Imitation Crab Appetizers
Imitation crab meat is fun. Though it doesn't taste as good as real crab meat, it is sweet, versatile and affordable. Imitation crab meat comes in a variety of textures. You can buy it flaked, chunked or leg style. It is an excellent choice for making a delicious seafood salad and can be used in both hot and cold recipes. Following are some simple appetizer ideas that are sure to please both your palate and your wallet.
Imitation Crab Meat Scoops
Ingredients
1 lb. of shredded imitation crab meat
1 bag of Fritos Scoops (or other scoop corn chips)
mayonnaise
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp. of dry mustard powder
1/2 cup chopped green onion
chopped fresh dill
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a medium bowl mix together crab meat, mayonnaise, eggs, dill, mustard powder and onions until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Using a spoon, fill a scoop corn chip with the imitation crab meat mixture. Place filled scoop in paper muffin cup. This is easy, tasty and fun.
Imitation Crab Meat Scoops
Ingredients
1 lb. of shredded imitation crab meat
1 bag of Fritos Scoops (or other scoop corn chips)
mayonnaise
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp. of dry mustard powder
1/2 cup chopped green onion
chopped fresh dill
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a medium bowl mix together crab meat, mayonnaise, eggs, dill, mustard powder and onions until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Using a spoon, fill a scoop corn chip with the imitation crab meat mixture. Place filled scoop in paper muffin cup. This is easy, tasty and fun.
Imitation Crab Ceviche
Ingredients
1 lb. of flaked imitation crab meat
1/4 cup of chopped red onion
1/2 cup peeled chopped cucumber
3 diced roma tomatoes
2 ripe avocados diced
1 jalapeno pepper ( seeds removed and pepper finely diced)
2 limes cut in half
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
flour tortilla or tortilla chips
Directions
Place chopped red onions and cucumbers into a small bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime (about 2 tbsp) over the vegetables. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl with plastic and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about a half an hour. In a larger bowl, combine the imitation crab, jalapeno pepper, chopped tomatoes, cilantro and marinated onions and cucumbers. Squeeze in a little more lime juice and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for about 10 minutes to set flavors. Transfer ceviche into a serving dish. Add avocado and mix to combine. Serve with tortilla on the side for rolling up or tortilla chips for dipping.
Easy Crab Canapes
Ingredients
8 ounces of flaked imitation crab meat
1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onion
1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
1 package of Pepperidge Farm sheet puff pastry
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet well with cooking spray. Combine crab meat, cheese, green onions, lemon juice, mayonnaise and mustard powder until well blended. Cut the pastry into approximately two inch squares and place on prepared cookie sheet. Spoon a good amount of the crab meat mixture onto the squares. The dough will puff up when baked. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.
Best Crab Dip
Ingredients
1/2 pound of flaked imitation crab meat
1 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cup of shredded Havarti or sharp Cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons of horseradish
1/2 cup of chopped sweet red peppers (jarred peppers are good)
1/3 cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of chopped chives or green onions
1 cup of shredded fresh spinach
Triscuits or breadsticks
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chives or onions, red peppers, horseradish and cheese. Mix until smooth then fold in imitation crab and spinach. Transfer to a 1 quart baking dish. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. serve with Triscuits, raw vegetables or breadsticks.
