Last updated on November 26th, 2024
After lots of experimentation, I’ve finally perfected this delicious recipe for Imitation Crab Ceviche (Ceviche de Jaiva)!
Ceviche is a seafood dish originating from modern day Peru. It’s typically made using fresh, raw white fish that has been cured in fresh citrus juice like lemon, lime or the juice from a bitter orange. It’s also called Ceviche de Jaiba (Jaiba Ceviche).
In this recipe, I use imitation crab meat. This makes the dish incredibly budget-friendly while still delivering on flavor. Best of all, it’s also low-carb, low-fat, and super easy to make!
So in this post, I’ll go over the ingredients you’ll need, how to make the dish, some tips, and everything else you’ll need to make this authentic imitation crab recipe.
Why use Imitation Crab?
I think imitation crab is an excellent alternative to raw fish for a few reasons:
- First, it’s much more affordable, so it’s a great budget-friendly option for serving large groups.
- Second, it’s fully cooked and pasteurized, so there’s no need to be worried about eating raw seafood.
- Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile—it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs really well with the other ingredients.
You can find imitation crab in most grocery stores. If you want to learn more, check out my post on imitation crab.
Ingredients For Easy Ceviche
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients for this easy ceviche recipe. Check the printable recipe card below for more details!
Jump to Recipe- Package Imitation Crab: Go for the full crab sticks—they have a better taste and texture than imitation crab flakes or shredded imitation crab. The best brands are Osaki, Kanikama, TransOcean, or Louis Kemp Crab Delights.
- Roma Tomatoes: Tomatoes and South American food just go together so beautifully! This ceviche is no exception. I prefer roma tomatoes for their firm texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor. You can also use cherry tomatoes or other diced large tomatoes.
- Serrano Peppers (Optional): Serrano peppers are five times hotter than jalapenos! So if you like it hot, include them in this dish.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh cilantro is a must for this recipe! It really takes the flavor to the next level.
- Other Veg: Red onion and fresh avocado. You can also use yellow onions, sweet onions, or white onions in a pinch.
- Ceviche Dressing: Good, authentic olive oil and fresh lime juice (or lemon juice).
Spicy Considerations
As a rule, ceviche is a spicy dish! The recipe usually calls for serrano peppers, which are a type of chili pepper.
However, these serrano peppers can be five times hotter than jalapeno peppers, so If you’re cooking for a group and want to keep everyone happy, you can leave them out and it will still taste amazing!
How To Make Imitation Crab Ceviche (Ceviche de Jaiba)
So, how do you make this easy crab ceviche recipe? Needless to say, it’s extremely simple to do with amazing results!
Step 1: Shred Imitation Crab & Place Into Large Bowl
Because I couldn’t find the imitation crab sticks at the particular grocery store I shopped at, I used the flake style and just broke it up into smaller pieces using my hands.
Step 2: Stir Olive Oil Into Imitation Crab & Then Add Cilantro, Onion, Tomato, Avocado & Peppers
In your large bowl blend crab meat with olive oil and gently mix until it is evenly coated.
Then, add in chopped cilantro, diced onion, diced tomato, diced avocado, and finely chopped peppers (if you’re using peppers).
After that, mix well.
Step 3: Pour Lime Juice Over Ceviche, Mix Well, & Add Salt & Pepper To Taste
Now, your final steps are to mix in your fresh lime juice and season with salt & black pepper.
Then, the hardest part of this recipe is to place your ceviche in the refrigerator and wait for about an hour to get it nice and chilled and ready to serve.
Foods To Eat With Imitation Crab Ceviche
There are multiple ways to serve my Imitation Crab Ceviche:
- In a large bowl along with a small bowl of tortilla chips on the side.
- In lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option.
- Nestled in mini tostada bowls for a fun, crunchy little bites.
- As crab ceviche tacos, topped with avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Even spooned over cucumber slices or crackers for elegant, bite-sized servings.
Because this is more of a crab ceviche appetizer recipe, the serving size is only 1/2 cup, but I’m pretty sure you’re going to eat more than that!
Typically this recipe is eaten during the summer months, but why wait until summer? It’s so darn good, any time is the perfect time of the year to make it!
How to Shred Imitation Crab For Ceviche
If you get the imitation crab sticks, the easiest way to shred it is to use a hand mixer.
It’s way less time consuming and shreds it up perfectly, making it as close to real crab meat as possible.
But, if you don’t have a hand mixer, you can use a large knife and press it down on top of the crab stick sideways. Then slide it down the length of the crab stick in one direction to shred it.
This is more time consuming because you have to shred one imitation crab stick at at time, but it does the trick!
Tips, Tricks, & Substitutions
Here’s a few tips, tricks, and substitutions so you’re mock crab ceviche is perfect every time!
- Substitute with other seafood options: You can absolutely substitute other types of fish, shrimp, or real crab meat for the imitation crab. Next time I may make a shrimp crab ceviche recipe! Mmmm!
- Adjust spice level with peppers: Serrano peppers are optional. However, if you still want some sort of spiciness, you can try using jalapeno peppers or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Don’t forget the lime juice: The juice of fresh limes seriously flavors this dish so nicely! Do yourself a favor and get a lemon/lime squeezer.
- Cilantro adds fresh, bright flavor: Fresh cilantro is important for this recipe. It makes the dish taste brighter and more like traditional ceviche.
- Balance the onion: Be careful not to add too much onion, or it will overpower the other flavors. A little goes a long way, adding just the right amount of crunch and zest.
- Drain liquid for perfect consistency: After marinating, drain off any excess liquid before serving to stop the ceviche from becoming too watery.
FAQs
Some questions I keep getting asked:
How Long is Imitation Crab Ceviche Good For?
As long as you store the leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator, your imitation crab ceviche will be good for 3 to 5 days.
How Many Calories Are In Imitation Crab Ceviche?
Because this is an appetizer recipe, the serving size is 1/2 cup. So per serving, my imitation crab ceviche is only 85 calories and 5 grams of protein!
In addition, it is very low in fat!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the ceviche a few hours ahead to let the flavors blend, but don’t add the lime juice or cilantro until right before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I Use Frozen Imitation Crab?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the imitation crab before using it in the recipe to avoid excess water and ensure the best flavor.
Imitation Crab Ceviche
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Imitation Crab, shredded
- 1 Tomato, diced
- ½ Red Onion, diced
- ½ bunch Cilantro, chopped
- 2 Avocados, diced
- 2 Limes, juiced
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper, To Taste
- 3 Serrano Peppers, finely chopped, Optional
Instructions
- Place imitation crab into a large bowl.
- Stir in olive oil until imitation crab is well coated.
- Then add tomatoes, onion, cilantro, avocadoes, and peppers (optional) and mix well.
- Pour lime juice over ceviche and mix well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in refrigerator for about an hour and serve immediately.
- Serve with tortilla chips, in a small tostada bowl or as lettuce wraps.
More Seafood Recipes
For more seafood recipes, click on over to:
- Crab Stuffed Cucumber Cups with Old Bay Seasoning
- Maryland Deviled Eggs with Crab & Old Bay Seasoning
- Cold Crab & Corn Salad
And if you’re looking for more crab dishes, try my Imitation Crab Dip with Old Bay Seasoning.
- 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Shop Local in Frederick, MD! - November 1, 2024
- Luna Aesthetics: Botox, Filler, & Weight Loss Services - October 8, 2024
- Haunted Houses Near Frederick, MD - September 10, 2024
I like this recipe! It is easy to make, tastes delicious and perfect for sea food lovers, as I am.
Thank you so much! I love this recipe too. So good!