Imitation crab is a very versatile ingredient that sometimes gets forgotten. It is a great way to get lean protein into a dish in healthy imitation crab recipes. Moreover, the best part about using imitation crab meat is that it is ready to eat.
Just open the package and add the imitation crab to a dish such as creamy crab salad or sushi bowl.
Easy healthy imitation crab recipes can be made cold or in an instant pot, air fryer, cast iron pan, or baked in a casserole dish.
Of course, fresh real crab meat is delicious and can be used in a variety of recipes as well. However, imitation crab meat is an affordable food to save on the expense of ingredients in a dish.
What is Imitation Crab Meat?
Imitation crab meat also known as “fake crab meat” gets overlooked sometimes as a really nutritious choice. That’s why imitation crab meat is being highlighted on Handmade Healthy.
Imitation crab meat is made from Alaskan Pollock fish which is a white fish that contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
There are typically two types of cuts of imitation crab that you can find int eh package and ready to eat. The cuts are chunks of imitation crab and crab sticks.
Imitation crab meat is also commonly found inside of sushi rolls. Sushi restaurants normally shred the imitation crab meat into small pieces and mix with mayonnaise and other seasonings.
These recipes are perfect for a protein snack box.
Imitation Crab vs Blue Crabs
When it comes to flavor, both imitation crab and blue crabs have a place on the menu. No imitation crab is not the real thing but it is simple ingredients that are easy to prepare in lots of dishes. In fact, they are both perfect for a variety of unique dishes for seafood lovers delights.
Here are the benefits of imitation crab meat:
- Convenient
- Affordable
- Less cost than blue crab
- Ready to Eat out of the package
- Can be eaten hot or cold
- Taste delicious
Here are the benefits of adding blue crabs to a dish:
- Natural crab flavor
- Real crab texture
Although both blue crab and imitation crab are delicious ingredients, there is a place for each of them on the menu.
Best Imitation Crab Recipes Healthy
These imitation crab recipes add a variety of flavorful ideas to your recipe collection. Here is the full list summary of healthy imitation crab recipes.
Cajun Crab Dip
Seafood Spring Rolls
Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
Spicy Kani Salad
Alaska Roll Sushi
Mango Kani Salad
Garlic Butter Imitation Crab Meat
Deconstructed Sushi Bowl
Baked Crab Rangoon Flatbread Pizza
Shrimp & Imitation Crab Lemon Garlic Pasta
Crab Casserole
Simple Imitation Crab Rangoon Dip
Imitation Crab Sushi Bake
Crab Corn Tomato Salad
Crab Pasta Salad
Kani Sushi Recipe
Creamy Crab Spinach Toast Bites
California Rolls
Of course, all of these delicious recipes deserve a proper description to set them apart.
Simple Healthy Imitation Crab Recipes
These simple recipes are perfect for every seafood enthusiast! Some of the recipes are made in a very healthy way. However, there are some bonus tips for the recipes for healthier version as needed.
Cajun Crab Dip
This cajun crab dip features imitation crab along with whipped cream cheese, old bay seasoning or liquid crab boil, and green onions.
Seafood Spring Rolls
These spring rolls feature imitation crab in a nice crunchy roll texture. To keep this a little healthier, instead of frying, air fry the rolls rather than deep fry.
Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
Similarly, this crab rangoon egg roll recipe features a traditional egg roll with filling. However, to make this the handmade healthy way, the best way to reduce the fat and calories is to air fry the egg rolls.
Spicy Kani Salad
The kani salad features panko bread crumbs and kewpie mayo along with the crab. The term kani salad refers to a mixture of imitation crab and with spicy mayonnaise.
Alaska Roll Sushi
These delicious sushi rolls feature ingredients such as nori seaweed sheets, kewpie mayo, avocado, along with salmon and imitation crab meat. Get creative by making a California roll.
Mango Kani Salad
These crab meat sticks along with mango spears are perfect for a refreshing no cook dinner.
Garlic Butter Imitation Crab Meat
Seafood flavors tend to go well with the flavor of garlic butter. However, rather than all butter, cut the amount of butter in the recipe in half and use the rest as olive oil. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Deconstructed Sushi Bowl
Oh wow this deconstructed sushi bowl offers the flavors of a sushi roll in a convenient bowl. Instead of rolling the sushi in seaweed wrap, the seaweed is cut into strips.
Baked Crab Rangoon Flatbread Pizza
It seems like you can make a pizza with just about any ingredient these days. However, what is a good way to make the pizza is with flatbread. If you find a whole wheat flatbread, that can be a source of fiber and nutrients as well.
Shrimp & Imitation Crab Lemon Garlic Pasta
This delicious recipe combines shrimp and imitation crab which really is a fantastic and delicious combination of ingredients. Lemon and fresh garlic or garlic powder are the perfect flavor additions to this combination of shrimp, crab, and pasta.
Crab Casserole
This recipe for crab casserole looks absolutely mouth watering. The casserole includes chopped imitation crab along with lemon, celery, and green onions.
Simple Imitation Crab Rangoon Dip
A rangoon is wonton wrappers stuffed with imitation crab, cream cheese, garlic powder and more. Making a rangoon dip is an interesting spin on the traditional recipe.
Imitation Crab Sushi Bake
This sushi baked imitation crab is a great way to turn a family dinner into a meal that the everyone will want you to make over and over.
Crab Corn Tomato Salad
Oh wow what a fresh take on a this salad recipe. I can not wait to try make this one again!
Crab Pasta Salad
Welcome to your new favorite imitation crab salad recipe … crab pasta salad.
Kani Sushi Recipe
This super sushi recipe makes sushi making at home possible. The fun part about making sushi is that it can be a family activity.
Creamy Crab Spinach Toast Bites
The perfect seafood appetizer is here! These crab spinach toast bites are such a great idea for a party.
California Rolls
This recipe has step-by-step instructions for making the perfect sushi rice. The recipe calls for crab sticks and avocado as well.
Imitation Crab Recipe Ingredients
Seafood lovers know that imitation crab meat recipes make a perfect appetizer.
Most of the main ingredient imitation crab is found in two forms:
- lump crab meat
- crab sticks
When you combine imitation crab meat to make a dip, whether it is a hot imitation crab dip or a cold dip, the most common ingredients used are the following:
- sour cream
- cream cheese
- mayonnaise
How Do You Serve Imitation Crab Recipes
When serving imitation crab recipes, especially dips and creamy seafood salad, you can serve the same as traditional crab dip.
- tortilla chips
- vegetables
- crackers
Healthy Imitation Crab Recipes Low Carb
Low carb fans love imitation crab because it is low carb on its own. The following healthy imitation crab recipes are also low carb:
- Spicy Kani Salad
- Cajun Crab Dip
Imitation Crab Breakfast Recipe
Healthy Imitation Crab Meat Omelet with Veggies
Omelet made with egg whites along with fresh veggies like yellow onion and peppers. Add chunks of imitation crab to the omelet.
Here are more Healthy Breakfast Ideas for teens and adult. Moreover, if you like seafood for breakfast, these Delicious Ideas for Smoked Salmon Breakfast ideas are sure to delight.
