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These Crispy Fried Crab Sticks are made with imitation crab meat, making them an inexpensive snack or party appetizer!
They're dipped in a light tempura batter, quickly fried and seasoned with Old Bay. I like to serve them with creamy tartar sauce for dipping. Imitation crab also works well cold in my imitation crab salad.
Love imitation crab? Try my EASY Krab Avocado Ceviche!
These fried crab sticks are a delicious seafood appetizer I love making! They're made from imitation crab or "krab" meat also known as surimi. If you've never purchased imitation crab meat before, you should try it!
It is a delicious way to get your crab fix for a fraction of the cost of real crab meat. It's my go-to secret when entertaining on a budget!
Grampa Earl, an avid crabber, would be rolling in his grave if he knew we were making imitation crab! But when I'm feeding a crowd, I love having an inexpensive option that still gives you that crab-style flavor.
If you love imitation crab meat, try my EASY Crab Avocado Ceviche (w/ Real or Imitation Krab) my Crispy Calamari or my Healthy Imitation Crab Meat Salad.
What Are Crab Sticks?
Imitation crab meat, also called surimi, is a seafood product made to resemble crab. It is usually made from finely processed white fish combined with other ingredients for texture and flavor.
It is made from surimi, a fish paste made of starch and finely pulverized white fish. It is made to resemble the meat inside crab legs and tastes similar to real crab meat.
They are also known as krab sticks, ocean sticks and sea legs.
It is super cheap which is why I use them in some recipes like my Healthy Imitation Crab Meat Salad.
So when it comes to parties and serving a crowd, this is my go-to since crab meat is SO expensive! It is a tasty, inexpensive alternative! I bet your guests will not even know they're eating imitation crab!
Here is a good article that goes into further detail about what imitation crab meat really is.
Ingredients:
This recipe is so easy: you only need 3 main ingredients, plus ice water and oil for frying.
- Imitation Crab Sticks- Imitation crab sticks are easy to find in any grocery store. Look near the real crab or fish in the seafood section.
- Old Bay Seasoning- Old Bay is a staple when it comes to crabs. You can make your own Old Bay if you don't have any on hand or use another spice blend you prefer.
- Tempura Batter- Kikkoman has a box of tempura batter that you literally just add water to. It comes out perfect every time. You can also find this in the seafood section. OR try making your own!
How To Make Fried Crab Sticks
Imitation crab comes in three different varieties. Shredded, chopped and in STICKS. For this recipe, I like to use crab sticks since they're easy to cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 1: Add oil like vegetable or canola into a small pot and heat to 375° F.
Step 2: Cut your crab sticks into 4 pieces each.
Step 3: Toss them into your tempura batter and coat thoroughly being careful not to break your sticks.
Step 4: Use a fork or toothpick to pick up each piece of crab allowing excess batter to drain.
Step 5: Add about 6-10 pieces at a time to the hot oil. Fry until the batter is lightly golden and crisp, usually about 1-2 minutes depending on the size of the pieces and how quickly the oil returns to temperature. Work in 2-3 batches and do not crowd the pot.
Step 6: Drain fried crab stick bites on paper towels or wire rack and season with Old Bay seasoning.
Step 7: Serve with tartar sauce or sauce of choice.
Crab Tempura Batter
Tempura batter creates a light, crispy coating that works perfectly with crab sticks.
You have two options for tempura batter.
- Make your own! Homemade tempura batter isn't hard to do and just requires some flour, egg and ice water. Here is a homemade batter recipe.
- Use boxed tempura batter! I love Kikkoman's boxed tempura batter. It keeps in the pantry for a long time and all you need to do is add water! You can find it near the seafood in your grocery store.
When it comes to entertaining, I don't like to make things more stressful so in case my tempura batter doesn't turn out right, I won't be stuck without an appetizer.
Expert Tips
- Pat the crab sticks dry before battering. A dry surface helps the tempura coating cling better.
- If your batter is too thin, add more mix. If it's too thick, add more water. Ideally, you want a pancake-batter consistency.
- Use ice-cold water. Add ice to a cup of water, let it sit until very cold, then strain out the ice before mixing the batter.
- Use an oil thermometer to keep the oil around 375°F. Imitation crab is already cooked, so you only need the batter to turn lightly golden and crisp.
- Season right away with Old Bay so the seasoning sticks to your bites.
Make Them In Advance
You can fry the crab sticks ahead, but do not leave them at room temperature for hours. Let them cool briefly on a wire rack, then refrigerate them in a shallow covered container within 2 hours of cooking (within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F). FDA seafood-safety guidance recommends the same two-hour limit for cooked seafood.
When you're ready to serve, reheat them in a 400°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp. For leftovers, FDA guidance recommends reheating to 165°F.
I do not recommend freezing these.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although the flavor is usually milder and the texture is a little firmer than real crab.
Imitation crab is a processed seafood product made from surimi, usually white fish, plus other ingredients for texture and flavor. Nutrition and allergens vary by brand, so check the package label if those matter to you.
Most packaged imitation crab is sold fully cooked and ready to eat, but check the label and storage instructions on the package you buy.
Fried Crab Sticks aka Imitation Crab
Ingredients
Method
- Add 2-3 inches of oil to a large pot and heat to 375°F. Use an oil thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the ice water and tempura mix. Whisk until the batter is about the consistency of pancake batter. Add a little more water if it is too thick.
- Pat the crab sticks dry, then cut each stick into 4 pieces.
- Coat the crab bites in tempura batter and let the excess drip off. Fry about 6-10 pieces at a time until lightly golden and crisp, usually about 1-2 minutes. Do not crowd the pot, and let the oil return to about 375°F between batches.
- Drain the crab bites on a wire rack or paper towels and season with Old Bay while hot. Serve warm with tartar sauce and optional lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Here are some other summer appetizers you may like:
Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip with Cream Cheese
Healthy Imitation Crab Meat Salad
Fried Sweet n' Spicy Cauliflower
Tempura Shrimp Stuffed Endive Leaves (with sweet chili sauce)
The one frying tool I find especially useful here is a sturdy spider strainer for lifting the crab bites out of the hot oil. An oil thermometer is also helpful for keeping the temperature close to 375°F.
Jill
Could you air fry these?
AGT
The batter will make them messy so I suggest not.
Laura
To avoid overcooking the shrimp, I suggest starting in a cold non stick skillet big enough to hold the shrimp in one layer, poor the sauce over the shrimp and then turn on the heat to high. Cook 2 minutes and turn them and cook 2 minutes more. By the time the shrimp is cooked the sauce will be thickened.
Cedria
My 10 year old niece and my husband loved them! Followed the recipe exactly. it made a quick lunch with dipping sauce and chips on the side.
Mary
Love this recipe. I just floured my crab sticks before I dipped them into the batter. That way the batter stuck properly onto the crab stick. Once cooked I sprinkled little salt, pepper and a little squeeze of lemon. Absolutely delicious..
Aleka Shunk
Thank you!!
Vera Yiantsos
These tempura bites are light and tasty and very easy to make! I will be making these for my next get together because you can make them ahead of time. You can't have enough easy, tasty appetizer recipes!
Aleka Shunk
Thank you!
Bill
Just added your pin for this recipe to my Awesome Summer Appetizers Pinterest Board. Bill from Seasonalcookbook.com
Haley Seymour
These look absolutely PERFECT! I love imitation crab and tempura so this is like a slam dunk for me! Can't wait to try.
Chelsey
These fried crab stick bites are such a great easy appetizer idea! I absolutely love tempura, so this recipe is right up my alley! I especially love your tips for how to make these ahead of time - thanks for sharing!
Jas @ All that's Jas
I only had imitation crab sticks in a Cajun soup. Frying these bites in tempura batter is an excellent idea. I'm sure this appetizer is first to go at any party!