When the day has been long and supper needs to take care of itself, this 5-ingredient slow cooker imitation crab is the kind of simple meal that earns a permanent place in the recipe box. Using frozen imitation crab sticks and a few pantry staples, you can put together a warm, savory dish with hardly any fuss at all. It has that practical, comforting spirit so many of us grew up with in Midwestern kitchens, where the best meals were often the ones made from what was already on hand.
This dish is especially nice served over hot steamed rice, buttered egg noodles, or a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of green beans, buttered peas, or a crisp cucumber salad brings a little freshness to the table, and a piece of warm bread is always welcome for mopping up every last bit.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Imitation Crab
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 package frozen imitation crab sticks, about 16 ounces
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 packet dry Italian dressing mix, about 1 ounce
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
1. Place the frozen imitation crab sticks in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, Italian dressing mix, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the frozen crab sticks, cover, and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until heated through and easy to separate.
4. Gently stir once or twice during cooking if you like, being careful not to break the crab sticks too much.
5. Once hot, serve the imitation crab with plenty of the buttery sauce spooned over the top.
Variations & Tips
Add a little heat: If your family likes a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small spoonful of hot sauce to the butter mixture. It gives the sauce a little kick without overpowering the mild crab flavor.
Make it stretch: For a heartier supper, serve this over rice or noodles and spoon all the sauce over everything. That simple trick turns a small package of imitation crab into a filling meal for the whole table.
Use gentle handling: Imitation crab sticks soften as they warm, so stir carefully and only when needed. That way you keep larger pieces instead of ending up with a shredded mixture.
Freshen it up: A squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the rich buttery sauce nicely. If you have a little parsley or green onion around, a sprinkle on top makes the dish look and taste fresher.