Fried Crab Sticks aka Imitation Crab
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 480kcal
Cost: $5
These fried imitation crab stick bites are dipped in a light tempura batter and quickly fried until crisp. Serve them warm with tartar sauce and lemon for an inexpensive appetizer that is ready in about 15 minutes.
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Ingredients
- 14 oz. Imitation Crab Sticks
- 1 Cup Tempura Mix
- ¾ Cup Ice Water
- 1½ Tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
- Oil for frying
- Tartar Sauce for Dipping
- 1 Lemon Optional
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
For the crispiest coating, pat the crab sticks dry before battering and keep the tempura batter very cold. Fry in small batches and let the oil return to about 375°F between batches. Imitation crab is already cooked, so you're only browning and crisping the coating. Serve hot. If making them ahead, refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking (within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F), then reheat in a 400°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.
Nutrition
Serving: 6Bites | Calories: 480kcal | Fat: 12.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g