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 meat, also known as surimi, can be a budget-friendly alternative to real crab meat. With its mild sweet flavor and flaky meaty texture it lends itself well as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. If you’re wondering what to cook with imitation crab meat, there are many delicious options to try! In this article, we’ll share 22 mouthwatering recipes featuring imitation crab meat that are easy to make at home.
Imitation crab meat is typically made from fish like pollock or hake. The white fish flesh is finely pulverized then mixed with additives like starch egg whites, colorings, and crab flavorings to replicate the taste and texture of real crab meat. Before being shaped into crab legs, flakes, or blocks, the surimi paste is cooked and pasteurized. This pre-cooking makes imitation crab meat safe to eat straight out of the package without further cooking.
Compared to genuine crab, the imitation version has a less pronounced seafood flavor with sweet undertones. Its price point is also significantly lower than real crab. These characteristics make it an economical, versatile item to keep stocked in your kitchen.
Imitation crab meat works beautifully in a wide array of dishes. It can seamlessly sub in for real crab in recipes like crab cakes, dips, sushi rolls, pasta dishes, and more. Keep reading for 22 delicious ways to cook with this handy seafood ingredient!
Appetizers and Snacks
Imitation crab meat makes an awesome addition to hot and cold appetizers. Its flaky texture is perfect for dips and finger foods. Here are some imitation crab appetizers and snacks to try:
1. Crab Rangoon Dip
Crab Rangoon dip captures the essence of the quintessential Chinese takeout appetizer in dip form. Creamy imitation crab meat gets blended with cream cheese and seasonings, then served warm with crispy wonton chips for scooping. The rich, seafoody dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
2. Imitation Crab Wontons
Another fun way to enjoy imitation crab meat is stuffed inside crispy wonton wrappers. Simply mix the crab with cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and a touch of soy sauce. Spoon the filling into wonton skins and bake or fry until golden brown. They make perfect finger food for parties and game day.
3. Imitation Crab Salad Cucumber Bites
For an easy chilled appetizer, top cucumber rounds with a flavorful imitation crab salad. Mix imitation crab with cream cheese, lemon juice, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of Old Bay. Spoon the salad onto sliced cucumber and garnish with fresh dill.
4. Imitation Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Big, meaty mushroom caps are the ideal vessel for crab salad. Simply fill them with a mixture of imitation crab, breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest, Parmesan, and herbs. Bake until hot and bubbling for a tasty hot crab-topped app.
5. Imitation Crab Spring Rolls
Imitation crab also pairs wonderfully with crunchy, fresh spring roll wrappers. Fill rice paper rolls with crab, cucumber, carrot, lettuce, mint, and vermicelli noodles. Serve them with a peanut or sweet chili sauce. They make light, refreshing finger food.
Salads and Bowls
The mild sweetness of imitation crab meat works well with an array of fresh veggies and lean proteins. Toss it in salads, poke bowls, sushi bowls, and more for a filling flavorful meal. Here are some imitation crab salad recipes to try:
6. Kani Salad
This Japanese crab stick salad combines julienned cucumber and shredded imitation crab tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Top it off with sliced avocado, black sesame seeds, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. It’s a refreshing, crave-worthy salad.
7. Imitation Crab Louie Salad
For a heartier main dish salad, make a Louie Salad with imitation crab. It has a base of crisp lettuce and greens topped with imitation crab, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. The creamy Louie dressing brings it all together for a filling meal.
8. Imitation Crab Poke Bowl
Turn imitation crab into tasty poke bowls. Combine it with avocado, edamame, radish, cucumber, carrot, and sushi rice. Drizzle spicy mayo over the bowl for a dose of flavor and creaminess. Top with toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and nori strips.
9. Imitation Crab Salad Sandwich
Transform imitation crab salad into delicious sandwiches. Mix the crab with celery, scallion, lemon juice, mayo, and Dijon. Serve it chilled on slices of bread or a croissant. It also works great in lettuce wrap “sandwiches.”
10. Sushi Bowl
For an easy homemade sushi bowl, layer sushi rice with imitation crab salad, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, edamame, and avocado. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle over some toasted sesame seeds and nori flakes.
Hot Dishes
Imitation crab meat holds up well in heated dishes thanks to its pre-cooked preparation. It stays tender and moist for excellent texture. Here are some hot imitation crab meat recipes to enjoy:
11. Crab Alfredo
Mix diced imitation crab meat into creamy Alfredo sauce along with fettuccine. The sweet crab flavor pairs perfectly with the rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Sprinkle on parsley and serve warm.
12. Cheesy Crab & Broccoli Pasta
For another tasty pasta dish, saute broccoli florets and mix with imitation crab, cheese, and pasta. Grate Parmesan over the top for a quick, comforting weeknight meal.
13. Crab Cakes
You can make awesome crab cakes with imitation crab meat. Mix the shredded crab with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, Old Bay, lemon juice, and parsley. Shape into patties and pan fry until golden. Enjoy them on buns with a lemony aioli.
14. Crab Stuffed Salmon
Imitation crab also works well as a seafood stuffing. Use it to fill salmon fillets along with cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Bake until the salmon is opaque and flaky for an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish.
15. Crab & Corn Chowder
Make a cozy soup or chowder by simmering imitation crab in a creamy corn and potato base. Finish it with a swirl of heavy cream and fresh parsley. It’s comfort food at its finest.
16. Cheesy Crab Casserole
For the ultimate easy baked dish, create a cheesy crab casserole. Combine cooked pasta, imitation crab, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings. Top with cornbread stuffing and more cheese. Bake until bubbly and browned.
Asian Inspired Dishes
Imitation crab meat is frequently used as a ingredient in Asian cuisine. Its mild sweetness complements spices and sauces perfectly in these Asian recipes:
17. Crab Rangoon
No imitation crab recipe roundup would be complete without the classic crab Rangoon. Mix crab with cream cheese, scallions, garlic, and Worcestershire. Spoon the filling into wonton wrappers and fry or bake until crispy. Serve them with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
18. Vietnamese Summer Rolls
In these fresh summer rolls, imitation crab gets wrapped up with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, cucumber, mint, and cilantro in rice paper. The light veggie filling lets the sweet crab flavor shine. Dip them in peanut sauce for a tasty twist on spring rolls.
19. Ginger Sesame Noodles with Crab
Jazz up instant ramen noodles by cooking them in an umami sesame-ginger broth with imitation crab meat. Finish the Asian noodle dish with scallions, peanuts, and a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor and crunch.
20. Mango Crab Salad
This colorful salad combines juicy mango with imitation crab, cucumbers, and a spicy mayo dressing. The sweet mango balances beautifully with the seafood flavors. It’s perfect for summertime.
21. Crab Fried Rice
Stir bite-sized pieces of imitation crab meat into fried rice along with peas, carrots, scallions, and eggs. The sweet crab flavor amps up the taste of the classic Asian rice dish.
22. Crab & Avocado Sushi Rolls
Lastly, imitation crab is right at home wrapped in sushi. Make inside out rolls stuffed with crab salad, avocado, cucumber, and carrots. The crab filling mimics real crab rolls at a fraction of the price.
Tips for Cooking with
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
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
Are coconut crabs healthy to eat?
Crabs are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins like riboflavin and minerals like selenium, copper, phosphorus. Coconut crabs are not known to be poisonous. The fat in the abdomen and the egg inside the female are the delicious edible parts. It is prepared by steaming or boiling them in coconut milk. Consuming coconut crab along with sea mango, cerbera manghas may make the coconut crab toxic due to the presence of cardiac cardenolides(cardiac active steroids). This causes electrolyte imbalance that affects the electrical conductivity of the heart.
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.
How do you cook imitation crab meat?
Imitation crabmeat tends to dry out and lose it’s lovely texture if overcooked. Just a few minutes in the pan with butter or olive oil is perfect. The combination of garlic and Old Bay spice will give this recipe it’s nice golden brown color. If you often have fake crab meat in your fridge, there are lots of great recipes you can make.