The Best Imitation Crab Brand Sold In Stores Tastes Like The Real Deal

For some people, the idea of eating food that advertises itself as artificial might not sound appealing. However, imitation crab has a useful place in the culinary world, especially because it's less expensive than real crab. Some brands are better than others due to individual varieties' flavor and texture. We found one brand that embodies the essence of real crab, available in the freezer aisle of select grocery stores. 

Kani Kamaboko Premium Gold Imitation Crab Stick brand stands out as No. 1 in Chowhound's ranking of best imitation crab brands. This brand of crab stick simply tastes great, with just enough of the fishy flavor we'd expect from real crab. It also has a pleasantly tough — not rubbery — texture, with none of the unpleasing aftertastes we noted in several other brands.

If you're not sure about imitation crab or don't think you've eaten it, you've probably encountered it in crab rangoon, the ever-popular California roll, and seafood soups, among other crab-like foods. This type of seafood product is called kanikama in Japan and kani in the United States, and it is made by molding a fish paste called surimi into crab stick shapes, then dying the outside layer a crab-like orange. It is not typically eaten alone, but we found the Kani Kamaboko Premium Gold Imitation Crab Stick tasty enough to eat straight, like a string cheese stick.

Crab — imitation or otherwise — tends to be the star of whatever it's in, so the first step to a successful dish featuring this distinctive protein is working with a high-quality product. As we discovered in our ranking, some imitation crab brands are simply devoid of flavor, but others can have an in-your-face fishiness — or even a mushy texture — that could turn a crab-forward dish into a disaster.

If you've obtained a top-tier product like the Kani Kamaboko crab stick, you might first try it out in a California roll. Rolled up with mild accompaniments like avocado and cucumber, its real crab-like flavors can shine, while its firm texture yields a pleasant bite alongside the soft avo and crunchy cukes. If you aren't up to rolling sushi yourself, just take all the makings of a California roll to make a filling, refreshing salad. A soy sauce and Kewpie mayo-based dressing can complement quality imitation crab rather than overpower it.

On the other hand, if you've picked up an acceptable yet bland or fake-tasting kani (or even one that's just dry), give it a more authentic taste and texture using butter. Cooking it up in a fry pan with this flavorful fat not only adds moisture, it also can help override the less-than-appetizing taste of a sub-par kani. Garlic and Old Bay help the illusion, as well, with pungent notes that we tend to associate with real crab dishes. Alternatively, a busy dish like a sushi bake with cream cheese, shrimp, and other flavorsome ingredients can deliciously excuse a just-okay kani. Ultimately, though, quality proteins are always preferable, so don't buy a lower-rated product just because it's cheaper; the good stuff is worth it.