Imitation crab meat, a pleasantly economical and convenient seafood substitute, is a household staple for many. But what happens if you eat too much of this faux crab delight? Can you freeze imitation crab to increase its shelf life? If you’ve stocked up on too much of something, what’s the best method to keep it?
Can You Freeze Imitation Crab?
In short, you can! Freezing imitation crab is similar to clicking the pause button, extending its life beyond the refrigerator countdown.Imitation crab can be frozen for up to six months. Remove the crab from its original packing and store it in a sealable plastic container. Seal the container tightly and store it in the freezer’s center.
How Long Will Imitation Crab Last?
Imitation crab meat, whether unopened or opened, has a limited shelf life in the refrigerator. Unopened imitation crab typically lasts about two weeks in the refrigerator. Once frozen, they should be utilized within six months. Once you’ve torn into that package, however, it’s a different story; you’ve got a 3 to 5-day countdown to enjoy its peak freshness.
How Long Does Imitation Crab Last In The Fridge?
If you have a leftover opened package of imitation crab meat, store it in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). When properly stored in the refrigerator, it should be eaten within three days, exactly like other types of fish, according to the USDA. Keeping it in an airtight container is essential for fresh, longer-lasting imitation crab delight.
Can You Freeze Imitation Crab After Opening It?
Absolutely! If you can’t eat it within that time limit, keep the leftovers in the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for up to six months. Simply wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
How to Freeze Imitation Crab?
Freezing imitation crab is not rocket science, but there’s a trick to it:
- Remove excess moisture: Using a paper towel, pat the imitation crab pieces dry to remove any extra moisture that may cause freezer burn or ice crystal formation.
- Portion it out: If you don’t intend to use the full package at once, consider dividing the imitation crab into smaller amounts or individual servings for easier thawing and use.
- Bag it. Next, place your wrapped crab in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label and date: Remember to label the package with the contents and the date you froze it.
How Long Can You Freeze Imitation Crab?
Imitation crab can be frozen for up to 6 months if it is kept in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. However, for optimal quality, consume it within 3–4 months of freezing.
How Do You Defrost Imitation Crab?
When you’re ready to utilize your frozen imitation crab, there are a few ways to thaw it safely and effectively:
- Refrigerator thawing is the favored approach. Simply transfer the frozen imitation crab from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight or over many hours.
- Cold water thawing: If you don’t have much time, defrost the imitation crab in a basin of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it is thawed.
- Microwave thawing: For a speedy thaw, use your microwave’s defrost setting, but be careful not to overheat or cook the imitation crab.
Can You Refreeze Imitation Crab?
Here’s where things get a little icy. It is not suggested to refreeze imitation crab after thawing. Refreezing can affect the texture and quality, so only refreeze when absolutely necessary.
Benefits and Downsides of Imitation Crab Meat
Benefits
Each serving has less imitation crab calories and a slightly reduced salt content. It’s also typically produced from crushed fish, such as pollock, so certain brands may be a safe substitute for crab flesh for those with a seafood allergy (via Dr. Axe).
Downsides
Overall, it contains less protein and more additives than actual crab. Surimi production may have negative environmental consequences, including as overfishing and habitat damage. There is also evidence that certain producers may mislabel imitation crab items. This may cause allergy and food safety concerns (via Medical News Today).
For Best Results
For freezing imitation crab meat after opening:
- Portion meat into airtight freezer bags or containers, excluding excess air.
- Flatten packs to freeze flat for quick thawing.
- Label bags with type and date frozen.
- Freeze at 0°F or below.
- Use within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
Finally, freezing imitation crab is both doable and practical. It’s a great way to ensure that you always have your favorite seafood alternative on hand. Just make sure to wrap it tightly, keep it sealed, and name it before sending it off to its frigid slumber. When it’s time to savor, be patient with the thawing process. Happy freezing!
FAQs
If you buy imitation crab from a restaurant, you can freeze the meat and use it later. Imitation crab meat is not that different from the real thing, but freezing it will give you a longer shelf-life. The meat will not change its flavor, but you should remember that if you refreeze it again, it will affect its quality.
Properly stored, frozen imitation crab meat will maintain best quality for about 10-12 months in the freezer, although it will usually remain safe to eat after that.
Surimi seafood, including imitation crab and imitation lobster, should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 32°F and 38°F. If you accidentally leave the product out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded.
To defrost product, keep in refrigerator overnight, or place under cold running water. Safe Handling: Keep product frozen until ready to use.
An unopened and intact (still tightly vacuum-packed) package kept below 38°F can be kept until the ‘use by’ or ‘sell by’ date on the package. You should use the package or freeze it before the date on the package. If you freeze it before the use by date, you can store it frozen for up to nine months.
Sources:
- Can You Freeze Imitation Crab?
- How Long Imitation Crab Meat Lasts In The Fridge And Freezer
- Can You Freeze Imitation Crab Meat?
- Can You Freeze Imitation Crab Meat?
- Freezing Imitation Crabmeat?
- How Long Does Frozen Imitation Crab Meat Last?
- Can You Freeze Imitation Crab? – A Chef’s Perspective
- How To Store Imitation Crab
- 13 Mistakes To Avoid When Using Imitation Crab
- Everything You Need To Know About Cooking Imitation Crab
- What Is Imitation Crab?
- Shelf Life of Imitation Crab Meat?
- Imitation Crab: Shelf Life Varies and It’s Definitely Not Low in Sodium
- Quick, Easy Garlic Butter Sautéed Imitation Crab Meat
- How Long is Imitation Crab Good For? Solved (Updated)
- What Is Imitation Crab and Should You Eat It?