Surimi

What Is Surimi?

Surimi is a processed seafood product made by filleting white-fleshed fish (most commonly Alaska pollock), mashing it, washing it repeatedly to remove traces of fat and blood, and shaping the resulting protein paste.

The most common form is sticks colored red-orange on the outside to resemble crab legs (called “kani kama” in Japanese). It contains no real crab meat; its taste and texture are imitated with salt, starch, and flavoring ingredients.

Surimi Nutrition Facts

One hundred grams of surimi contains about 95 kcal of energy and a moderate amount of fish-derived protein; because starch and salt are added during processing, it has more sodium and carbohydrates than real crab meat. Values vary by brand and are approximate.

How to Eat Surimi

As a processed seafood product, surimi is eaten in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet.

This is general information; surimi is a food, not a medical treatment. People with a fish allergy should avoid surimi, and those restricting sodium should eat it in moderation.

How to Choose Surimi

Good surimi has a distinct red-orange exterior, a white interior, and a fibrous, elastic texture. Products with a higher proportion of fish may be preferred.

• The exterior should be red-orange and the interior white.
• The texture should be fibrous and elastic, not crumbly.
• Look for a product with a notable proportion of fish in its ingredients.

How to Store Surimi

Surimi can be kept in its original packaging in the refrigerator until the date on the package; after opening, it is recommended to keep it in a sealed container and consume it within a few days.

Using Surimi in the Kitchen

Surimi is most often used in sushi varieties such as the California roll, crab salad, and cold appetizer platters; it is usually eaten ready-to-eat, without further cooking.

Why Is Surimi Made to Look Like Crab?

Real crab meat is expensive and limited, so fish is shaped into a more affordable alternative with a similar appearance and a comparable flavor. This production method was developed in Japan in the mid-20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is surimi real crab meat?

No. Its main ingredient is white-fleshed fish, usually Alaska pollock; it contains no real crab meat. Some products may have a small amount of real crab flavoring added. For that reason, people with a shellfish allergy should avoid any surimi whose label lists crab or shellfish.

Is surimi eaten raw or cooked?

It is already cooked during production, including a steaming step, so it is usually eaten as is without further cooking.

Can you find surimi in Türkiye?

It is becoming more widely available; look in the refrigerated or frozen seafood sections of large supermarkets and in stores that sell sushi ingredients.