How to Dehydrate Imitation Crab Meat
This is our step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate imitation crab meat. Dehydrating crab meat is real easy to do. Just like in our everyday cooking, several of our dehydrated camping meal recipes use it. So it just makes good sense to dehydrate what you use day-to-day and have it on hand in your pantry for when it’s needed and to expand your list of foods that can be dehydrated while saving time on prep work. It’s also one of the best foods to dehydrate for long-term storage, as it keeps well and rehydrates quickly.
Equipment
- Removable mesh screen insert (one for each dehydrator tray)
- Common kitchen tools (including cutting boards, chef's knife, strainer, can opener, etc.)
- Canning jars with tight-fitting lids
- Desiccant packets for moisture control (optional)
Ingredients
- imitation crab meat
Instructions
Process the Imitation Crab Meat
- Break down the larger imitation crab meat pieces into smaller and thinner pieces.
Prepare the Dehydrator
- Layer the crab meat pieces onto the removable mesh screen inserts; one 14-ounce package of imitation crab will fill three Nesco 13.5-inch round dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate the Imitation Crab Meat
- Set the dehydrator thermostat temperature to 160 °F (71 °C). Dry for 10 to 12 hours until done.
When is the Dehydrated Imitation Crab Meat Done
- When done, the dehydrated crab meat will be crisp and brittle and will snap into smaller pieces when bent. There should be no wet or mushy pieces.
Equalizing and Conditioning Dehydrated Crab Meat
- After a short cooling period, loosely pack the dehydrated crab meat pieces into a clean, dry canning jar with a tight-fitting lid, leaving some headspace.
- Every day, for 7 to 10 days, check the jar for moisture. Roll the jar contents around and note any clumping or sticking. If seen, put it all back on the dehydrator for several more hours.
- If you notice any mold at all, even the slightest bit, throw it all out.
Storing the Dehydrated Crab Meat
- Use appropriate-sized canning jars for storage. Depending on how well you dehydrate the crab and your pantry storage conditions, it should keep for at least five months.
- An optional food-safe desiccant packet will aid with moisture control.
- Attach or include a label describing the jar contents and the date the product was dehydrated. The label identifies the canning jar contents, and the date helps with the rotation schedule. A first-in, first-out rotation helps us to use items that have been on the shelf the longest, so we're using the oldest food first.
Notes
Drying times will vary depending on your dehydrator and environmental conditions. Refer to your dehydrator owner’s manual for recommended temperatures and times for dehydrating specific foods. Remember to use drying times as a guide.
Nutrition
Serving: 24gCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 390mg
Nutrition information is only an estimate and may differ depending on the ingredients you use.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!