What Are Imitation Crab Made Of?

What is Imitation Crab?

Imitation crab is a surimi seafood product, which is mostly known as crabstick or kanikama in Japan. An imitation crab is a crab-flavored stick, and most people often get confused about what an imitation crab is made of.

Imitation crab is made of surimi, a refined fish myofibrillar protein, which does not come from real crab meat. Now, approximately 20–25% of surimi is globally used for the production of imitation crab.

The invention of imitation crab gained global attention, especially in the surimi seafood industry. Consumption of imitation crab has been widespread across Japan, the United States, South Korea, Europe, Southeast Asia, and China.

The popularity of imitation crab is still on the rise due to its affordability, versatility, and resemblance to real crab meat. Interestingly, the global market for imitation crab was valued at US$ million by 2022, based on Valuates Reports’ Global Crab Stick Market.

Imitation crab has been used in various cuisines, from Western to Asian. In Western cuisine, it is often used in crab salad. In Asian cuisine, imitation crab is commonly used in dishes such as sushi, noodle dishes, and soups.

The mild flavor of imitation crab makes it easily absorb the flavors of other ingredients. This is why imitation crab is suitable for various dishes and serves a unique culinary experience.

The Ingredient

·  Surimi

The primary component of imitation crab is surimi, which has also been used for other surimi seafood. There are a number of variations of surimi in the seafood industry, from tropical to cold-water surimi.

The production of imitation crab is mostly done with pollock surimi, a cold water one. Pollock surimi is preferred for imitation crab production due to its mild flavor and white color, which are considered to closely resemble the taste of real crab meat.

The surimi used undergoes several processing steps to transform it into imitation crab, including comminution and ingredient blending, as well as shaping and cooking.

·  Starches, Sugars, and Additives

In imitation crab production, there are also other ingredients used.

Starches are added to improve the texture and binding properties of the surimi paste and give the final product a firmer texture. Sugars are also added to balance flavonoids and enhance the overall taste of imitation crab.

Moreover, during the manufacturing process, additives such as salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and other flavor enhancers are often included. This aims to improve the taste of the imitation crab, making it more similar to real crab meat.

·  Coloring Agents

Coloring agents are used to mimic the appearance of real crab meat, which can vary in color from pale white to pinkish-red, depending on the species and how it is cooked.

Red coloring agents, such as paprika extract or annatto, are commonly used to give the imitation crab a reddish hue, similar to that of cooked crab meat.

Natural and Artificial Flavors for Authenticity

Flavorings that are used to make imitation crabs can be either artificial or natural. However, both are usually mixed for production. Most of the natural flavors include organic acids, amino acids, and proteins.

The natural flavors in these products come from crab meat that has been extracted. Artificial flavorings include esters, ketones, and other organic compounds. They can be made to taste a lot like crab meat, and they are usually better than flavorings that come naturally.

Health Considerations

·  Allergens

The main ingredient in imitation crab is surimi, which clearly has fish in it. This may raise concerns for individuals with fish allergies, as even small amounts of fish can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.

However, it is also important to note that the fish used in surimi for imitation crab production are typically species like pollock, which is considered to be less allergenic than shellfish.

The final product undergoes cooking and processing steps that may denature the proteins, making them less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Still, it is recommended to always check the ingredient labels so that people can safely consume imitation crab.

·  High Sodium Content

Most surimi seafood has been considered high in sodium, including imitation crab, which can also be a concern for some people.

High sodium consumption has been linked to health issues such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In this case, many see imitation crab as not a healthy food to consume.

In fact, real crab meat, such as Alaska king crab, contains more sodium compared to imitation crab, which does not make it a better option.

The high sodium content in imitation crab can be managed by consuming it in moderation and balancing it with other low-sodium foods in the diet. Choosing low-sodium or reduced-sodium versions of imitation crab can also help mitigate the impact of its sodium content.

·  Processing Additives

Another health concern about consuming imitation crab is that it is highly processed and contains food additives like MSG. However, to ensure that imitation crab is safe for consumption, food safety authorities regulate the processing and use of additives.

MSG is a common additive in imitation crab that is used as a flavor enhancer. Despite concerns about its safety, numerous studies have found that MSG is safe for the majority of people when consumed in normal amounts.

It is also important to note that the additives used are considered safe for consumption by regulatory authorities. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, imitation crab can be a nutritious and convenient seafood option that provides essential nutrients without significant adverse effects.

Conclusion

All in all, imitation crab is primarily made of surimi. Imitation crab has become a popular and cost-effective seafood choice globally.

Due to its versatility and mild flavor, imitation crab can be used in a wide range of dishes, from Western to Asian.

Though people who are allergic to fish or on a low-sodium diet may not be able to eat it, imitation crab can still be a good option for those in proportion as part of a healthy diet, which can serve as a tasty and healthy choice.

Its popularity continues to rise, showing its appeal to consumers looking for a quick and excellent seafood option.