Source Material of Surimi

Surimi is a product of:

Correct Answer: Fish

Surimi is a Japanese fish product made from washed, minced white fish flesh (typically Alaskan pollock or other lean white-fleshed fish) that has been processed into a paste, which can then be formed and textured to resemble other seafood (imitation crab, scallops, shrimp).

What is Surimi?

• The word 'surimi' literally means 'ground meat' in Japanese.
• Made by: mincing fish → washing with water (to remove fat and sarcoplasmic proteins, retaining myofibrillar proteins) → adding cryoprotectants (sugar, sorbitol) → freezing.
• The washed minced fish paste is then shaped and coloured to make imitation crab sticks (kanikama), fish balls, fish cakes (kamaboko), and other seafood analogues.

Key Properties

• High protein, low fat
• Excellent gel-forming ability (due to myosin content after washing)
• Can be flavoured and shaped to mimic premium seafood at lower cost

Common Misconception

Surimi is often mistaken for artificial/synthetic food — it is entirely natural fish protein, just in a different form.