Save
Tender and savory imitation crab meat cooked in garlic butter offers a quick and budget-friendly treat that works as a flavorful appetizer or a light main dish. It comes together in about ten minutes and delivers comforting, rich flavors with minimal effort. This recipe is especially great when you want something simple yet impressive on the table fast.
I first made this when I had surprise guests and only frozen crab meat on hand. Everyone raved about how fresh and delicious it tasted. Now it’s my go-to quick seafood fix.
Ingredients
- Butter: Two tablespoons divided, creates the rich sauce and finishing glaze
- Imitation crab meat: Half a pound, roughly one and a half cups, opt for a fresh, firm brand for the best texture
- Garlic: One clove, minced fresh, essential for that bright punch of flavor
- Old Bay seasoning: Half teaspoon, adds classic seafood spices. Fresh seasoning packs more aroma
- Green onions: Half cup, thinly sliced, provides both color and a mild sharpness
- Lemon juice: One teaspoon, fresh squeezed, balances richness with acidity
- Salt and pepper: Quarter teaspoon each, adjust salt based on how salty your crab meat is, pepper adds mild heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Pan:
- Heat a medium frying pan over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of butter letting it melt fully without burning. A hot pan ensures a quick sauté and flavorful crust.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings:
- Add the minced garlic and Old Bay seasoning to the melted butter. Stir gently and let the aromas release for 30 seconds to one minute but do not brown the garlic too much because of bitterness.
- Add Green Onions and Crab Meat:
- Add the sliced green onions followed immediately by the imitation crab meat. Toss gently every minute for three to four minutes allowing the crab to warm through and soak up the flavors without drying out.
- Finish with Butter and Lemon:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the lemon juice. Toss everything to coat evenly in the melted butter and citrus. Serve immediately while piping hot to enjoy the full flavor and tenderness.
Save
Storage tips
Store leftover garlic butter crab in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays good for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave to avoid drying out the crab.
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning use a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne for similar flavors. You can swap green onions with fresh chives or shallots if preferred.
Serving suggestions
Serve the sautéed crab on crusty bread or crackers as an appetizer. It also pairs beautifully over steamed rice or tossed in a light salad for a quick main.
Cultural context
Imitation crab or surimi is widely used in American seafood dishes for affordability and convenience. This garlic butter sauté is a simplified version inspired by classic seafood preparations that highlight natural flavors with butter sauce.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prevent imitation crab from drying out during cooking?
Cook it quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking to retain moisture and tenderness.
- → What seasonings complement garlic butter sautéed crab?
Old Bay seasoning and fresh green onions add a balanced savory and fresh note that enhances the crab.
- → Can this dish be served as both appetizer and main?
Yes, it serves 2 as a main or 4 as an appetizer, and can be stretched by serving on small toasted bread slices.
- → Why add lemon juice at the end of cooking?
Lemon juice brightens the rich butter and crab flavors, providing a fresh, tangy contrast.
- → Is salt necessary when seasoning imitation crab?
It depends on the crab brand’s salt content; omit salt if the crab is already salty to avoid over-seasoning.