10+ Imitated Crab Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Imitation crab is such a handy, budget-friendly seafood. You can toss it into all sorts of dishes without breaking the bank.

It tastes a lot like the real thing, so you get that crabby vibe for less cash.

You can whip up everything from salads to hot bakes with imitation crab. Whether you’re craving something cool and crisp or a cozy, warm meal, it’s got your back.

1) Classic Crab Salad with Celery and Mayo

Craving something quick? Toss imitation crab, celery, and mayo together for a classic salad.

The celery brings crunch, and a little mayo holds it all together.

It’s perfect for a speedy lunch or a light snack. Scoop it onto greens or make a sandwich if you want.

For a bit more zing, sprinkle in salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon. Those little extras make it pop.

Ingredients

• 1 lb imitation crab meat
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop imitation crab into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix crab and celery in a bowl.
3. Add mayo and stir gently.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if you like.
5. Chill for about 30 minutes before eating.

2) Krabs Enchiladas with Cream of Celery and Green Chilies

You can roll up some pretty tasty enchiladas with imitation crab. Cream of celery soup and green chilies make a creamy, mild sauce.

The chilies give it a little warmth, but it’s not too spicy. I like to start by sautéing the crab with garlic and red pepper flakes.

Mix in the celery soup and chilies, then spoon the filling into flour tortillas.

Roll them up, lay them in a baking dish, and top with cheese if you’re into that.

Pop it in the oven for a quick, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• Imitation crab
• Cream of celery soup
• Canned green chilies
• Garlic
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Flour tortillas
• Cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crab, garlic, red pepper flakes, soup, and chilies.
3. Fill tortillas and roll them up.
4. Place in baking dish, top with cheese.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes until hot and melty.

3) Imitation Crab Cakes with Mustard and Breadcrumbs

Crab cakes don’t have to be fussy. Chop up imitation crab, mix with egg, a dab of mayo, and a pinch of dry mustard.

Breadcrumbs help it all stick together. You want the mix firm, not crumbly.

Shape them into little patties, then coat lightly with more breadcrumbs.

Fry in a bit of oil over medium heat. You’ll get a crisp outside and tender inside.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces imitation crab meat, chopped
• 1-2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix crab, eggs, mayo, and mustard.
2. Stir in breadcrumbs until it holds.
3. Shape into cakes.
4. Coat with extra breadcrumbs.
5. Heat oil in a pan, medium heat.
6. Cook crab cakes 3-4 minutes per side, until golden.
7. Serve warm.

4) Stuffed Salmon with Imitation Crabmeat

Stuffed salmon with imitation crabmeat feels fancy but isn’t much work. Cut a pocket in each fillet and stuff it with a mix of crab, cheese, and a few seasonings.

You’ll bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. The salmon stays juicy, and the stuffing gets all melty.

Add lemon or fresh herbs if you want to brighten it up. The sweetness of the crab really works with the salmon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup imitation crabmeat, chopped
• ½ cup shredded cheese (pepper jack or mozzarella)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a pocket in each salmon fillet.
3. Mix crab, cheese, mayo, mustard, parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each fillet.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite side.

For the full scoop, here’s a stuffed salmon recipe.

5) Sensational Crabmeat Fondue

This crabmeat fondue is creamy, warm, and super easy. You just need imitation crab, cream cheese, and a few pantry spices.

Melt the cheese, stir in crab, mayo, and seasonings. Bake until bubbly.

Dip in with bread or crackers. It’s a hit at parties, but honestly, it’s great for a night on the couch too.

If you like, add garlic or lemon juice for a little extra punch.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix cream cheese and mayo until smooth.
3. Stir in crab, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Spoon into an oven-safe dish.
6. Bake 20 minutes until hot and bubbling.
7. Serve with bread or crackers.

Want more? Here’s a Sensational Crabmeat Fondue recipe.

6) Hot Crab Dip with Creamy Cheese

This hot crab dip is cheesy, creamy, and just right for sharing. Mix imitation crab with cream cheese, a little sour cream, and cheddar.

You can toss in some hot sauce if you want a little heat. Bake until it’s golden and bubbly.

Serve with crackers or veggie sticks. It disappears fast at parties.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces imitation crab meat
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crab, cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and hot sauce.
3. Stir in cheddar.
4. Spread in a baking dish.
5. Bake 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve warm.

7) Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Imitation Crab

Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with imitation crab is comfort food, plain and simple. Cook your favorite pasta, then make a sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and a ton of Parmesan.

Toss in chopped imitation crab for a mild seafood twist. I like to finish with parsley or a splash of lemon.

It’s quick, filling, and feels a little fancy even on a weeknight.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup imitation crab, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta, drain, set aside.
2. Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in cream, simmer gently.
4. Add Parmesan, stir until smooth.
5. Mix in crab, heat through.
6. Toss pasta with sauce.
7. Season, garnish with parsley if you like, and serve.

If you want more ideas, check out this creamy pasta with imitation crab recipe.

8) Lemon Butter Crab Pasta with White Wine

Making this pasta is honestly a breeze. Lemon brightens up the whole dish, and butter brings that cozy richness.

White wine? It adds a little tang and some depth, making the sauce taste fresh. I always love how the flavors come together.

Start by sautéing garlic and shallots in butter. Once they’re soft, pour in white wine and lemon juice to make a light sauce.

Toss in your imitation crab and cooked pasta. Stir until everything’s nicely coated.

This recipe comes together fast, so it’s perfect for when you want something good without spending all night in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup imitation crab meat
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the pasta as the package says, then drain and set it aside.
2. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and shallot, sautéing until fragrant—about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the wine and lemon juice, simmering for 3 minutes.
5. Gently stir in the imitation crab meat.
6. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything’s coated.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Top with parsley if you want.
8. Serve it up while it’s still warm.

9) Garlic Butter Sautéed Imitation Crab Meat

If you’re short on time, this garlic butter crab is a lifesaver. The garlic adds a mellow flavor, and the butter keeps the crab juicy.

Melt some butter in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and cook it for about a minute, just until it smells amazing.

Add the crab meat and stir gently so it doesn’t fall apart. Keep cooking until it’s heated through.

Try it over rice or pasta, or just eat it straight from the pan—I won’t judge. A pinch of Old Bay or some fresh herbs really takes it up a notch.

Ingredients

• 1 lb imitation crab meat
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Toss in the imitation crab meat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently.
4. Sprinkle with Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve it warm.

You’ll find more tips in this garlic butter sautéed imitation crab meat recipe.

10) Imitation Crab Ceviche with Cucumber and Onion

Craving something light and refreshing? This imitation crab ceviche is ridiculously easy.

Mix shredded crab with crisp cucumber and sharp red onion. The lime juice brings a bright, tangy kick.

Want more color? Toss in diced tomatoes. If you like a little heat, chop up some serrano peppers.

Cilantro is traditional, but honestly, skip it if you’re not a fan. No cooking needed since the crab’s already cooked.

Just stir everything together and chill it for a bit. That’s it.

Ingredients

• 1.25 to 1.5 pounds imitation crab meat, shredded
• 2 cups cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup tomato, diced
• 1 to 2 serrano peppers, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Juice of 4 to 5 limes

Cooking Instructions

1. Grab a large bowl and toss in the crab, cucumber, onion, tomato, and peppers.

2. Sprinkle in some cilantro, then squeeze in the lime juice. Stir it all together, but go easy—nobody wants mush.

3. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for about 30 minutes.

4. Give it a taste. If you want more zing, add extra lime juice or a pinch of salt.