Demystifying Imitation Crab Meat: What Exactly Is This Fishy Imposter?

Imitation crab meat is a common ingredient found in many dishes like California rolls, crab Rangoon, seafood salads, and more. With its flaky white meat and subtle sweet flavor, imitation crab bears an uncanny resemblance to real crab meat. But what exactly is this fishy imposter made of?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll uncover everything you need to know about imitation crab meat. I’ll explain how it’s produced, what it contains, how it’s commonly used, and whether it’s ultimately something you should be eating. Let’s get cracking and explore the mysteries of this crab meat substitute!

What is Imitation Crab Meat?

Known also as crab stick, krab, artificial crab meat, or seafood extender, imitation crab meat is a seafood product made to imitate real crab meat. It contains no true crab at all, only fish and shellfish.

The main ingredient in imitation crab is surimi, a paste made from pulverized fish. Common types of whitefish used are Alaskan Pollock, Pacific Cod, Hoki, Hake, and Whiting. These filets are minced into a slurry, then stabilized with additives like sugar, starch, egg white powder, MSG, sorbitol, and crab flavoring.

The surimi paste is then formed into various shapes and sizes designed to resemble snow crab or king crab legs flakes or chunks. But make no mistake – not one ounce of real crab goes into this faux food.

How is Imitation Crab Meat Made?

The production process of imitation crab involves first creating the surimi, then forming it into the finished product. Here are the basic steps

• Fish filets are minced into a fine slurry.
• The pulverized fish is rinsed repeatedly to remove fat, odor, and enzymes.
• Stabilizing agents like sorbitol, egg whites, and transglutaminase are mixed in.
• Flavorings, colorings, and sodium tripolyphosphate are added.
• The surimi paste is heated and extruded into sheets.
• The sheets are cut and formed into leg, flake, or lump shapes.
• Crab-shaped pieces are colored and flavored to resemble real crab.
• Imitation crab is packaged, pasteurized and refrigerated or frozen.

So those flaky white morsels are essentially just fish sludge with chemical additives to make them stick together and taste somewhat crab-like, Appetizing!

What are the Main Ingredients in Imitation Crab Meat?

Let’s take a closer look at exactly what you’ll find in a typical package of imitation crab meat:

• Surimi – Fish paste made from minced whitefish and stabilizers.

• Water – Adds moisture and bulk.

• Starch – Acts as a binder. Common sources are wheat, corn, or potato.

• Sugar – Provides sweetness to mimic real crab.

• Soy protein – Adds texture and protein content.

• Egg whites – Help bind and jelly the surimi.

• MSG – Boosts umami flavor.

• Crab extract – Made from baked crabs. Provides essence of crab for flavor.

• Artificial crab flavor – Give it that crab-like taste.

• Salt – Seasons the product.

• Phosphates – Retain moisture and prevent freezer burn.

• Artificial color – Dyes it white to resemble crab meat.

As you can see, you’re getting a whole cocktail of chemical additives along with your fish paste. Yum!

How is Imitation Crab Meat Used?

Thanks to its inexpensive price tag compared to real crab, imitation crab shows up in many seafood dishes and recipes. Here are some of its most common uses:

• California rolls and sushi
• Crab rangoon
• Crab cakes
• Seafood salads
• Dips like crab dip
• Soups
• Toppings for dishes like baked potatoes

Since the crab is already pre-cooked, it can be used cold or heated in recipes without needing to be cooked through first. The imitation meat shreds apart easily with a fork for use in mixtures and toppings.

Many restaurants and commercial products mix real and imitation crab to cut costs. So just because your crab rangoon contains “crab”, don’t assume it’s the real thing! Always check the ingredients.

Should You Actually Be Eating Imitation Crab Meat?

Now that you know what lurks within those innocent looking white lumps of fake crab, should you continue eating it? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• It’s inexpensive compared to real crab.
• Convenient to use in recipes without thawing.
• Widely available at grocery stores.
• Shreds easily to blend into dishes.
• Has a pleasant sweet, delicate flavor.

Cons:

• Highly processed combination of fish, starch, chemicals, and additives.
• Contains concerning ingredients like additives and MSG.
• Nutritionally inferior to real crab with less protein and nutrients.
• Poor sustainability practices used in fish harvesting.
• Tastes nothing like real fresh crab meat.

The bottom line? Imitation crab is edible, but a highly processed food you’re better off avoiding when possible. Opt for real sustainably-sourced crab or try other seafood like shrimp if you’re able to spend a little more. Not only will you get more nutrients and omega-3s, but your taste buds will thank you too!

Still, an occasional imitation crab California roll will likely cause no harm. Just be knowledgeable about what you’re really eating and limit higher processed foods in your diet overall.

Common Brands of Imitation Crab Meat

If you do choose to purchase imitation crab, here are some popular, widely available brands to look for:

• Nakiri – Japan’s original imitation crab producer.

• Great American – Popular brand offering crab flakes and legs.

• Sea Fare – Affordable option for crab sticks and flakes.

• Oasis Foods – Offers legs and chunks in affordable bulk sizes.

• Trader Joe’s – Budget-friendly imitation crab sticks and flakes.

• Ziyad – Halal surimi product made without pork products.

• Enlightened – Surimi-based vegan crab cakes and dip.

Check the labels carefully and look for shorter ingredient lists with fewer artificial additives and preservatives when purchasing.

Tips for Spotting Imitation Crab Meat

Still worried you might be unknowingly buying or eating this fishy imposter? Here are some telltale signs a product contains imitation crab rather than real crab:

• Labeled as crab sticks, formed crab, or krab.
• Contains surimi in the ingredient list.
• Has a bright white color with bold red swirls.
• Is sold in uniform “legs” or shreds in bulk packages.
• Costs significantly less than fresh crab by the pound.
• Tastes mildly sweet instead of briny like real crab.

When in doubt, ask if a dish contains real or imitation crab meat. Don’t assume crab-filled foods like sushi rolls actually contain true crab. Be an informed seafood consumer and make choices aligned with your preferences about ingredients and sustainability.

Time for Some Real Talk About Imitation Crab

Imitation crab meat has clearly found its place as an inexpensive crab substitute for commercial use in restaurants and products. But now that you know exactly how this imposter is made, you can make educated choices about whether it has a place in your diet.