Let’s be real: we’ve all eaten worse things in a fast-food chicken nugget or a hot dog. Surimi is not the villain of the food world.
It’s a clever invention that uses a protein source we might otherwise throw away. That’s kind of sustainable, actually. Plus, it tastes pretty good in a salad or a crustless quiche.
Just don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re eating a fancy seafood dinner. You’re eating fish glue that went to a costume party dressed as crab. And that’s okay. We’ve all done weird things for dinner.
One Last Fun Fact
Surimi technology is actually ancient. Japanese fishermen invented it over 800 years ago to preserve fish. They’d mince it, wash it, and shape it into cakes called kamaboko.
So the next time you sprinkle fake crab into your pasta, you’re participating in a tradition that’s older than the printing press. History on a plate, baby.
Now go enjoy that roll. And if anyone asks, just say it’s “deconstructed ocean soufflé.” If they believe you, you owe me a coffee.
