25 Simple Imitation Crab Recipes

Simple Imitation Crab Recipes
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Hear me out: what if you could get that seafood flavor you crave in everything from salads to pasta to casseroles, without the fuss? That’s where we’re at today.

These imitation crab recipes are easy, affordable, and just ridiculously good. From salads and appetizers to casseroles and pasta, you’ll definitely get your seafood fix!

1. Imitation Crab Cakes

I love crab cakes in every way, but can I just say, this recipe is my absolute number one! Seriously. Even using imitation crab meat, these taste just like the real deal.

The combo of Old Bay spice and bright lemon is just perfect, and the crab cake holds its shape so, so well.

You can serve them all on their own or turn them into a next-level seafood burger! I love to whip these out for special occasions.

2. Crab Rangoon Pizza

Okay, believe it or not, you can totally take everything you adore about crab rangoon and put it on a pizza! I know it might sound a little out there, but trust me, it’s a winner.

We’re talking a cheesy spread, gooey mozzarella, and imitation crab meat, all finished with a sweet chili sauce for dipping. It’s just so, so good. If you’re still on the fence, you just have to try it!

3. Imitation Lobster Rolls

If you’re a big lobster roll fan like me, you know the struggle when you can’t find fresh lobsters! That’s why I always grab a pack of imitation crab meat sticks to make my own version.

And they are stupidly easy! Just take some shredded imitation crab and mix it with mayo, green onions, garlic powder, and pepper.

You can even toss in some shredded lettuce. Pile it on a lightly toasted bun and you’ve got imitation lobster rolls in 15 minutes or less!

4. Crab Pasta Salad

Fake crab meat in a pasta salad? YUP. You’ve just met your new favorite potluck dish.

This recipe takes your traditional pasta salad and kicks it up a notch with a little seafood flair. This creamy, dreamy dish is just so perfect for summer.

5. Copycat Crab Casserole

Crab casserole is another one of those dishes you see in Chinese restaurants, and it is just perfect for your next potluck.

This copycat recipe is inspired by the famous Hunan Chinese Buffet in Mississippi. Creamy, cheesy, and so super-yummy, you will absolutely love this casserole.

And it takes less than an hour to make! Serve it with some fresh veggies to round things out.

6. Hot Imitation Crab Dip

Hot imitation crab dip is just the best way to enjoy toasted breads, crackers, tortilla chips, or even veggie sticks. And it’s so easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients!

Just add mayo, cream cheese, and your favorite spices to the imitation crab. Pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, and get ready to dive into some creamy crab goodness. This also makes for a great sandwich filling!

7. Crab Rangoon Crescent Rolls

Here’s another crab rangoon variation you are not going to want to miss. Instead of using crispy wontons, this recipe has you fill up buttery crescent rolls with that classic cream cheese and crab mixture.

That tender, flaky crust combined with the creamy, hot filling makes for one of the most decadent appetizers you’ll ever eat. I dare you to stop at just one.

8. Crab Salad

Craving a rich and creamy seafood salad? You are going to love this one! It’s made with basic pantry staples.

Just mix shredded imitation crab meat with mayonnaise, minced onions, celery, dill, salt, and pepper. Let it chill for an hour, and it’s ready to go!

This is so wonderful with dinner rolls, or you can even make it into a sandwich with some lightly toasted white bread.

9. Shrimp and Crab Pasta

Seafood isn’t always a kid-friendly meal, but this shrimp and crab pasta might just be the exception! It’s simple, delicious, and you can whip it up in under 30 minutes.

This olive oil-based pasta is packed with amazing ingredients. Use spaghetti or your favorite long pasta, and the whole family will be so happy. Don’t forget to top it off with lots of parmesan!

10. Vegan Crab Cakes

Yes, it’s true, there’s even a vegan version of crab meat, and it comes from hearts of palm. With the right amount of Old Bay seasoning, dill, and panko breadcrumbs, you get the same flavor and texture as traditional crab cakes.

You might even be able to fool die-hard seafood lovers with these little gems!

11. Seafood Enchiladas

Imitation crab meat in a Mexican dish? YES! This is a meal for the seriously hungry! One bite and you’ll know you’ve made good use of those imitation crab sticks.

This recipe is a little more involved, since you need a handful of ingredients and some tortilla-wrapping skills. But trust me, these seafood enchiladas are so worth the effort!

12. Crab Alfredo

Alfredo is my go-to pasta sauce whenever I get a craving. The moment I discovered how well imitation crab pairs with this dish, I could not stop making it!

Just add some mushrooms, onions, and chicken broth to your homemade Alfredo sauce. Toss in the imitation crab and your pasta of choice for a satisfying and tasty meal you won’t ever forget!

13. Spicy Kani Salad

If you want an easy recipe that packs a little bit of a punch, you can’t go wrong with this spicy kani salad. The dressing is a mix of creamy mayo and fiery Sriracha, so it truly has a kick.

This tasty salad is the absolute perfect side dish for homemade sushi.

14. Golden Corral Crab Salad

There’s a reason Golden Corral is one of the most famous buffets… their food is amazing!

One of my favorites has always been their crab salad. It’s so rich and creamy and has lots of crunchy celery bits. Pair this tasty salad with some fried chicken, steak, or fish.

It’s also great for parties and potlucks. Your guests will be so into it!

15. Cream of Crab Soup

Picture this: It’s a cool, rainy Sunday afternoon and you have a warm bowl of creamy crab soup. One taste and you are in soup heaven! Cream of crab soup is one of my favorite app

etizers, especially before a meal with lots of other seafood. It’s also wonderful for a light lunch next to a fresh salad!

16. Crab Delight Bites

Looking for the perfect appetizers for when you have people over? These crab delight bites will for sure impress your friends and family. They’re made with crab meat, cream cheese, garlic, and jalapenos, all piled into mini phyllo cups.

Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy filling with a crunchy shell? These tasty little bites will be gone in a flash, especially on game day!

17. Creamy Crab Bisque

This is another recipe where you can just swap in fake crab for the real deal. This bisque is so creamy, velvety, and full of rich flavor.

It’s a super indulgent appetizer, or it can even be a main dish, since it’s on the heavier side. Add a little dash of sherry on top for a treat you won’t forget.

18. Crab Rangoon

Crab rangoon appetizers are a staple at Chinese restaurants, but did you know these crispy, deep-fried treats were actually invented in America? Dip them in sweet and sour sauce for the perfect bite!

To make your own imitation crab rangoon at home, you just need 3 ingredients: imitation crab, cream cheese, and wonton wrappers. Mix the crab and cream cheese, season with a little salt, wrap them in wonton wrappers, and deep-fry. Voila!

19. Cheesy Crab Pasta

If you’ve never had a cheese and crab meat combination before, you are going to fall in love with this recipe! My pasta of choice for this dish is shells.

Those little curves hold that rich but zesty crab sauce so perfectly, making every single bite pure seafood perfection.

20. Imitation Crab Sushi Bake

Feeding a whole crowd of sushi lovers for dinner? Instead of trying to make a massive amount of rolls, whip up this casserole instead.

It’s packed with crab meat, sushi rice, cream cheese, green onions, soy sauce, and so many other incredible flavors! People will be begging you for the recipe after trying this one.

21. Seafood Macaroni Salad

Seafood macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for a barbecue! This is such a fantastic way to balance out those strong, savory, meaty flavors, and it only takes about 15 minutes to pull together.

For this macaroni salad, I like to add black olives, celery, and even some extra shrimp. The more seafood, the better, right? For the absolute best flavor, be sure to keep it chilled in the fridge!

22. Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole

Here’s another Chinese-style crab casserole you can try out. What I love about this recipe is that it isn’t creamy, but it is definitely not lacking in the flavor department!

To make your own crab casserole with imitation crab, you only need four ingredients: imitation crab, mayo, green onions, and mozzarella cheese.

23. Mel’s Crab Salad

If you’re a true seafood salad lover, this sweet and creamy version is sure to be a new favorite. The salad itself is just crab and some celery, but the secret here is all in the dressing!

You’ll be mixing two kinds: ranch and your own special blend of mayo and soybean oil. That perfect combo of sweet, creamy, and tangy will have you making this salad again and again.

24. Crab-Stuffed Salmon

Just swap out the real crab meat for fake crab in this recipe, and you are good to go! There is really nothing more indulgent than salmon stuffed with a buttery crab meat mixture.

Since this recipe is baked, the cleanup is so easy, even though the dish looks like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant.

25. Spicy Crab Salad Sushi

Making sushi at home is even easier with imitation crab meat! These tasty rolls taste just like the ones you get at your favorite sushi joint.

Now, when you first try making sushi, the rolls might not be perfectly eye-pleasing. But you know what they say: practice makes perfect.

You’ll get the hang of it in no time! You can also make a really decent California roll with imitation crab.

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