing the Butter Sauce
Butter is key for adding rich, indulgent flavor to imitation crab Here’s how to make a simple garlic lemon butter sauce
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Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
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Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the zest and juice from 1 lemon.
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Remove pan from heat and set aside. The garlic and lemon will infuse the butter with flavor.
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For a luxurious texture, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or crème fraîche.
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Season to taste with salt, white pepper, and fresh parsley.
This easy compound butter sauce adds a ton of flavor. But first, let’s season the crab.
Seasoning the Imitation Crab Meat
Seasoning is key for making imitation crab meat shine. Consider the following options:
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Old Bay seasoning – The iconic crab seasoning blends paprika, mustard, celery salt and more.
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Lemon pepper – A simple combo that brightens the sweetness of the crab.
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Cajun spice – For a bit of heat, use a blend with cayenne, garlic, and onion.
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Fresh herbs – Chopped parsley, dill, chives add freshness.
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Salt & pepper – Can’t go wrong with just a pinch of salt and ground pepper.
The seasoning possibilities are endless. I recommend tasting a piece of the plain crab meat first to determine what flavor directions to take.
Prepping the Cooking Utensils
Having your tools ready makes the cooking process smooth. For imitation crab, you’ll need:
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Non-stick skillet
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Spatula and tongs
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Small mixing bowl
Be sure to prep and organize your cooking utensils before starting. Now we’re ready to cook!
Sautéing the Crab Meat in Butter or Oil
For the cooking method, I prefer sautéing the crab meat in the butter sauce. But you can use oil if you want a lighter option. Here’s a quick guide:
Butter
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Add 1 tablespoon butter to a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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When melted, add the crab and sauté 3-4 minutes per side until heated through and lightly browned.
Oil
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Add 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil to the skillet.
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Saute the crab 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
Either cooking method works beautifully. I suggest serving the crab meat atop pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Adding Seasonings and the Butter Sauce
As the crab meat sautés, you can add extra seasonings to the pan. Try any of these:
- Minced garlic
- Lemon zest
- Chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Stir occasionally to evenly coat the crab. When nearly finished, pour the prepared butter sauce into the skillet. Toss to coat the crab meat completely. The butter will give a rich, decadent finish.
Complementary Ingredients to Enhance Flavor
There are so many ways to enhance imitation crab with complementary ingredients. Consider stirring in any of the following towards the end of cooking:
- Diced tomato – Bright acidity
- Sautéed mushrooms – Savory, earthy notes
- Chopped spinach – Freshness and color
- Shredded cheese – For a creamy, rich dish
Feel free to get creative with produce and herbs! Just be careful not to overcook more delicate ingredients.
Achieving the Perfectly Cooked Crab Meat
Cooking imitation crab meat properly is important for the best texture. Follow these tips:
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Cook just until heated through, about 3-4 minutes total. Avoid overcooking.
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Stir and flip the pieces periodically to prevent sticking and burning.
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If sautéing, get a nice sear on the outside but leave the interior tender.
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Pre-steam or poach very large pieces for more even cooking.
Your diligence will be rewarded with tender, flaky, perfectly cooked imitation crab!
Garnish and Serving Suggestions
A few final touches can really make your crab dish pop. Garnish with any of the following:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill or parsley
- Diced tomato or green onion
- Toasted breadcrumbs
- A drizzle of olive oil
Serve the crab meat over pasta, rice, in tacos or lettuce wraps, or simply on its own. Pairs wonderfully with crusty bread!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover crab meat will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, I suggest:
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Sautéing over medium heat with a little butter or oil
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Wrapping in foil and baking at 350F for 10-15 minutes
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Microwaving in 30 second intervals, checking frequently
How to make Imitation #Crab taste Great!!! | 3 ingredients |#ImitationCrab | Tanny Cooks
FAQ
Is imitation crab supposed to be cooked?
Do you need to rinse imitation crab?
Can you overcook imitation crab?
How do you cook imitation crab?
Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and celery to the skillet and cook until tender. Add the imitation crab, rice, cream, lemon juice, and red pepper. Stir until heated. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Heat only until the cheese has melted and then remove from the heat.
How much butter do I need to cook imitation crab meat?
To cook imitation crab meat, you’ll need a couple of tablespoons of butter. The amount of butter you will use will heavily depend on how much imitation crab meat you are cooking. You may use any type of butter that you want, but I recommend using salted butter for more flavor.
How do you cook imitation crab meat in a steamer?
When this happens, the steam that cooks your food will be put on hold until the water starts to boil again. To prepare your steamer, simply add all the clean drinkable water that you’ll need to cook your food. For imitation crab meat, you won’t need much. About a cup or two will do for a pack of imitation crab meat.
How do you cook crab meat in a frying pan?
Preheat a medium-size frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and Old Bay spice, stir and then add chopped green onions and crab meat. Cook 3-4 minutes, tossing gently every minute until all the crab is coated in the garlic, herbs and spices and it smells very fragrant.