Delicious imitation crab recipes are both budget-friendly and delicious! Explore a range of options from sushi to pasta salads to crab cakes and pizza.
Imitation crabmeat recipes can be just as satisfying as the real thing; although we love baked crab legs with garlic butter sauce or Cajun sauce if the budget allows.
If you want to learn more about imitation crab, check out our guides What is Kani and Kanikama! Both have everything you need to know about using this alternative.
Recipes for imitation crabmeat
Kani Salad
Crab Salad with crab, veggies, panko breadcrumbs and a creamy dressing is ready in just 15 minutes!
Spicy crab roll
Make a delicious spicy crab roll at home in under 30 minutes! This spicy kani roll is filled with kani lettuce and seasoned sushi rice. It contains many of the same ingredients as our beloved Sushi Bake. You will love making sushi rolls recipes at home!
Bake sushi
Sushi Bake is like a deconstructed California roll casserole. It’s loaded with crab (kani) and cream cheese and veggies.
Imitation crab nigiri
Use crab imitation flakes or sticks to make nigiri sushi with our popular sushi rice and sushi sauces.
Temaki Sushi
Simplify sushi night by making temaki sushi (hand roll sushi). Just load nori sheets with crab, sushi rice and your favorite sushi fillings and you’ve got a party!
Imitation crab cakes
Imitation crab cakes are packed with crab, spice and the classic flavors you love in a crab cake.
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon with Kanikama! Crispy wonton wraps are filled with kani, cream cheese and scallions.
Crab Rangoon Dip
Crab Rangoon Dip with Crunchy Wantan Chips! The perfect party appetizer, this Spicy Crab Dip is easy to make!
Seafood Pasta Salad (crab and shrimp) – Foxes love lemons
Seafood pasta salad is like New England in a bowl! Creamy clam pasta with Old Bay, shrimp and crab, lemon, onion, celery and herbs.
California Roll Sushi Bowls – Little Sunny Kitchen
Easy California Roll Sushi Bowls contain perfectly cooked Japanese sushi rice, shrimp, light-colored vegetables and flavorful sriracha mayo sauce.
California roll sushi recipe [+VIDEO] 🍣 MasalaHerb.com
Make your own California Roll from scratch in minutes! Healthy sushi made easy. With video and flavor options.
Shrimp and Crab Louie Salad (Louis Salad)
This Shrimp and Crab Souie Salad (or Louis Salad) is an iconic American classic, stuffed with seafood, eggs and a creamy dressing.
Crustless crab quiche bites
These Crustless Crab Quiche Bites are made with crab, Swiss cheese, and simple seasoning, resulting in great flavor and a creamy texture. Super easy to make and perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Southern Seafood Salad
Creamy southern seafood salad is filled with crab, shrimp and tons of southern flavors!
Pasta with shrimp and crab
This crab and shrimp pasta is made with kani, shrimp, garlic and noodles in a creamy buttery sauce.
Pizza with bacon and shrimp
Delicious bacon and shrimp pizza! Loaded with crab, crispy bacon, jalapeños, and other favorite pizza toppings! If you’ve never eaten crab pizza, you’re in for a treat.
Mushrooms stuffed with crabs
Filled with cream cheese and crabmeat, topped with crunchy panko crumbs, these creamy crab-stuffed mushrooms are sophisticated enough for holiday entertaining and easy enough to make anytime!
Easy Crab Bisque – rich and creamy!
Creamy crab cake can be made with crab! Loaded with a ton of spices, cream and seafood flavors. In winter, this is one of our favorite soup recipes.
Maryland Crab Cakes Sandwich (with Old Bay)
Maryland style crab cake sandwiches! Use imitation crab for lump crab along with aged bay leaf and some fillers to make the best crab cake recipe.
Recipes imitation crab
The following recipes can easily be converted into Kani recipes. Just use equal parts crab with the seafood you want:
Mexican shrimp cocktail
Turn this authentic shrimp cocktail into a shrimp ceviche with kani. Make it a savory seafood dish with marinated kani, tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice. Make it mild or spicy!
Pasta with squid ink
Toss imitation crabs in the garlic butter sauce before tossing them with squid noodles to make this squid ink pasta dish squid noodles with crab.
Additional resources and guides
Best wine with sushi
Sushi vs Sashimi
types of sushi
*Note – all imitation crab recipes using real crab can be made with equal parts imitation crab. No further edits are required.
