Imitation crab is not a fake fish. It’s a real fish that has been heavily processed. Think of it as the fish world’s version of a hot dog—but way more polite.
The star of the show? A fish called Alaskan pollock. Yes, the same fish in your Filet-O-Fish sandwich. It’s the workhorse of the sea.
Why pollock? Because it’s white, mild, cheap, and has a texture that can be mashed, flavored, and shaped into anything. It’s the ultimate fish actor.
But Wait, There’s More!
Sometimes you’ll see Pacific whiting or hake in the mix. These are cousins of pollock. They’re all part of the “white fish” family—boring names, but they get the job done.
The magic happens when they take that fish, grind it into a paste called surimi, wash it (to remove fat and smell), then add sugar, salt, and starches. It’s like making Play-Doh, but edible. And slightly less radioactive.
