What exactly is imitation crab meat?

Sheepshead is often served in restaurants as imitation crab meat.

Mostly just minced cheap fish. It won't kill you.

Surimi

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Surimi

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Which is usually pollock.

IMITATION CRAB, WILD
Imitation crab is made from white-fleshed fish that's ground and made into a paste and then colored, formed and cooked to mimic crab legs. It's also called surimi or kanikama when prepared for sushi.

Alaska pollock is a "Good Alternative" and is certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Consumer Note
Imitation crab - a minced fish paste - is also called surimi or kanikama when prepared for sushi.

Summary
Approximately half of the surimi produced worldwide is made from Alaska pollock.

Imitation crab or surimi made from other species is a more complicated story. Other fish that are used in surimi include Atka mackerel, barracuda, blue whiting, cod, hoki, mackerel, Pacific whiting, sardine, striped mullet and threadfin bream. These may not or may not be caught using environmentally responsible fishing methods.

When you know the fish used to make surimi, use the Seafood Watch recommendation for that species. When specific information is unavailable, or when pollock is used, this product is rated as a "Good Alternative."