10+ Fake Crabmeat Recipes You’ll Love to Try

Fake crabmeat, also known as imitation crab, is a popular ingredient in many dishes. It offers a tasty and budget-friendly alternative to real crab meat, making it accessible for home cooks. Using fake crabmeat, you can create delicious meals that are easy to prepare and enjoyable for everyone.

From savory crab cakes to creamy pasta salads, the options are endless. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a variety of recipes that showcase the fresh flavors of seafood without breaking the bank. So, get ready to explore some delightful dishes that use fake crabmeat!

1) Garlic Butter Sautéed Imitation Crab

Garlic butter sautéed imitation crab is quick to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect as a main dish or a tasty appetizer. You can have this dish ready in under ten minutes!

To start, gather your imitation crab meat, butter, garlic, and seasonings. You might also want to add a dash of lemon juice or Old Bay for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound imitation crab meat
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon juice or Old Bay seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the butter and let it melt.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the imitation crab meat and season with salt and pepper.
5. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently until warmed through.
6. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon if desired.

2) Creamy Crab Pasta Salad Delight

This Creamy Crab Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for summer gatherings. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare. Combining imitation crab meat with pasta creates a delightful meal that your family and friends will enjoy.

To start, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. You can use shells or any shape you like.

While the pasta cools, mix together creamy dressing ingredients.

Once your pasta is ready and cooled, combine it with chopped imitation crab, diced vegetables, and the dressing. Give it a good toss to make sure everything is mixed well.

Chill it for a bit in the refrigerator before serving. This dish is refreshing and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (shells or your choice)
• 1 cup imitation crab meat
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: diced celery or bell pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and let cool.
2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice.
3. Add cooled pasta, crab meat, and vegetables to the bowl.
4. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3) Herbed Imitation Crab Cakes

Herbed imitation crab cakes are a tasty option that’s easy to make. These cakes are flavorful and perfect for a quick meal. You can enjoy them as an appetizer or a main dish.

To make them, start with flaked imitation crab meat. Add fresh herbs like parsley and dill for great flavor. Mixing in some breadcrumbs will help bind the cakes together.

You can pan-fry them until golden brown, making a crispy outside. Serve with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite sauce for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups imitation crab meat, flaked
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the imitation crab, parsley, dill, breadcrumbs, egg, and mayonnaise.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small patties.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Crab-Enchilada Fusion

Crab enchiladas are a delicious twist on traditional recipes. You can use imitation crab or real crab meat for great flavor. A creamy filling makes these enchiladas unique and satisfying.

Start by sautéing onions and mixing them with crab meat, cheese, and spices. Then, roll this filling in tortillas.

Top with a light sour cream sauce for extra creaminess.

Bake the enchiladas at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warm and bubbly. Serve with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and taste. These crab enchiladas are perfect for a fun dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 lb imitation crab or fresh crab meat
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté the chopped onion until clear.
3. Mix the onion, crab, and cheese in a bowl.
4. Roll the mixture in tortillas and place in a baking dish.
5. Top with enchilada sauce and sour cream.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
7. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

5) Imitation Crab Dip Fiesta

This Imitation Crab Dip Fiesta is perfect for parties. It combines creamy flavors with a zesty kick that everyone will enjoy.

To make it, you’ll need cream cheese, picante sauce, imitation crab, cheese, and onions. This dip is easy and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup picante sauce
• 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onions

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and picante sauce until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped imitation crab meat.
3. Add the shredded cheese and onions, mixing well.
4. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.

6) Cheesy Crab Fondue Meltdown

Cheesy crab fondue is a fun dish perfect for sharing. It combines rich flavors and creamy texture for a delightful treat. You can enjoy it with bread, veggies, or crackers.

Start by melting cream cheese and sharp cheddar in a pot. Stir in some white wine for extra flavor.

Once it’s smooth, mix in crabmeat for that delicious seafood twist.

This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. You’ll love dipping fresh ingredients into the warm, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 (5-ounce) jar sharp cheddar cheese
• 8-12 ounces of crabmeat (not imitation)
• 1/4 cup white wine

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt cream cheese over low heat.
2. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese until smooth.
3. Slowly add white wine, continue stirring.
4. Mix in crabmeat once the cheese is melted.
5. Serve warm with bread or veggies for dipping.

7) Classic Dill Crab Salad

Classic Dill Crab Salad is a simple and delicious dish. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side at gatherings. The mix of flavors makes it a favorite.

To prepare, you’ll want to use imitation crab meat, which is affordable and tasty. Combine it with diced celery, red onion, and fresh dill for a fresh taste.

Add some mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a bit of salt and pepper to bring everything together. This salad is creamy and flavorful, making it a great choice for any meal.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces imitation crab meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the imitation crab meat, diced red onion, and celery.
2. Add the mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix everything gently until well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

8) Old Bay Seasoned Crab Stir Fry

This Old Bay seasoned crab stir fry is quick and tasty. You can whip it up in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun lunch.

Start by heating some oil in a pan. Add fresh veggies like bell peppers and snow peas for crunch. Then, toss in your imitation crab meat.

Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over everything. This gives a lovely flavor that pairs well with the crab. Keep stirring until everything is heated through.

Serve it hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious stir fry!

Ingredients

• 1 pound imitation crab meat
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (375°F/190°C).
2. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the imitation crab meat and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning and stir well.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

9) Imitation Crab Alfredo Extravaganza

You’re in for a treat with this creamy Imitation Crab Alfredo. It’s a delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The velvety sauce pairs well with tender pasta and tender crabmeat.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne. While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic for flavor. Then, stir in cream and parmesan cheese to create a rich sauce.

Add the imitation crab and let it warm through. Combine everything with your pasta and sprinkle some parsley on top. Serve hot for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz imitation crab meat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Mix in parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Add imitation crab and heat for 2-3 minutes.
7. Drain pasta and combine with sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

10) Zesty Crab Quiche Experience

You are about to enjoy a delicious zesty crab quiche. This dish combines the savory flavors of imitation crabmeat with fresh ingredients to make a delightful meal. It’s perfect for brunch or a fun dinner.

The creamy filling features eggs, milk, and a blend of spices. You can add cheese for extra taste. The bright flavors make every bite enjoyable.

To ensure your quiche is baked just right, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake until it’s golden and set. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup imitation crabmeat
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1 pie crust

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk.
3. Add the imitation crabmeat and cheese.
4. Then, pour the mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.