What you need for imitation crab salad
- Imitation crab
- Lettuce
- Glass noodles
- Cilantro (or other herbs of choice such as parsley or mint)
- Cucumbers
Sesame soy dressing
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Toasted sesame seeds
What is imitation crab and where can you get it?
Imitation crab is often referred to as crab sticks, seafood sticks, or surimi. Despite its name, imitation crab is actually not made out of crab meat. Instead, imitation crab is a paste that is commonly made out of a white fish, such as pollock, and sometimes added with some type of starch, seasonings, and eggs.
Imitation crab can sometimes be found at regular supermarkets in the Asian refrigerated section. You can also try the seafood aisle. However, most Asian markets will carry a wide variety of imitation crab products. It is usually in the refrigerated aisle next to the tofu or fish cake section. Sometimes, it can also be found in the freezer aisle next to the frozen dumplings and fish cake. There are so many different brands of imitation crab products. To be honest, I never remember which brand I like best and almost always end up buying which ever one looks like its most popular!
How to store, use, and cook imitation crab
Imitation crab should be stored in its original packaging and consumed by its best by date on the package. Imitation crab can either be stored in the fridge or freezer depending on specific packaging instructions. Generally, I like to keep my imitation crab in the freezer until I am ready to use them. I will normally defrost them in the refrigerator over night. If you need a quick defrost, you can put the imitation crab (in its originally packaging) in a large bowl and run under warm (not hot) water for 15-30 minutes.
Imitation crab is a precooked item. It can be consumed straight out of the fridge or further cooked. They are most commonly known as an ingredient used for sushi, but there are so many other ways that imitation crab can be used. They are delicious in salads, stir fries, hotpot, soup, and even casseroles! I’ve also had them in fried wontons and egg rolls, which were delicious.
How to make imitation crab salad
- Prepare imitation crab. If you’re using refrigerated imitation crab, simply remove imitation from plastic packaging. Most imitation crab will have an additional wrapping on each crab stick. If imitation crab sticks are individually wrapped, remove plastic covering on each. Refrigerated imitation crab sticks are ready to eat as is. However, if you have frozen imitation crab, defrost in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, you can also soak entire package in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes or until defrosted.
- Once imitation crab has been defrosted and removed from all packaging, cut into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare glass noodles according to package instructions. Most glass noodles can be prepared by simply soaking in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Once noodles are soft, drain excess water. Use food scissors to cut glass noodles into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
- Wash lettuce, cucumbers, and cilantro or other herbs you are using. Cut lettuce and cucumbers into bite sized pieces. Finely chop herbs.
- In bowl mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and lemon juice. Mix until all sugar as dissolved. Add in toasted sesame seeds and mix.
- In a large salad bowl, add lettuce, glass noodles, cucumbers, imitation crab sticks, and herbs. Enjoy salad immediately or store in a tight container in fridge for up to 5 days. Store salad dressing in fridge for up to a week and mix well before serving.
