Imitation crab is a great budget-friendly substitute for real crab. It has a delicious, mild flavor that makes it a great addition to many dishes. Want to know how to cook with it? These fake crab recipes will help you make a tasty dish quickly.
You can make tasty and healthy seafood dishes with imitation crab without having to pay as much for real crab.
These fake crab recipes will help you make tasty meals quickly, no matter how much experience you have in the kitchen.
20 Creative Ways to Use Imitation Crab Meat in Delicious Recipes
Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, can be a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient for home cooks. With its mild seafood flavor and shredded texture similar to real crab, imitation crab offers an affordable way to enjoy “crab” flavors without spending a fortune on fresh seafood.
In this article I’ll share 20 delicious ways to use imitation crab meat in appetizers, main courses salads, and more. With just a package of imitation crab and a few handy ingredients, you can easily create crab cakes, dip, pasta dishes, and other crab-flavored foods at home.
Keep reading for my top tips, recipe recommendations, and creative ways to use imitation crab meat in your cooking!
- Whip Up Classic Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a popular appetizer or main dish, and they’re easy to make at home with imitation crab. Simply combine shredded imitation crab with breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and herbs. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown. Enjoy your budget-friendly crab cakes on buns or over salad. Imitation crab helps cut costs while still delivering hearty, crave-worthy flavor.
- Make a Hot Crab Dip
Warm, creamy crab dip is always a party pleaser Blend together imitation crab, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and seasonings. Bake until bubbly and serve with crackers or bread for dipping Imitation crab keeps your crab dip budget-friendly while still offering the rich flavor guests expect.
- Stuff Wontons for Crab Rangoon
Crab rangoon is a popular Chinese-American appetizer. You can recreate this dish at home by mixing together imitation crab and cream cheese with garlic, green onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Place spoonfuls of the filling into wonton wrappers and seal. Fry until crispy for irresistible crab rangoon everyone will love.
- Mix Up a Tasty Crab Salad
Imitation crab works great in fresh, crunchy crab salads Simply mix shredded imitation crab with mayo, lemon juice, diced celery, green onion, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, throw in some Old Bay seasoning Serve your salad over greens or on bread for crab salad sandwiches.
- Enjoy Crab-Stuffed Avocados
For a fun twist on crab salad, stuff the mixture into avocado halves. Scoop out the pits from halved, ripe avocados, then pile in the imitation crab salad. Garnish with extra green onion and serve. The creamy avocados pair perfectly with the seafood flavors.
- Make Crab & Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Here’s an easy appetizer using imitation crab – stuffed mushrooms! Mix together imitation crab, cream cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, and Parmesan. Stuff into mushroom caps and bake until hot and melty. Enjoy these crab-stuffed bites as a starter for any meal.
- Whip Up Cheesy Crab Pinwheels
Pinwheels or spirals are simple to make but impressive to serve. Mix imitation crab with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Spread onto tortillas, roll up, and slice into pinwheels. Chill until serving time for easy crab appetizers with just a few ingredients.
- Add Crab to Mac & Cheese
Adding imitation crab to mac and cheese takes boxed or homemade versions up a notch. Simply prepare macaroni and cheese, stir in shredded imitation crab, and sprinkle with extra shredded cheese on top. Bake until hot and bubbly for a creamy, crab-studded pasta dish everyone will devour.
- Make Creamy Crab Alfredo
Here’s a simple dinner idea: imitation crab Alfredo! Prepare or use jarred Alfredo sauce and add shredded imitation crab. Toss with hot pasta and garnish with parsley. The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet crab flavor. Add veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Mix Up Crab Fried Rice
Fried rice is even better with imitation crab meat. Make fried rice with cooked white or brown rice, oil, eggs, veggies, and soy sauce or oyster sauce. Once done, stir in shredded imitation crab. The sweet crab flavor complements the salty, savory rice beautifully. Enjoy this easy one-pan meal.
- Top Baked Potatoes with Crab
Baked potatoes get an upgrade with imitation crab. Bake Russet or sweet potatoes until tender, cut open and top with butter, shredded imitation crab, cheese, bacon bits, green onion, and any other desired toppings. The potatoes become a hearty, crab-loaded meal with this simple preparation.
- Add Crab to Chowders & Bisques
Rich, creamy soups and bisques are even more delicious with imitation crab. Add shredded imitation crab to corn, potato, or seafood chowders. You can also stir imitation crab into tomato or seafood bisques. The crab adds wonderful flavor and texture to complement creamy soups.
- Make Easy Crab & Shrimp Skewers
Imitation crab and shrimp pair deliciously on skewers for grilling or broiling. Thread shrimp and cubes of imitation crab onto skewers. Brush with oil and your favorite seasonings. Grill or broil until done, turning halfway. Serve with rice and veggies for a complete meal in minutes.
- Enjoy Crab & Avocado Sushi Rolls
Shredded imitation crab is commonly used in budget-friendly homemade sushi rolls. Fill sushi rice and nori sheets with imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, carrot, and other favorite roll fillings. Roll up, slice, and dip in soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger. Imitation crab helps cut costs for making sushi at home.
- Stuff Salmon with Imitation Crab
Here’s an easy baked salmon recipe using imitation crab. Stuff salmon filets with a mixture of imitation crab, cream cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, and fresh herbs. Bake until the salmon is opaque and flaky. The sweet crab filling complements the salmon beautifully.
- Make Crab & Fish Cakes with Tartar Sauce
For an easy weeknight meal, whip up crab and fish cakes. Mix together shredded imitation crab, canned fish like salmon or tuna, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, and seasonings. Form into patties and pan fry. Serve with homemade or store-bought tartar sauce for flavorful, budget-friendly cakes.
- Bake Crab & Swiss Quiche
Imitation crab adds wonderful flavor to quiche or frittata fillings. Sauté imitation crab and Swiss cheese together, then stir into beaten eggs with cream or milk. Pour into a pie crust or greased baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until set. Cut into wedges for a tasty brunch or light dinner.
- Make Easy Crab Pizza
Pizza night gets an upgrade with imitation crab. Prepare or use pre-made pizza crust topped with sauce and shredded mozzarella. Arrange imitation crab and any desired veggies on top and bake. You can also mix crab with the cheese or sauce for added flavor throughout this simple, delicious pizza.
- Enjoy Crab & Veggie Stir-Fry
Stir-fried veggies, rice, and protein are even more appetizing with imitation crab meat. Make your favorite stir-fry with sliced veggies, protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and imitation crab. Serve over rice or noodles. The mild sweetness of crab perfectly suits Asian-inspired stir-fry dishes.
- Whip Up Crab Melts
Open-face crab melts are easy yet impressive lunch or dinner options. Place crab salad or imitation crab mixed with cheese on bread or English muffins. Top with extra cheese slices and broil until bubbly. The hot toasted bread and melted cheese pair wonderfully with the crab for terrific crab melts.
Get Creative with Imitation Crab Meat
As you can see, imitation crab offers an affordable way for home cooks to enjoy crab flavors in all types of dishes. With its mild seafood taste and shredded texture similar to real crab, imitation crab works well in appetizers, main courses, stuffed and baked dishes, pasta creations, pizza toppings, salads, sandwiches, and more.
I hope these tips give you plenty of inspiration to start cooking with imitation crab meat. With just a simple package of imitation crab and basic ingredients in your pantry, you can easily whip up delicious crab-infused foods to enjoy on a budget. Experiment with different seasonings and cuisine types to find new ways you love cooking with imitation crab.
How to Store Imitation Crab
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days after opening.
The BEST Imitation Crab Meat Recipes
Surimi, which is another name for imitation crab, is usually made from a paste of white fish, like Alaskan pollock, mixed with starch, flavorings, and other things. The resulting mixture is formed into crab-like sticks or flakes.
The texture and look of fake crab are a lot like real crab meat, but the taste is not the same. The flavor is often described as milder and sweeter compared to real crab. It is manufactured to mimic the taste of crab meat but with its own distinct flavor.
Imitation crab is typically pre-cooked during the manufacturing process, which makes it safe to eat without further cooking. It is often enjoyed straight out of the package, added to salads, or used in sushi rolls.
Since imitation crab is made from fish, people who are allergic to fish or seafood may not be able to eat it. Additionally, some brands may use additives or flavorings that could trigger allergic reactions. When buying food, it’s important to read the labels carefully and talk to a doctor if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Yes, imitation crab can be used as a substitute for real crab in various recipes. It is commonly used in dishes like crab cakes, seafood salads, sushi rolls, and pasta dishes. However, remember that the taste and texture will be different from real crab, so the end result might not be the same.
What Can I Make With… Imitation Crab! | Cooking for Two | 4 Easy Recipes using Imitation Crabmeat
Are imitation crab recipes budget-friendly?
These imitation crab recipes are budget-friendly but rich in fresh, creamy flavor. Experience a range of dishes, from a beautifully simple seafood pasta salad to a deviled crab and cream cheese ball. Take your pick from 11 of our most satisfying imitation crab recipes.
What are the best imitation crab recipes?
Here are some of the best imitation crab recipes. Try spicy mango kani salad, an imitation crab salad popular at sushi restaurant classic. Crab rangoon, a hot imitation crab dip in crispy wonton wrappers, is another delicious way to use it and here are 70 more great crab recipes. Imitation crab works great in most recipes calling for real crab too.
What is imitation crab meat used for?
Sweet and delicious, crab meat is often mixed to create salads, soups, dips, pasta meals and more. It can be pricey, so a great alternative is to use imitation crab meat (also known as crab stick, mock crab or “krab”). What Is Imitation Crab?
Is imitation crab a good substitute for fresh crab meat?
Imitation crab also happens to be easier to cook with, coming precooked and ready to go! Imitation crab can make a fantastic substitute for anything you can dream of making with fresh crab meat, from crab cakes to rangoons. Below, you’ll find 25 of our favorite imitation crab recipes that are sure to wow both you and your guests.