Savory Imitation Crab Salad Sandwiches
Enjoy a delightful twist on classic crab salad with these Savory Imitation Crab Salad Sandwiches! This easy-to-make recipe features imitation crabmeat, often referred to as 'sealegs,' that adds a uniquely delicious flavor and texture you'll love. Dressed in a creamy concoction of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, combined with crunchy celery and zesty red onions, this dish makes for a perfect lunch or snack. Serve it on fresh hamburger buns or your favorite soft rolls, topped with crisp lettuce for added freshness. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick meal for the kids or simply craving a satisfying sandwich, this recipe is a fantastic option. It's a great way to introduce a seafood-inspired dish into your menu, and while we encourage you to try real crab when you can, this imitation version is sure to please!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Imitation crabmeat
1 (8 ounce package, broken into small pieces)
Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
1/2 (cup (regular or light))
Celery
2 (stalks, finely chopped)
Red onion
3 (tablespoons, finely chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Hamburger buns or soft rolls
4
Lettuce leaves
4 (large, washed and dried)
Instructions
1
Start by breaking apart the imitation crabmeat into smaller pieces. Use a food processor or a hand-crank food processor for this step. Pulse gently for just a few seconds until it is in small chunks, being careful not to over-process.
2
Add the Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise) to the processor with the crab. Pulse again briefly until the crab is well coated and the mixture is combined but still chunky.
3
Transfer the crab mixture to a mixing bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the finely chopped celery and red onion until evenly distributed throughout the mixture, being careful to maintain some texture.
4
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
5
To assemble the sandwiches, place a generous amount of crab salad onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun or soft roll. Top with a large, crisp lettuce leaf. Place the top half of the bun over the salad and press down slightly.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy your Savory Imitation Crab Salad Sandwiches!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in Savory Imitation Crab Salad Sandwiches?
The main protein is imitation crabmeat, which is sometimes referred to as 'sealegs'.
Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Yes, while the recipe is designed for imitation crab, using real crab meat is encouraged for an even more authentic flavor.
Should I use Miracle Whip or mayonnaise for the dressing?
You can use either Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, depending on your preference for a tangier or creamier taste.
How should I break apart the imitation crabmeat?
You can use a standard food processor or a hand-crank food processor to break the crab into smaller pieces.
How long should I process the crab in the food processor?
Pulse gently for just a few seconds until the crab is in small chunks, being careful not to over-process it into a paste.
What vegetables are included in the salad mixture?
The recipe calls for finely chopped celery and red onions to provide crunch and zest.
What kind of bread is recommended for these sandwiches?
Fresh hamburger buns or soft rolls are recommended for the best texture.
How do I ensure the salad stays chunky?
Pulse the processor briefly when adding the dressing and stir in the vegetables by hand with a spatula.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is considered a family-friendly meal and a great quick option for kids' lunches.
What should I use to garnish the sandwiches?
Each sandwich should be topped with a large, crisp leaf of lettuce for added freshness.
Can I use light mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes, you can use regular or light versions of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise.
How much imitation crab is needed?
One 8-ounce package of imitation crabmeat is required for this recipe.
What seasonings are used?
The salad is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to make 4 sandwiches using 4 hamburger buns.
Can I prepare the crab salad in advance?
While the recipe suggests serving immediately, the crab salad mixture can be made ahead and chilled before assembling the sandwiches.
Is it necessary to wash the lettuce?
Yes, the lettuce leaves should be washed and dried before being added to the sandwiches.
Can I substitute the red onion?
While red onion provides a specific zesty flavor, you can substitute it with green onions or shallots if preferred.
Do I need to cook the imitation crab?
No, imitation crab is pre-cooked and ready to eat, making this a great no-cook meal option.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy lunch' and 'quick meal' due to the simple assembly and minimal preparation.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad is creamy from the dressing but maintains a chunky texture from the crab and crunchy vegetables.
Can I serve this as a snack instead of a full sandwich?
Yes, the salad is versatile and can be served as a snack on crackers or smaller rolls.
Does the recipe require any special tools?
A food processor is helpful for breaking down the crab, but it can also be done by hand.
How much celery is used?
The recipe calls for 2 stalks of finely chopped celery.
How much red onion is recommended?
Use 3 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion.
Can I add other spices?
Yes, while the recipe uses salt and pepper, you can add Old Bay seasoning or paprika for extra flavor.
Is the imitation crab salad served hot or cold?
It is served cold, making it a refreshing option for lunch.
What if I don't have a food processor?
You can easily break the imitation crab into small pieces using a knife or by pulling it apart with your fingers.
Should the buns be toasted?
The recipe suggests using fresh soft rolls, but you can toast them if you prefer a warmer, crispier sandwich.
Is imitation crab made of real seafood?
Yes, imitation crab is usually made from surimi, which is processed white fish.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, the crab salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.