Imitation crab sticks, or Kanikama in Japanese, are made of starch, egg whites, and pureed white fish. They are shaped and cured to the shape of snow crab leg meat.
Imitation crab sticks, or Kanikama (カニカマ) in Japanese, are a seafood product made of starch and finely pureed white fish (surimi すり身). There are several origin stories where many Japanese seafood manufacturing companies claim to be the inventor.
They are shaped and cured to resemble the leg meat of snow crabs or Japanese spider crabs. It is a product that uses fish to imitate shellfish, a more expensive seafood.
Other names include Krab Sticks, Ocean Sticks, and Sea Legs.
What Do They Taste
It has a mild fishy taste due to adding crab flavoring (artificial or natural). It shreds into thin strings or flakes.
How To Use
Since they are already pre-cooked, you can eat them as is or add them directly to salads, soups, noodles, or sushi rolls.
Recipes Using Imitation Crab Sticks
Where To Buy
Find packages in the refrigerator aisle of Asian and Japanese grocery stores, next to other seafood products. I recommend Japanese brands because they easily shred thin pieces and taste better.
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