10+ Imitated Crab Recipes You’ll Love to Try

Imitation crab meat is a popular ingredient in many dishes. It has a mild flavor and an affordable price.

You can use imitation crab to create a variety of meals. From salads to casseroles, this seafood substitute offers many possibilities for home cooks.

Whether you want to try something new or enjoy a classic favorite, these recipes can satisfy your cravings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make tasty dishes for any occasion.

1) Classic Crab Salad with Celery and Ranch

This classic crab salad is simple and delicious. You can use imitation crab meat for an affordable option.

The mix of crunchy celery and creamy ranch dressing makes it a refreshing dish. Start by chopping the celery into small pieces.

Break apart the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, celery, and ranch dressing.

Stir everything together until coated. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.

Ingredients

• 1 pound imitation crab meat
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the celery into small pieces.
2. Break the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, combine crab, celery, and ranch dressing.
4. Stir until well mixed.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
7. Serve as desired.

2) Krabs Enchiladas with Cream of Celery and Green Chilies

You will love making Krabs Enchiladas with imitation crab. This recipe combines creamy flavors with a little kick.

Mix imitation crab with cream of celery, diced green chilies, and some spices. Spoon this mixture into flour tortillas.

Roll them up and place them in a baking dish. Top the enchiladas with cheese and some extra green chilies.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly. Enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare!

Ingredients

• 1 can imitation crab meat
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix imitation crab, cream of celery, and green chilies.
3. Spoon the mixture into flour tortillas and roll them up.
4. Place the enchiladas in a baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheese and any remaining green chilies.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

3) Imitation Crab Cakes with Mayonnaise and Mustard

Creating imitation crab cakes is simple and delicious. You can use canned or packaged imitation crab meat for this recipe.

Mix mayonnaise and mustard to add flavor and moisture. In a bowl, combine 2 lbs of imitation crab, 2/3 cup of mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.

This combination creates a tasty base. You can add some lemon juice for a zesty twist.

Form the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet. Fry until they are golden brown on both sides.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs imitation crab
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Optional: spices like cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the imitation crab, mayonnaise, and mustard.
2. Add eggs and lemon juice; blend well.
3. Shape the mixture into patties.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Cook cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

4) Garlic Butter Sautéed Imitation Crab Meat

This garlic butter sautéed imitation crab meat recipe is quick and tasty. You can prepare it in under 10 minutes.

Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.

Add the imitation crab meat to the pan. Cook the crab meat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring gently.

You want it heated through but not overcooked. For extra flavor, you can add spices like Old Bay seasoning.

Serve this dish warm. Pair it with rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound imitation crab meat
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: Old Bay seasoning

Cooking Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add imitation crab meat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring gently.
4. Season with Old Bay if desired and serve warm.

5) Creamy Pasta with Garlic, Parmesan, and Imitation Crab

This dish is simple and delicious. The creamy sauce combines well with the imitation crab and pasta.

You will enjoy the flavors of garlic and Parmesan in every bite. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a pan, add olive oil and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.

Add half-and-half and let it thicken slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan for a creamy texture.

Mix in the imitation crab and cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (linguine or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup imitation crab, torn into pieces
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in half-and-half, simmering until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted.
6. Add imitation crab and cooked pasta; toss to combine.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

6) Cold Imitation Crab Dip with Chives

This cold imitation crab dip with chives is an easy and tasty snack perfect for parties. You will love how quickly it comes together, taking only about 20 minutes to prepare.

Start with some imitation crab meat and mix it with cream cheese and chives. The combination adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Serve it with crackers, veggies, or use it as a spread for sandwiches. Your guests will enjoy this treat!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces imitation crab meat
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the imitation crab meat and chives to the bowl.
3. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix until well combined.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.

7) Seafood Spaghetti with Imitation Crab and Cream Sauce

This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. You can make it in about 30 minutes.

The creamy sauce pairs well with the imitation crab and adds a rich flavor to the spaghetti. Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions.

While it cooks, prepare a simple cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Once your pasta is ready, combine it with the cream sauce and imitation crab.

Toss in some fresh parsley for added color and taste.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup imitation crab meat
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted water, according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add half-and-half and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
4. Mix in imitation crab meat and heat through.
5. Combine with drained spaghetti and season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

8) Imitation Crab Ceviche with Cucumber and Onion

Imitation crab ceviche is a refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare. It combines the flavors of crab with crunchy cucumbers and zesty onions.

Start by mixing shredded imitation crab with diced cucumber and finely chopped onions. Add chopped cilantro for freshness.

A generous squeeze of lime juice brings everything together. If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeño.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it on its own or with tortilla chips for added crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 pack of imitation crab (about 14 oz)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Optional: diced jalapeño

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine imitation crab, cucumber, and onion.
2. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
3. Add jalapeño if desired.
4. Mix well and let it sit for a few minutes.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

9) Lemon Butter Crab Pasta with Garlic and White Wine

This Lemon Butter Crab Pasta is a quick and delicious meal. You can make it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

The combination of garlic, lemon, and white wine enhances the sweet flavor of the crab. Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a pan, melt butter and add minced garlic.

After a minute, pour in white wine and let it simmer. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the sauce.

Toss in lump crab meat and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

4. Pour in white wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes.

5. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.

6. Stir in lump crab meat and lemon juice.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Serve right away.

10) Imitation Crab Hot Dog Salad

Imitation crab hot dog salad is a fun and easy dish. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or a simple lunch.

This salad combines the flavors of imitation crab with hot dogs. Start by chopping imitation crab and your favorite hot dogs into small pieces.

Mix in diced celery and green onions for crunch. For the dressing, blend mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice.

This adds a nice tang to your salad. Combine everything in a large bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces imitation crab, chopped
• 2 hot dogs, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Lettuce leaves (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop imitation crab into small pieces. Cut hot dogs into small pieces.

2. Dice the celery. Slice the green onions.

3. Put the crab, hot dogs, celery, and green onions in a bowl.

4. In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Stir everything well.

6. Place the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

7. Serve the salad on lettuce or use it as a sandwich filling.