Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, can be an affordable alternative to real crab in recipes like crab rangoon and seafood dip. But because it contains fish paste, imitation crab spoils just as quickly as fresh seafood if not stored properly. Here’s a helpful guide on how to tell if your imitation crab meat has gone bad.
Check the Expiration Date
The first step is to check the sell-by or use-by date printed on the imitation crab package. The shelf life of unopened imitation crab is around 4-6 months. Once opened, it only lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. So if your imitation crab is past the marked date, it’s safest to discard it. However, expiration dates aren’t always foolproof.
Give it a Good Look
Next, inspect the color and texture closely. Good imitation crab should be translucent white with strands of red from added coloring. Bad imitation crab will turn more opaque with grayish hues. Also check that the consistency is firm and springy. If your imitation crab meat appears mushy or slimy that indicates spoilage.
Take a Whiff
Your nose knows when seafood has turned sour! Give the imitation crab a big sniff. Fresh imitation crab has a mild briny or seaweed scent. Rancid imitation crab gives off a noticeably fishy, ammonia-like odor. If the smell is unpleasant or makes you recoil, it has likely spoiled.
Taste a Small Bite
If you’re still unsure after looking and smelling the imitation crab, taste a tiny bit. Imitation crab that has gone bad will have a sour, bitter flavor. It may also taste slightly fizzy or slimy on the tongue. Immediately spit out any imitation crab that tastes “off” and don’t risk eating any more.
Check for Discoloration
Cut or break open a piece of imitation crab. If the inside looks darker or grayish compared to the white exterior, that’s a red flag of spoilage. Discard any imitation crab meat that is discolored on the inside.
Mind Storage Conditions
Keep in mind imitation crab spoils faster if stored improperly. Leaving it in the danger zone above 40°F for over 2 hours speeds up spoilage Storing imitation crab in the fridge in an airtight container is ideal If it was left out on the counter or in the sun, don’t take chances.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
With seafood, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your imitation crab has any off colors, textures, scents or flavors, it has likely started decomposing. Don’t taste test questionable imitation crab or think that cooking it will kill bacteria. Just discard it.
Can you eat imitation crab if you have a food allergy?
Sometimes, imitation crab is made with a small percentage of crab meat. Usually, it’s done to enhance the flavor and a little can go a long way. This is bad news for people who are allergic to certain foods, because a small amount of real crab mixed with surimi can cause a serious reaction. To be safe, imitation crab should be put on the do-not-eat list for those with food allergies.
But it’s not just those with seafood allergies that have to be cautious. As we mentioned in this guide, sometimes egg whites and soy are added to imitation crab. If you or someone you’re cooking for is allergic to those two things, watch out for them.
How to tell if imitation crab is bad
You’ll know when imitation crab starts going bad. It will start to smell fishy, the texture will be slimy, and it will taste sour. If your imitation crab shows any of these signs, it’s time to toss it immediately. Remember to sanitize every surface that came in contact with it.
What Is Imitation Crab Meat Actually Made Of?
FAQ
How do you know if imitation crab has gone bad?
How long will imitation crab last in the fridge?
How to tell if crab meat is spoiled?
Does imitation crab smell bad?
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.
How do you know if imitation crab is bad?
To tell if your imitation crab is bad, there are a few tips you can follow to determine freshness: Check for an expiration date on the package. If it has passed this date, don’t eat it. Follow the mentioned tips to know the estimated shelf life of imitation crab. Notice any parts of the meat that have turned solid white?
What is imitation crab meat?
Imitation crab meat’s contents vary from product to product. The main substance in imitation crab is minced fish flesh, or surimi. Manufacturers most often use pollock, a type of white fish, in the production of surimi. However, they may include other types of white fish.
What happens if you eat spoiled imitation crab?
Sometimes the imitation crab is used as a filler in processed seafood, like tuna salad. If you eat spoiled imitation crab or any other type of fish that’s gone bad, your stomach will probably get upset and might make you feel nauseous for several hours. Some people experience vomiting, while others have diarrhea symptoms.