If you want to make these tasty crab cakes, you can use real crab meat or fake crab meat. The spices are just right for both kids and adults. They’re ready in 20 minutes and only need a few simple ingredients. If you are looking for imitation crab recipes, be sure to bookmark this one!.
My family couldn’t believe I made these myself because they taste like they came from a fancy restaurant. But they were easy to make and cook! You can eat these crab cakes right off the stove or on a bun.
Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, can be a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient for many dishes Made from white fish that is pulverized and shaped to resemble crab meat, imitation crab has a mild sweet flavor that works well in appetizers, salads, and main courses
If you have a package of imitation crab meat in the fridge or pantry and are wondering what to make with it, this article outlines 12 delicious recipes to consider. I’ve included a mix of appetizers, salads, and main dishes so you can get inspired for your next meal or party!
Appetizers and Snacks
Imitation crab meat makes a tasty addition to appetizers and snacks Here are some imitation crab recipes perfect for parties or game day
1. Imitation Crab Rangoon
Crab rangoon is a popular Chinese-American appetizer consisting of creamy crab and cheese filling wrapped in wonton wrappers then fried to crispy perfection. Using imitation crab meat cuts down on costs for this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
To make crab rangoon, simply mix together 8 oz of shredded or chopped imitation crab, 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of filling into each wonton wrapper, brush edges with water, fold and seal. Fry in oil until golden brown.
This appetizer comes together quickly and is sure to disappear fast!
2. Imitation Crab Dip
Warm, cheesy crab dip is ideal for scooping up with crackers, bread, or veggies. For an easy imitation crab version, combine 8 oz imitation crab, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to a small casserole dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F until bubbly. Enjoy this tasty dip while it’s hot!
3. Imitation Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms provide the perfect vessels for a savory imitation crab filling. Simply combine 8 oz of chopped imitation crab with 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons each of mayo and Parmesan, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning.
Stuff large mushroom caps with the mixture, top with more Parmesan, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
4. Imitation Crab Salad Lettuce Wraps
For a fresher take on crab salad, serve it wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. To prepare the salad, combine 8 oz chopped imitation crab with 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 rib diced celery, 2 tablespoons minced onion, 1 teaspoon mustard, and salt and pepper.
Spoon the salad into leaves of butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce for an easy low-carb appetizer.
Salads
The mild sweetness of imitation crab meat also complements fresh flavors in salads. Enjoy these imitation crab recipes as a light lunch or side:
5. Imitation Crab Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is easy to prepare in bulk for potlucks and parties. For an imitation crab version, simply boil 8 oz pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse with cold water and let cool.
Next, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 cup chopped scallions, salt and pepper. Toss with the cooled pasta, 1 pound of shredded imitation crab, 1 diced red bell pepper, 10 halved cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving this tasty salad. Consider garnishing with extra lemon wedges.
6. Imitation Crab Louie Salad
For a protein-packed main course salad, imitation crab makes a budget-friendly stand in for pricey king crab in a Louie salad.
To prepare this salad, scatter 4 cups shredded lettuce on a plate and top with 1 pound shredded imitation crab, 1 chopped hard boiled egg, 1/4 cup diced tomato, sliced cucumber and avocado slices.
Drizzle with your favorite Louie dressing or thousand island dressing. Easy, flavorful and satiating!
7. Imitation Crab Waldorf Salad
For a twist on classic Waldorf salad, use shredded imitation crab instead of chicken. Simply toss together 1 pound imitation crab, 2 apples diced, 1 cup halved red grapes, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup walnuts, and 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Spoon the salad over a bed of lettuce or serve stuffed in Bibb lettuce leaves.
Main Dishes
When you have a generous portion of imitation crab meat on hand, whip up one of these enticing main courses:
8. Imitation Crab Cakes
For an easy weeknight meal, imitation crab cakes can deliver the flavor of traditional crab cakes on a budget. Simply combine 1 pound imitation crab, 1 egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons mayo, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper.
Mix gently, form into patties and pan fry in oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges and remoulade sauce for a satisfying entree.
9. Imitation Crab Quiche
For a deliciously easy brunch dish, an imitation crab quiche is sure to impress. Whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup half and half, salt and pepper then stir in 1 cup shredded imitation crab.
Pour into a prepared pie crust and top with 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until set. Let cool 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh fruit for a well-rounded brunch.
10. Imitation Crab en Papillote
Cooking en papillote, or in parchment paper pouches, allows flavors to meld together beautifully. For an imitation crab version, simply top 4 (6 inch) parchment paper squares with 4 oz imitation crab, sliced veggies like zucchini and bell pepper, drizzle of olive oil and seasonings of choice.
Fold the pouches closed and bake at 400°F 15-20 minutes. The imitation crab will absorb all the delicious flavors!
11. Imitation Crab Fried Rice
When you need an easy weeknight dinner, imitation crab fried rice comes together in a flash and offers a healthier takeout alternative. Simply stir fry 4 cups chilled cooked rice with 1 pound imitation crab, 2 eggs scrambled, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sesame oil to taste and sriracha if desired.
An easy one pan meal that tastes like you ordered takeout!
12. Imitation Crab Mac and Cheese
For a creamy, comforting dish the whole family will love, imitation crab mac and cheese can’t be beat. Simply cook 8 oz pasta, make a cheese sauce with 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup flour, 2 cups milk and 2 cups cheddar cheese.
In a casserole dish, layer pasta, 1 pound imitation crab, and cheese sauce. Top with panko bread crumbs and more cheese. Bake at 375°F until bubbly for a rich and hearty meal.
Tips for Cooking with Imitation Crab
When cooking with imitation crab meat, keep these tips in mind:
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Chop, shred or pulse the imitation crab in a food processor for the best texture in casseroles or dips. Large chunks may become gummy.
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Add imitation crab at the end of cooking for salads, pasta, or rice dishes to avoid overcooking.
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Enhance flavor with lemon juice, Dijon, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, onion, or parsley.
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Take care not to overpower the mild crab flavor with stronger spices and herbs.
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Texture will be firmer than real crab. Adjust cooking times as needed.
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Check for any stray shell fragments and remove before using.
More about imitation crab
I personally use imitation crab more often than I use canned or fresh. Even though it’s not quite as good as real crab, it works really well in a lot of recipes and costs a lot less.
What is imitation crab? Imitation crab, which is also called crab stick, krab, or seafood stick, is made to taste, feel, and look like real crab meat.
To make fake crab, white fish (often Alaskan pollock) or other seafood are mixed with starch, flavorings, and other ingredients.
The seafood or fish is cut up and mixed with other things, like potato or wheat starch, to help hold everything together. Artificial flavorings and colorings are added to simulate the taste and appearance of real crab.
Does fake crab taste like real crab? Fake crab does taste and feel a lot like real crab, but it tends to be sweeter and firmer than real crab meat.
Types of Crab Meat
- This is the most expensive because there isn’t a lot of this kind of meat on a crab. However, it is also the most substantial!.
- Large lump crab meat is cheaper than the large lump crab meat, but it’s still very heavy and tastes great in crab cakes.
- This type of crab meat is a bit flakier than lump crab meat. Since more of it is on each crab, it costs less because it comes from the crab’s body.
- One of the real crab options is claw, which costs the least. There is a stronger taste to claw crab meat, and most people like jumbo lump, lump, or backfin crab meat for a good crab cake.
- Imitation crabmeat – this is the least expensive option. Since food costs so much these days, I’m more likely to pick this option.
What Can I Make With… Imitation Crab! | Cooking for Two | 4 Easy Recipes using Imitation Crabmeat
FAQ
What is imitation crab meat used for?
Is it healthy to eat imitation crab meat?
How do you use frozen imitation crab meat?
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 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 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.
How to make a fake crab dish?
The components for your own fake crab dish, are very simple. Imitation crab, mayonnaise, green onions, and mozzarella cheese are the main features of this dish. You could also add some fake lobster or shrimp flesh to your recipe.