Ingredient Name: Crab stick, fake crab meat, imitation crab meat, imitation crab

Traditional Chinese Name: 魚漿 (yú jiāng)

What is this?

• A finely processed seafood made from fish that tastes and looks like crab leg meat
• It is usually made from Alaska Pollock with crab flavoring and red coloring to give it the color it has
• They are made cooked and can be eaten cold and from the package
• They are soft, slightly chewy and stringy in texture
• Crab sticks are often used in salads, hot pots, sushi, and various other Asian dishes

How do I prepare it?

• Remove from package
• Rinse in warm water
• Use directly as is

Where can I buy this?

What is the cost

• Imitation crab is very affordable
• On average a package of 10-12 sticks (about 454 g) cost around $20 HKD

Any benefits?

• It is lower in cholesterol than real crab, easier to buy and always in season
• Imitation crab is already pre-cooked, so it is great for quick boil soups to give it extra flavoring and texture

Any precautions?

• Eat in moderation as it is a processed food
• Imitation crab meat contains a lot of carbohydrates (which contribute to blood sugar fluctuation)
• The meat also contains MSG or flavor enhancers, so consume in moderation

Additional Information

• You can store fresh, packaged crab meat in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months
• Best to use before the expiry date (as it is usually labeled on the package)