Are you a seafood lover but can’t get any fresh crabs in your area? Try imitation crab! Also known as crab sticks or Kani sticks, this Japanese invention is actually made from a fish called surimi. It tastes like crab but is made with fish. You’ll definitely get that much-needed seafood fix! From salads to appetizers, to casseroles and pasta dishes, here are some of the most delicious imitation crab recipes.
1. Crab Salad
Craving a rich and creamy seafood salad? You’ll love this one! Mix in shredded imitation crab, mayonnaise, minced onions, celery, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill for an hour, and it’s ready to be served! This goes wonderfully with dinner rolls. You can even make it into a sandwich with lightly toasted white bread.
2. Hot Imitation Crab Dip
Hot imitation crab dip is the perfect way to enjoy toasted breads, crackers, or veggie sticks like carrots or celery. It’s so easy to make, too! Add mayo, cream cheese, and your favorite spices and seasonings to imitation crab. Microwave for 1-2 minutes and get ready to dip into some creamy crab goodness. This also makes for a great sandwich filling!
3. Seafood Macaroni Salad
Seafood macaroni salad is the perfect side dish at barbecues! This is a fantastic way to balance out strong and savory meaty flavors, and it only takes 15 minutes to prepare. For this macaroni salad, I like to add in black olives, celery, and even some extra shrimp. The more seafood, the better, right? For the best tasting seafood macaroni salad made with imitation crab, be sure to serve it chilled!
4. Cream of Crab Soup
Imagine this: It’s a cool, rainy afternoon on a Sunday, and you have a warm bowl of creamy crab soup. One taste, and you’re in soup heaven! Cream of crab soup is one of my favorite appetizers, especially for a meal with lots of other seafood. It’s also great for a light lunch along with a fresh salad!
5. Imitation Lobster Rolls
If you’re a big lobster roll fan like me, you know how frustrating it can be if you can’t find fresh lobsters! That’s why I like to buy a pack of imitation crab sticks to make my very own imitation lobster rolls. They’re super easy, too! Take some shredded imitation crab and mix it in with mayo, green onions, garlic powder, and pepper. You can even add in some shredded lettuce. Place on a lightly toasted bun and enjoy imitation lobster rolls in 15 minutes or less!
6. Crab Rangoon
Crab rangoon appetizers are a Chinese restaurant staple, but did you know that these crispy, deep-fried treats were actually invented in America? Dip them in sweet and sour sauce for the perfect bite! To make your very own imitation crab rangoon at home, you only need 3 ingredients; imitation crab, cream cheese, and wonton wrappers. Mix your crab and cream cheese together, season with some salt, wrap in wonton wrappers, and deep-fry. Voila!
7. Copycat Crab Casserole
Crab casserole is another dish you’ll find in many Chinese restaurants. This copycat recipe makes crab casserole from Hunan Chinese Buffet, a famous lunch hotspot in Mississippi. Creamy, cheesy, and super yummy, you’ll love this casserole. And it takes less than an hour to make!
8. Seafood Enchiladas
Imitation crab in your Mexican dish? Yep! This is a meal for the HUNGRY! One bite and you’ll know you’ve made good use of imitation crab sticks. This recipe is a little more difficult to make, as you need quite a few ingredients, plus some tortilla wrapping skills. But trust me, it’s so worth the effort!
9. Mel’s Crab Salad
If you really love imitation crab, this sweet and creamy salad is sure to be a new favorite. The salad consists of just imitation crab and some celery, but the secret is in the dressing! You’ll mix in two kinds of dressing: ranch and your own blend of mayo and soybean oil. That perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and tangy will have you making this salad again and again.
10. Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole
Here’s another Chinese-style crab casserole you can try. What I love about this recipe is that it’s not creamy, but it’s definitely not lacking in flavor either! To make your own crab casserole with imitation crab, you’ll only need four ingredients. Imitation crab, mayo, green onions, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add in some imitation lobster meat or shrimp.
11. Golden Corral Crab Salad
There’s a reason why Golden Corral is one of the most well-known buffets… their food is amazing! One of my favorites is their crab salad. It’s rich and creamy with lots of crunchy celery bits. Pair this tasty salad with some fried chicken, steak, or fish. This crab salad is also great for parties and potlucks. Your guests will love it!
12. Imitation Crab Cakes
I love crab cakes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, but this crab cake recipe is my number one favorite! Even with imitation crab meat, it tastes just as delicious. The Old Bay spice plus the lemon flavors go perfectly together, and the crab cake really holds its shape. You can enjoy them on their own, or turn them into a seafood burger!
13. Crab Alfredo
Alfredo is my go-to sauce whenever I’m craving some pasta. When I discovered how well imitation crab goes with this dish, I couldn’t stop making it! Just add some mushrooms, onions, and chicken broth to your own Alfredo sauce. Toss in the imitation crab and pasta of choice for a satisfying and tasty meal you won’t forget!
14. Cheesy Crab Pasta
If you’ve never had a cheese and crab combo before, you’ll love this recipe! My pasta of choice for this dish is shells. Those little curves hold the rich but zesty crab sauce perfectly, so every bite is pure seafood perfection.
15. Shrimp and Crab Pasta
Seafood isn’t really known to be a kid-friendly meal, but this shrimp and crab pasta might be the exception! It’s simple, delicious, and you can whip it up in less than 30 minutes. This olive oil-based pasta has some tomato chunks, shrimps, and of course imitation crab. Use spaghetti or your long pasta of choice, and the whole family will thank you for it. Don’t forget to top it off with lots of parmesan!
16. Crab Delight Bites
Looking for the perfect appetizers for when you have guests over? These crab delight bites will surely impress your friends and family. They’re made with imitation crab meat, cream cheese, garlic, and jalapenos, then placed on mini phyllo cups. Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy crab filling with a crunchy shell? These tasty little bites will be gone in a flash! Click on a star to rate it!
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