Top Surimi Picks for Salads, Sushi, and Appetisers

Surimi, often called crab sticks, is a staple in refrigerators everywhere. Perfect for an impromptu surimi salad, essential for homemade maki rolls, or simply as a quick appetiser, its convenience is undeniable. Yet, in the supermarket, the surimi aisle can quickly become overwhelming.

This guide is here to help you navigate the options and choose the ideal surimi for your recipes, whether you're a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking for a healthy, protein-rich snack. Follow our advice and explore our top picks to make the right choice, every time.

Buyer's Guide?: How to Choose the Right Surimi??

To take the guesswork out of your shopping, here are the key points to check before you fill your basket.

1. A Closer Look at the Ingredients?: Look for the Fish Content

Surimi is a paste made from white fish meat (most often Alaska pollock or hake), which is minced, rinsed, and pressed. The golden rule? The higher the percentage of fish meat, the better the flavour and texture of the surimi. Always check the ingredients list to verify this percentage, and also to spot potential allergens (wheat, eggs, shellfish).

2. The Right Format for Every Recipe

How you plan to use it will determine the ideal format?:

• Classic sticks?: Ultra-versatile, they are perfect for salads, sandwiches, or to be eaten as a snack. This is the go-to format for a surimi salad.
• Flaked or shredded?: This style, sometimes called imitation crab, mixes beautifully and works wonders in appetiser cups, seafood spreads, or as a filling for your sushi.
• Speciality shapes?: Some products are designed for specific uses, like Chinese hot pot, with shapes that won't fall apart during cooking.

3. Fresh or Frozen?: A Matter of Planning

Frozen surimi is the perfect option for always having some on hand. It can be kept for months in the freezer and retains its flavour well. Fresh surimi, on the other hand, is ready to use but has a shorter shelf life. It all comes down to your habits and how you organise your kitchen.

Our Top Surimi Picks

We have reviewed several products to bring you a selection that meets every need, from family meals to more elaborate dishes.

Fisherman's Choice Surimi Crab Sticks 500g

The Smart Choice for Families This product stands out with its generous 500g size, a very economical choice for families or frequent surimi eaters. Ready to use after thawing, it's the epitome of convenience.

Key Features

• Value size?: The 500g bag is perfect for large gatherings or for stocking up for several meals.
• Ready to use?: No cooking required; simply thaw and add it to your recipes.
• Versatility?: Its stick shape is suitable for everything, from salads and sushi to hot pot.
• Nutritional Profile?: A good source of protein with a low fat content.

Best for?? This surimi is ideal for families and anyone looking for excellent value for money for regular use, whether in salads, as an appetiser, or in hot dishes.

FRESHASIA Imitation Snow Crab Legs 200g

The Perfect Illusion for Sushi FRESHASIA's imitation crab sticks focus on a texture that perfectly mimics that of real snow crab. Their flavour, enhanced with crab extract, delivers a much more pronounced seafood taste.

Key Features

• Flake-style texture?: Its delicate texture, which flakes apart effortlessly, is a real asset in recipes where the surimi needs to blend in, such as for sushi surimi or mixed salads.
• Intense flavour?: The addition of crab extract (shellfish) gives it a truly distinct seafood flavour.
• Ultra-convenient?: Just thaw and it's ready to go! A significant time-saver in the kitchen.

Best for?? This surimi will delight those looking for a finer texture and a taste closer to real crab to elevate their California rolls, seafood salads, or even their seafood platters.

HANSS Crab Sticks Flavoured Lucky Bag, 200 g

The Hot Pot Surprise The HANSS brand breaks the mould with this original "money bag" shape ("?lucky bag?"). It's a gourmet preparation of surimi, shrimp, and crab sticks, all delicately wrapped in a thin tofu skin.

Key Features

• Original shape?: Its money bag appearance adds a festive touch to the table, perfect for a Chinese hot pot or for enhancing Asian broths.
• Rich texture?: The combination of tofu skin, surimi, and shrimp pieces creates a complex and flavourful bite.
• Designed for cooking?: This product is specially designed to be poached or boiled, ensuring it holds its shape perfectly in hot dishes.

Best for?? Perfect for those planning a Chinese hot pot night or wanting to enhance their soups and broths with an original ingredient. Please note, this product must be cooked before consumption.

Want to Explore Other Options??

Our selection is just a taste of what's available. To discover other formats, brands, or types of surimi, feel free to explore our full category. You're sure to find something to satisfy all your culinary cravings.

Discover our full range of crab sticks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is surimi actually crab??

No, and this is a common misconception. The term crab stick is purely a marketing name. Surimi is actually made from white fish meat (pollock, hake, etc.). Flavourings, often crab-flavoured, are then added to give it its distinctive taste. This is also why it's called imitation crab.

How should I store frozen surimi??

Frozen surimi should be stored at -18?°C or colder in your freezer. The golden rule: never refreeze a thawed product. Once thawed, consume it quickly, following the instructions on the packaging.

Does surimi need to be cooked before eating??

The vast majority of commercially available surimi is already cooked and therefore ready to eat right out of the package (or after thawing). This makes it perfect for salads and appetisers. However, be aware that some products, like those for hot pot, are raw and require cooking. The key takeaway: always check the instructions on the packaging.