Imitation Lobster Rolls Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

  • add review
  • #17897

Can't make it to Maine for an authentic lobster roll? No problem, this cheater's version uses imitation crab meat instead of lobster.

Imitation Lobster Rolls Recipe | CDKitchen.com (1)


serves/makes:

ready in:

under 30 minutes


ingredients

1 package imitation crab meat
4 hot dog buns
mayonnaise to taste
green onion to taste
garlic powder, to taste
black pepper, to taste
shredded lettuce

directions

Mash the crab meat in a bowl until loose and flaky. Mix in mayonnaise until mixture holds together. You can make it goopier if you want.

Add in chopped green onion or chopped regular onion, sweet onion would also be good. Add spices to taste.

Butter outside of hot dog buns (flat sided buns work best) and grill in fry pan until toasted. Low fat version would be to just toast the buns in a toaster oven.

Add shredded lettuce, then crab mixture in each bun. Serve with potato chips, French fries, potato salad or whatever goes.

added by

sheristeeves

recipe tips


To boost the flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the crab mixture.

For a spicy kick, mix in a small amount of sriracha or hot sauce.

Toasting the buns in butter adds flavor, but you can also dry toast them for a lighter option.

If using fresh onions, soak them in cold water for a few minutes to reduce the sharpness.

Let the crab mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Try different types of onions (red, white, sweet) to vary the flavor.

Try using different types of buns like brioche or pretzel buns.

common recipe questions


What can I use instead of imitation crab meat?

You can use real lobster, canned tuna, chicken, or real crab meat as a substitute.

What's the best way to mash the imitation crab meat?

Use a fork to flake the crab meat until it's loose and flaky. Be careful not to over-mash.

Can I add other ingredients to the crab mixture?

You can add diced celery, bell pepper, or capers for added texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat mayonnaise, whole wheat buns, and add more greens like spinach or arugula.

Can the crab mixture be made in advance?

Yes, you can make the crab mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How long will the crab mixture last in the fridge?

The crab mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze the crab mixture?

It's not recommended to freeze the crab mixture as it will affect the texture after thawing.


nutrition data

Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.

more recipes like imitation lobster rolls

CRAB NEWBURG

STIR-FRIED CRAB CURRY (POO PAD PONG GAREE)

EASY CALIFORNIA ROLL SUSHI

AVOCADO AND CRAB-MEAT SUSHI

GARLIC CHILI DUNGENESS CRAB


reviews & comments

  1. Guest Foodie February 17, 2020

    Chicken haddie with canned diced tomatoes mixed with mayonnaise also makes good mock lobster sandwiches if you are lucky enough to find canned chicken haddie.

  2. Anneof1000daze June 28, 2019

    Made from a combination of REAL LOBSTER and Wild Alaskan Pollock. Imitation Lobster is far from being fake. An inexpensive, sustainable and delicious alternative to real lobster, imitation Lobster is actually made from Real seafood. And why does one use it, the poster asks? Because I'm retired and on a fixed income but still enjoy making something delicious for friends and family. Im very surprised that you have never seen this product in your entire life. You come across like you are wealthy enough to have someone do your shopping for you, perhaps thats why. Im so glad for you that you are able to enjoy fresh lobster where you live in the North East! What a fortunate woman you are!

  3. Me April 30, 2019

    For those of us that can’t afford lobster Thank you. For the person commenting above on “why” because some of us are land locked and because they can.

  4. Andy January 29, 2019

    You can buy imitation crab that is lobster flavored, not great, but not bad either.

  5. Angelina January 29, 2019

    My family & I are originally from the southern coast of CT, where fresh seafood is always available I'm interested to know what is the Imitation Crab meat which you're using in this recipe, and why? There's nothing like the real thing. Also, we always add finely diced celery to all of our 'seafood salad' rolls, .... Crab, Lobster, Shrimp,& Tuna. Sometimes, a few drops of fresh lemon juice is added to the mayo, but it's got to be a good quality mayo, NOT that Miracle Whip stuff. So anyways, please tell me what is 'imitation crab & lobster'. lobster'.

    • CDKitchen Staff Reply:

      Imitation crab is just that - fake crab, usually made from surimi and meant to look like crab or lobster. It's available in most grocery stores.

');

Imitation Lobster Rolls Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

What is imitation crab roll made of? ›

Imitation crab is made by processing white fish, starch, flour, salt, egg whites and flavoring into a paste and then steaming it into shapes such as rounds or sticks. The exterior is dyed orange to resemble cooked fresh crab.

Is imitation lobster already cooked? ›

Simply dip them into melted butter or add them to elegant main dishes, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. Fully cooked and ready to eat! Available in 8-ounce packages. Learn more about imitation lobster from our helpful resource guides.

What is imitation lobster made of? ›

Although this product isn't genuine lobster, it qualifies as seafood, as it typically contains a mix of various kinds of white fish, like wild Alaskan pollock. The base ingredient in imitation lobster is surimi. This is a type of minced meat or fish product first made in Japan roughly 900 years ago.

Is imitation crab good or bad for you? ›

Imitation crab may be more affordable than regular crab, and can also offer a quick, convenient, snack-size alternative to crab. However, it also usually contains a variety of additives, such as MSG and phosphorous, which may have harmful side effects for some people.

Does imitation lobster taste like real lobster? ›

It can also be a great choice for a quick dish. like lobster cakes, so imitation lobster can be useful. The meat may taste pretty close to the real thing, and it will certainly be a lot cheaper, but unfortunately, according to the associated RES, it does have an environmental downside.

What's the difference between lobster and imitation lobster? ›

Imitation lobster is real seafood, just not real lobster. Unlike langostino, imitation lobster uses a mixture of fish to recreate the taste of lobster. This product is also used as a lobster alternative in restaurants and is sometimes mixed with langostino to buff up the mix.

What's the difference between imitation crab and imitation lobster? ›

The texture of imitation lobster is also often different from that of imitation crab, with the former being a bit meatier and more stable than the latter's somewhat flaky texture. Of course, the flavoring methods differ to help further distinguish the two.

Is surimi good or bad for you? ›

Imitation crab meat or surimi is made of fish (usually pollock), starch, sugar, egg whites and flavorings. There are no real safety issues in eating large amounts of it other than the normal dangers of overeating, unless you have allergies to fish, shellfish, or eggs and that it is fairly high in sodium.

What is the name of the imitation lobster? ›

In the 1960s, the process of making surimi evolved when a Japanese chef found that adding sugar could help prolong its shelf life. Following this discovery, surimi became a familiar item in the food industry, as a substitute for more expensive seafood. Imitation lobster isn't the only thing surimi is used in.

How do they make fake lobster? ›

Imitation lobster or "poor man's lobster" is simply boiled fish that tastes like lobster, without all the work! You can use any white meat fish you like. Boil the fish in either: 1) water + ¼ cup sugar, 2) water+1/2 potato, or 3) lemon/lime soda, for about 10 minutes or until the fish begins to flake apart.

Can you overcook imitation crab? ›

The second key to a delicious faux crab dish, is not to overcook it. Imitation crabmeat tends to dry out and lose it's lovely texture if overcooked. Just a few minutes in the pan with butter or olive oil is perfect.

Do you have to bake imitation crab? ›

Since imitation crab is precooked, you can use it straight from the package for cold dishes, such as dips and salad, or add it to dishes you heat.

What is actually in imitation crab? ›

Imitation crab is a highly processed food made by combining minced fish with starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and additives to mimic the flavor, color, and texture of real crab meat. While it's significantly less expensive than real crab, it's also less nutritious.

Are all California rolls made with imitation crab? ›

The main wrapped ingredients are the avocado and imitation crab (surimi sticks); these are all typically wrapped with seaweed, although soy paper can be used. Premium versions may use real crab, as in the original recipe. The cucumber may have been used since the beginning, or added later, depending on the account.

Is imitation crab raw in sushi? ›

Since imitation crab is precooked, you'll find a wide variety of imitation crab recipes that you can add to your menu. Here are some of the top uses for imitation crab: California rolls and other sushi roll options.

Is imitation crab cooked in California rolls? ›

Most places use krab sticks, imitation crab made from white fish, when making California rolls. The 'standard' California roll does not contain salmon.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5969

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.