Imitation Seafood

Imitation seafood is made from surimi, which is most often made from Alaska pollock that has been processed into several different forms with seafood flavoring added. It is processed to make imitation crab, lobster, shrimp and scallops, which can be found in sticks as whole crab legs, pieces, chunks, flakes, and shredded. The imitation seafood is made from Alaska pollock fillets that are chopped up finely and blended together with flavoring from crab, lobster, shrimp, or scallops to achieve the appropriate flavor. The flavoring sometimes comes from the addition of actual shellfish meat but many times the flavoring comes from boiling the shells of the shellfish. The imitation seafood also contains other ingredients, such as egg white, starch, and salt that are processed with the surimi paste and formed into a solid block, which is then cooked. The cooked product is then cut into its various shapes. This imitation seafood can be eaten cold or it can be heated. It does not have to cook for any length of time because it is precooked. Heat it only long enough to get it to the desired temperature for consuming. Imitation seafood can be used in appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups, and other savory dishes. The imitation seafood should be stored in the refrigerator.