How to Eat Imitation Crab with Butter – The Complete Guide

Imitation crab, sometimes called surimi, can be a tasty and affordable alternative to pricey real crab meat. While imitation crab on its own is delicious, pairing it with butter takes the flavor to the next level. The richness of the butter beautifully complements the sweetness of the crab, creating a mouthwatering combination.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating imitation crab with butter. We’ll provide tips on selecting the best imitation crab and butter offer simple yet scrumptious recipe ideas, explain how to cook imitation crab with butter on the stove or in the oven, advise on how to season for optimal flavor, and more. With this helpful information, you’ll be able to create incredible crab dishes that will impress your family and friends.

Choosing the Imitation Crab

The first step is selecting high-quality imitation crab Here are some tips

• Opt for leg or claw style pieces rather than shreds or flakes. The texture will hold up better when cooked with butter.

• Check the ingredients and choose products made from pollock or other whitefish rather than mushy processed seafood blends.

• Avoid imitation crab with added fillers, excess water, or a high starch content.

• For the best flavor and quality, purchase refrigerated rather than shelf-stable varieties.

• Japanese-style krab sticks are a good option for their firm texture and mild sweet taste that pairs nicely with butter.

Selecting the Butter

When it comes to the butter, opt for these kinds:

• Salted butter provides flavor that perfectly seasons the delicate crab.

• Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness yourself.

• Higher fat European-style butters or small batch cultured butters can provide depth and richness.

• Clarified butter has a high smoke point ideal for sautéing crab without burning.

• Whipped butter quickly coats the crab for efficient sautéing.

Avoid margarine or vegetable oil spreads as they won’t provide the right flavor.

Cooking Imitation Crab with Butter on the Stove

One easy and delicious way to enjoy imitation crab with butter is to sauté it in a skillet on the stovetop. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound imitation crab legs and claws
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the imitation crab and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through.

3. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice and paprika.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve the crab warm with the buttery pan sauce drizzled over the top.

This simple sauté highlights the sweetness of the crab balanced beautifully by the richness of the butter. Feel free to get creative with additional seasonings or ingredients. Garlic, chili powder, parsley, lime, and onion all pair wonderfully with imitation crab and butter.

Baking Imitation Crab with Butter

Baking imitation crab with butter is another excellent (and easy) preparation method. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the crab pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dot liberally with slices of chilled butter. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and lightly golden. The butter will create an amazing baked basting sauce.

For added flavor, try brushing the crab with a quick garlic-lemon butter sauce before baking. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or a small saucepan. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of dried dill or parsley. Brush the mixture evenly over the crab before putting it in the oven.

Making Compound Butter for Crab

Compound butters – those flavored with herbs, spices, citrus, etc. – pair magnificently with imitation crab. Here is a fast lemon dill compound butter recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 stick softened butter
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash all ingredients into the softened butter until well combined.

2. Form into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

3. Slice off rounds of the compound butter and place them atop hot crab for serving.

The possibilities are endless when making flavored butters to complement imitation crab. Consider combinations like brown butter sage, chimichurri, ginger sesame, or bacon scallion for adventurous and delicious results.

Simple Cold Imitation Crab and Butter Ideas

You don’t need to cook imitation crab in butter to enjoy them together. There are simple ways to pair these ingredients without turning on the stove:

• Top crackers or toast points with cold imitation crab salad and a slice of butter for an easy canapé.

• Make crab butter sandwiches on brioche, sourdough, or pretzel rolls.

• Mix imitation crab with just enough mayo to bind and serve in butter lettuce cups along with butter slices.

• For an upscale presentation, serve chunks of chilled crab atop butter-brushed crostini.

• Use imitation crab and butter in place of tuna for an inventive take on classic tuna melts.

What to Serve with Imitation Crab and Butter

There are so many options for delicious side dishes and garnishes to serve alongside imitation crab prepared with butter. Here are some mouthwatering ideas:

• Rice – White, fried, sushi, risotto, pilaf
• Pasta – Linguine, orzo, angel hair
• Roasted vegetables – Brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomatoes
• Fresh green salad
• Coleslaw
• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Lemon wedges
• Melted butter for dipping
• Tartar sauce
• Mango salsa
• Avocado slices
• Asparagus

With so many possibilities, you can create a wonderful complement to your crab and butter. Play with textures, colors, and flavors for a well-rounded meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Imitation Crab with Butter

Properly stored, leftover imitation crab sautéed or baked in butter will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low, adding a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the crab rubbery.

Compound butter logs can be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving atop hot crab. Opened canned crab can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Always refrigerate any leftover crab dishes within 2 hours.

Fantastic Recipes for Imitation Crab and Butter

Beyond the basics, there are so many fantastic ways to indulge in imitation crab and butter. Here are just a few delicious recipe ideas to inspire you:

• Crab butter stuffed mushrooms – Fill mushroom caps with a creamy mixture of imitation crab, butter, breadcrumbs, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Bake until hot and bubbling.

• Imitation crab butter risotto – Make crab the star of this creamy rice dish by folding it into risotto with butter, white wine, and Parmesan.

• Crab butter puff pastry spirals – Roll out puff pastry, spread with crab and butter mixture, and roll up into spirals before baking.

• Garlic imitation crab alfredo – Toss imitation crab with fettuccine, garlic butter, cream, and Parmesan for a decadent pasta dish.

• Broiled crab Parmesan – Top crab with seasoned breadcrumbs, butter, and Parmesan and broil until bubbly and golden.

The possibilities are endless! With butter and imagination, you can turn imitation crab into restaurant-quality dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Imitation Crab and Butter

If you’re new to working with imitation crab and butter, you probably have some questions. Here we’ll address some of the most common FAQs:

Can you eat imitation crab raw?

Imitation crab is fully cooked during processing, but for quality and food safety it is still best to heat it through before eating. Avoid eating imitation crab straight out of the package.

Is imitation crab healthy?

While not as nutritious as real crab, imitation crab is relatively low in calories and carbs. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Does imitation crab meat need to be cooked?

Yes, always heat imitation crab thoroughly to at least 165