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.
Imitation crab, also known as surimi, crab sticks, or kani, is a versatile and affordable seafood option perfect for when you’re craving crab but can’t get the real thing. With a mild, sweet flavor similar to real crab, you’d be surprised at all the dishes you can make using this handy fish-based product.
In this article, I’ll share 17 of my favorite recipes featuring imitation crab so you can take your cooking to delicious new heights. With ideas ranging from appetizers and snacks to main courses and even desserts, there’s something for every occasion.
Before jumping into the recipes, let’s go over some imitation crab basics Imitation crab is made by pulverizing white fish, usually pollock, into a paste and then adding flavorings, fillers, and preservatives to mimic the taste and texture of real crab meat.
The result is a cheaper readily available product that provides the sweet taste of crab without the high price tag. It comes pre-flaked and ready to use right out of the package.
You can find imitation crab at most major grocery stores, often in the cold seafood section next to the real crab. It’s commonly used in Japanese, Chinese, and American cuisines for dishes like seafood salads, sushi rolls, appetizers, and more.
Now let’s explore some of the best ways to put this versatile imitation seafood to use in your kitchen!
1. Crab Salad
A crab salad is a light and refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of crab. For an easy imitation crab salad, simply mix together flaked imitation crab, mayonnaise, lemon juice, diced celery, minced onion, salt, and pepper.
Chill the salad for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy this salad stuffed in a tomato or avocado half for a pretty presentation. Imitation crab salad also makes a tasty sandwich filler when paired with lettuce on bread or a bagel.
2. Crab Dip
Warm, creamy crab dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. To make an easy hot crab dip with imitation crab, mix together imitation crab, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping. This imitation crab dip also works nicely as a sandwich spread.
3. Crab Cakes
For an easy weeknight meal, whip up some homemade crab cakes using imitation crab. Simply mix together imitation crab, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
Form into patties and pan fry in oil until golden brown. Enjoy your crab cakes on a bun with lettuce and tartar sauce for a taste reminiscent of restaurant-quality seafood.
4. Crab Rangoon
Crab Rangoon is a popular Chinese restaurant appetizer made by stuffing a creamy crab and cream cheese filling into wonton wrappers. Make your own at home by mixing together imitation crab, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fill wonton wrappers with a teaspoon of filling, seal, and fry until golden brown. Serve warm with sweet and sour sauce.
5. Sushi Rolls
Imitation crab is commonly used in lieu of real crab for California rolls and other sushi rolls. To make imitation crab sushi rolls, simply lay a nori sheet on a sushi mat, spread with sushi rice, and layer on sliced imitation crab, cucumber, and avocado.
Roll up tightly and cut into rounds to reveal the colorful fillings. Serve with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger.
6. Crab Alfredo
Enjoy the flavors of crab in a creamy pasta by making imitation crab Alfredo. Cook fettuccine noodles according to package directions. In a pan, melt butter and mix in imitation crab, garlic, onion, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
7. Crab Pizza
Piling imitation crab onto pizza combines two favorites into one delicious recipe. Make your own crab pizza by spreading pizza dough with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Top with flaked imitation crab, artichoke hearts, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bake until the crust is crisp and cheese is bubbly.
8. Crab Stuffed Salmon
Imitation crab makes for an easy and tasty filling for salmon fillets or fish cakes. Mix together imitation crab, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, chives, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Spread the mixture onto salmon fillets, fold over, and bake until the salmon is cooked through. The sweet crab filling pairs perfectly with the fish.
9. Crab Mac and Cheese
For a grown-up, seafood twist on classic comfort food, stir flaked imitation crab into macaroni and cheese. Make your favorite mac and cheese recipe, stir in cooked imitation crab once finished, and garnish with parsley.
The sweet crab flavor adds extra richness to the creamy, cheesy pasta. Try using fun shaped noodles for even more appeal.
10. Crab Imperial Stuffed Mushrooms
These crab stuffed mushrooms make an elegant appetizer for your next dinner party. Mix together imitation crab, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Fill mushroom caps with the mixture, top with cheese, and broil until hot and bubbly. The imitation crab filling pairs wonderfully with the earthy mushrooms.
11. Crab Cakes Benedict
For a seafood twist on a breakfast classic, try crab cakes Benedict. Make basic imitation crab cakes and poach eggs. Serve the crab cakes and eggs atop English muffins lined with spinach and hollandaise sauce.
The combination of the sweet crab cakes and runny egg yolk is to die for.
12. Crab Salad Sandwiches
Enjoy imitation crab salad between slices of bread for a simple, satisfying lunch. Mix together imitation crab, mayo, lemon juice, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
Pile the salad onto toasted bread and add lettuce, tomato, avocado, or bacon for a more complete sandwich.
13. Crab Quiche
For an impressive brunch dish, make an imitation crab quiche. Line a pie crust with imitation crab, Swiss cheese, green onions, and red pepper. Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper and pour into the crust.
Bake until set and slice into wedges to serve. Your guests will be amazed at the beautiful layers of crab and cheese.
14. Crab Spring Rolls
Imitation crab makes the perfect filling for fresh, crunchy spring rolls. Mix together imitation crab, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, cilantro, green onion, ginger, and soy sauce.
Place the filling on rice paper wrappers, roll up, and refrigerate before serving. These light rolls make an easy appetizer or healthy weekday meal.
15. Crab Salad Lettuce Wraps
For a fresh take on crab salad, try serving it in lettuce cups. Fill leaves of butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg with the imitation crab salad. Top with avocado, tomato, or mango for extra flavor.
The cool, crisp lettuce perfectly complements the rich crab salad. Kids will love assembling their own lettuce wraps at the table.
16. Crab Dip Wonton Cups
These crispy wonton cups with crab dip make an elegant presentation while being easy to assemble. Brush mini muffin tins with oil and line with wonton wrappers.Bake until golden brown then remove. Fill the wonton cups with hot crab dip and serve.
17. Crab Cake Eggs Benedict Cups
For an easy individual-sized version of crab cakes Benedict, line muffin tins with Canadian bacon and drop in a crab cake patty topped with an egg.
Bake until the egg is cooked to your liking. Remove cups from the tin and drizzle with hollandaise sauce for a pretty presentation.
Endless Possibilities with Imitation Crab
As you can see, imitation crab opens up a sea of possibilities when it comes to easy, budget-friendly recipes. With its mild, sweet flavor and flaky texture similar to real crab, you can use imitation crab in everything from appetizers and snacks to main dishes, soups, pastas, sandwiches, and more.
Imitation crab is readily available, keeps a long time in the fridge or freezer, and costs just a fraction of what real crabmeat does. So don’t be afraid to get creative with this handy fish-based product.
With the recipes in this article, you’ll be set to turn out crowd-pleasing dishes that satisfy your crab cravings without breaking
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.
How to Store Imitation Crab
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days after opening.
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 to eat with imitation crab?
Here’s another Mexican fusion recipe for your imitation crab cravings. Creamy, rich, and wallet-friendly, these chimichangas include refried beans, cottage cheese, parmesan, a Mexican cheese blend, and Old Bay seasoning. They’re just as easy to make as they are delicious! 10. Imitation Crab Macaroni and Cheese
How do you make imitation crab?
Make an imitation crab dish! Imitation crab isn’t really crab, but this amazing ingredient is still high-quality seafood because it’s made from deboned white fish flesh that has been washed to remove unwanted pieces and fat. Then, the fish is blended with ingredients and formed into a paste that does a great job of mimicking real crab meat.
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.