Imitation Crab Meat Recipes
Without further ado, here are my absolute favorite ways to use kani.
Kani Salad
15 minutes is all you need to whip up a batch of Kani Salad, also called Kanikama salad. This American Japanese crab salad recipe is loaded with imitation crab, crunchy vegetables, Panko bread crumbs and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. You'll also love: Spicy Krab Roll and Sushi Bake.
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Creamy Crab Pasta Salad
This creamy crab pasta salad recipe is quick and easy and can be ready in about 30 minutes. It is perfect for gatherings like potlucks, picnics, and backyard cookouts.
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Crab and Artichoke Dip
Replace expensive crab with Kani to make a hot dip with cream cheese, artichokes and a mix of shredded cheese.
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Spicy Krab Roll
Make a delicious Spicy Krab Roll at home in under 30 minutes! This spicy kani roll is filled with Kani Salad and seasoned sushi rice. It includes many of the same ingredients as our beloved Sushi Bake. You'll love making sushi recipes at home!
Spicy Krab Roll
Sushi Bake
Make this easy Sushi Bake recipe, a.k.a sushi casserole, for your next party or meal. No rolling required and it's ready to rock in less than 30 minutes. Use Kani to make it a deconstructed California roll or swap in salmon to make a salmon sushi baked recipe. Make sure to check out: Kani Salad.
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How to Make Temaki Sushi (Hand Roll Sushi)
Put away the bamboo mat and make Temaki Sushi, a.k.a. hand roll sushi, instead. Load up on sushi rice, sheets of nori and your favorite fillings and get to hand rolling sushi cones. More Sushi Recipes.
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Crab Dip
This creamy, cheesy crab dip is packed with generous chunks of crab meat and blended with rich, melty cheese for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Nigiri (The Best Nigiri Sushi Recipes)
Mix up sushi night and make Nigiri Sushi instead of the usual sushi roll recipes or Tuna Sashimi. Load up on sushi-grade fish, make a batch of sushi rice, pick your sushi sauce recipes and get to eating!
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Crab Cakes
These tender crab cakes, made with real or imitation crab, are perfectly seasoned to please both kids and adults.
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Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
These air fryer crab rangoons are a tasty take on the classic Chinese restaurant favorite—crispy wonton shells packed with creamy crab filling.
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Crab Rangoon Dip
Crab Rangoon Dip with crispy wonton chips! This hot imitation crab dip is the perfect party appetizer and is easy to make!
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Shrimp and Crab Louis Salad
Shrimp and Crab Louie Salad is a timeless American favorite, loaded with fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy, tangy dressing.
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Crab Quiche
These Crustless Crab Quiche Bites are made with crab, Swiss cheese, and simple seasonings, resulting in great flavor and a creamy texture. Super easy to make and perfect as a snack or appetizer.
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Southern Seafood Salad
Creamy southern seafood salad is filled with krab, shrimp and tons of flavors from the south!
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Shrimp and Crab Pasta Salad
This crab and shrimp pasta is made with a kani, shrimp, garlic and noodles tossed in a creamy butter sauce.
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Bacon and Crab Pizza
Delicious bacon and crab pizza! Loaded with crab, crispy bacon, jalapeños and other pizza topping favorites! If you haven't had crab pizza before, you're in for a treat.
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Crab Bisque
Brimming with ocean flavor, this crab bisque is rich, subtly creamy, and carries a gentle kick of heat.
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Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
With a cream cheese and crab meat filling topped with crispy Panko crumbs, these creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are classy enough for holiday entertaining and easy enough to make all the time!
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Recipes Imitation Crab
The below recipes can easily convert to kani recipes. Just use krab in equal parts to the seafood called for:
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe loaded with shrimp, avocados, lime juice, onions and flavor. Make it spicy and bold or keep it mild.
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Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
Quick and easy ahi tuna poke bowls loaded with fresh ahi tuna, soy sauce, avocado, rice (optional), tuna poke marinade and cucumbers. This ahi tuna poke recipe makes for a healthy and light lunch or dinner. Serve alongside Kani Salad. For an extra kick, drizzle it with our spicy ahi tuna poke bowl sauce!
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Squid Ink Pasta
Squid ink pasta, with a light and flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce, is ready in only 20 minutes.
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Imitation Crab FAQs
Can imitation crab be used as a substitute for real crab in recipes?
Yes, imitation crab recipes can be made using real crab. No other edits are necessary. Just note, the flavor and texture is different than real crab, so expect some flavor and texture differences in the final dish.
What is imitation crab made of?
Imitation crab is made from a mix of white fish, usually Alaskan pollock, flavorings, and additives.
Does imitation crab taste like real crab?
While not exact, it’s relatively close. Imitation crab is sweeter and milder than real crab meat. The texture and appearance are pretty darn close, however.
Can imitation crab be eaten raw?
Imitation crab comes pre-cooked so it is safe to eat out of the package. No additional cooking time is required.
Additional Resources and Guides
I’ve authored a few more guides to help with all-things-sushi, including:
For addition information on Imitation Crab (Kani) and Imitation Crab Recipes, check out my What is Kani and Kanikama guides. They’re loaded with additional information about this budget-friendly seafood alternative.
Leave a comment below and let me know how you enjoy using this ingredient. I’m always looking for new ideas.
