How to cook imitation crab meat? Useful tips for best food

If you have ever tried sushi sold at your local department store, you will definitely be impressed by the flavor of the crab – like meat put in the body of the sushi roll. What you usually call the imitation crab meat is that crab – like meat, or known as crab sticks. Would you like to know how to cook imitation crab meat?

And in this article, I will share with you some experiences as well as methods to help you be able to cook the imitation crab meat by yourself.    

Starting from Japan in the early years of the 1970s, the imitation crab was gradually popular among the international market a few years later. Also known as crab stick, the imitation crab includes a lot of groundfish species, which makes up of the paste of this dish.

As you go into any grocery store or supermarket, I am sure that you will run into a processed imitation crab. But keep in mind that in general, manufacturers tend to provide more flavor, especially sodium, starch, as well as some other artificial flavors.

In Japan, the crab stick is sometimes called “surimi.” To be exact, surimi is one of the common ingredients to make sushi and a type of seafood which is processed and featured by white flavored fish. However, it is noted that this fish has to be cooked properly and frozen afterward.    

Cholesterol, fat and calories: If you want to lose weight, then you can add the imitation crab to your diet because it is low in fat and calories. So you do not have to worry about excess pounds as enjoying it.

Sodium: The main disadvantage in terms of nutrition caused by imitation crab meat is the high content of salt. With its high amount of sodium, imitation crab meat may pose a high risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and kidney – related diseases.

Phosphorus: In terms of phosphorus, the imitation crab meat consists of a healthy amount of this element that plays an important part in maintaining the health of teeth and bones as well as making sure that your muscles and kidneys work well. Besides, phosphorus also helps carry out nerve – related function and make your heart beat regularly.

A good advice from scientific perspective is that the imitation should be eaten and served in the form of salad because this will help your body absorb good ingredients better.

After buying the crab sticks contained in the processed can, you can enjoy them directly. Besides, the crab stick can be also cooked in different ways and below are some methods you can follow to cook imitation crab.

To be able to make your imitation crab meat more delicious with various flavors, it is advised to do sautéing.

First of all, you have to wash your hands, then dry them to begin the process. Next, you combine all above ingredients together and mix them evenly. After that, squeeze a lemon into the mixture you have made.

Second, you need to split the mixture into many different portions, then make them in the shape of rectangle or flat. After you finish making its shape, put it in a refrigerator to chill. Heat up your sautéing pan to a certain level and pour a little oil into the pan to prevent sticking. Keep in mind that the heat reaches at the medium level.

Lastly, put the meat portions made before into the pan and cook them until their color becomes brown.    

Besides, you also can add some ingredients such as pepper, broccoli, or onions at your own discretion.

If you are fond of some dishes which are more guilt – free, then the imitation crab meat is what you are looking for because this dish will steam beautifully. And below is the instruction to help you do it.  

If you are fond of some dishes which are more guilt – free, then the imitation crab meat is what you are looking for because this dish will steam beautifully. And below is the instruction to help you do it.  

You just need to all clean drinking water necessary for cooking your food to make preparation for your steamer. To cook the imitation crab meat, there is no need to prepare a lot of water. As usual, it takes about one or two cups of water to cook a pack of imitation crab meat.

The next step is to put your imitation crab meat into the strainer of the steamer. Keep in mid that you have to place all crab meat in the strainer evenly so that all pieces of crab meat can be cooked fully.

You can enjoy your imitation crab sticks after approximately 5 – 10 minutes. However, because of the different sizes and shapes of imitation crab meats, so it should be checked mid – cooking to ensure that it is completely done.  

The first thing you need to do is thaw your imitation crab meat completely because it is not suggested to fry the imitation crab meat still being frozen although cold meat can be accepted.

The next step is to place each ingredient in separate containers: one plate containing the bread crumbs, one plate containing the flour, and one bowl containing the beaten egg which is used as the egg wash. Set aside.

Then, cover your imitation crab meat with flour and the egg wash respectively. Lastly, use panko or the bread crumbs to cover the sticks and set aside.   

Heat up your stove to a medium level and then pour a little oil into the pan to prevent sticking. Remember not to let all crab stick dip in the oil because it is sufficient to use a shallow fry for this kind of food.

Lastly, place your coated imitation crab meat into the hot oil until they become golden brown. The last step is to place them on the plate covered by a paper towel which absorbs the excess oil and enjoy them.

Firstly, wash your hands carefully and mix all ingredients evenly and thoroughly. In addition, you also can add any ingredient you are fond of to your meal if you want further flavor and taste. Your best bet can be sauce, chili, or salt.

Then, you put it in the refrigerator to make it chilled. This type of imitation crab can be served as filling for a few other wraps or sandwich.   

Although there are now many recipes available on the internet to help you cook the imitation crab by using a steamer, chilling, deep frying, oven, or the sautéing, this cuisine is still loved and unique.  

I hope that these useful tips for how to cook imitation crab meat will help you make great food for your family and your friends.