Crab stick

Crab sticks - imitation crab meat made from surimi.

Crab sticks, also known as imitation crab meat, seafood sticks, or sometimes colloquially referred to as krab, are a type of processed seafood made from surimi, the finely pulverized flesh of white fish. They are specially shaped and flavored to mimic the leg meat of the snow crab or the Japanese spider crab. Originating from the Japanese culinary tradition, crab sticks are a variant of kamaboko, a type of cured and steamed fish cake.

Imitation crab meat

History

Surimi RZ

The use of surimi, the primary ingredient in crab sticks, has its roots in the culinary traditions of East Asia. Over several centuries, various regions developed techniques to grind fish into a thick paste and use this base to create various food items. While the exact origins and history of crab sticks specifically are not clear, they are a modern iteration of the traditional fish cake concept found throughout East Asian cuisine.

Production and Composition

Crab sticks are primarily composed of surimi, which is usually made from white fish species such as pollock or hake. The fish flesh is first cleaned, deboned, and then finely pulverized. This fish paste is then seasoned, flavored, and colored to resemble crab meat. The mixture is then shaped into thin sticks that emulate the appearance of crab legs.

There are also other ingredients typically added to enhance the flavor, texture, and appearance of the crab stick. These may include egg whites, starches, salt, sugars, and natural or artificial flavors. Color is often imparted through natural or artificial food colorants, typically to give the sticks their characteristic orange or red "cooked crab" appearance.

Culinary Uses

Crab sticks are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are often found in sushi rolls, where they are commonly referred to as "krab" to distinguish them from genuine crab meat. Additionally, they can be added to salads, stir-fries, and seafood chowders or eaten on their own as a snack, either straight from the package or slightly warmed.

Because they are a processed product, crab sticks can be stored for longer periods than fresh seafood and are often found in the frozen or refrigerated sections of supermarkets.

Nutritional Information

In comparison to real crab meat, crab sticks tend to have a higher carbohydrate and lower protein content due to the added starches and fillers. They are also typically lower in vitamins and minerals found in natural crab meat. However, they can be a source of omega-3 fatty acids, depending on the type of fish used to make the surimi.

Criticism and Considerations

While crab sticks are enjoyed by many for their flavor and affordability, they have faced criticism for potentially misleading consumers, as they do not actually contain crab meat. Some argue that the name "crab stick" should be used more transparently, highlighting the imitation aspect of the product. Additionally, individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions may need to exercise caution, as crab sticks can contain wheat (from the starches) or other potential allergens.

See Also

• Surimi
• Kamaboko
• Japanese cuisine