Are Crab Rangoons Made With Real Crab
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, chances are you've tried Crab Rangoon at least once. This popular appetizer is a staple in many Chinese restaurants across the United States. But have you ever wondered if Crab Rangoons are made with real crab? Let's find out.
What Are Crab Rangoons?
Before we dive into the question of whether Crab Rangoons are made with real crab or not, let's first understand what they are. Crab Rangoons are deep-fried dumplings filled with a mixture of cream cheese, scallions, and crab meat. The filling is usually seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other spices to give it a distinct flavor.
The origin of Crab Rangoons is unclear, but it's believed to be a Chinese-American dish that originated in San Francisco in the 1950s. Since then, it has become a popular appetizer not only in Chinese restaurants but also in American-style Chinese buffets and takeout places.
Do Crab Rangoons Contain Real Crab?
Now, let's get to the question at hand. Are Crab Rangoons made with real crab? The answer is, it depends. Some restaurants do use real crab meat in their Crab Rangoons, while others use imitation crab meat.
Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, is a processed seafood product made from white fish such as pollock. It's made to resemble the texture and flavor of real crab meat and is a cheaper alternative. Many restaurants opt for imitation crab meat in their Crab Rangoons to save on costs.
However, some restaurants do use real crab meat in their Crab Rangoons. These restaurants usually advertise it as such and charge a higher price for the dish.
How to Tell If Crab Rangoons Contain Real Crab?
If you're unsure whether the Crab Rangoons you're about to order contain real crab or not, there are a few ways to tell. Firstly, check the menu. Some restaurants will specify whether their Crab Rangoons contain real crab or not.
Secondly, look at the price. If the Crab Rangoons are significantly more expensive than other appetizers on the menu, it's likely that they contain real crab meat.
Lastly, you can always ask the server or the chef. They should be able to tell you whether the Crab Rangoons are made with real crab or imitation crab meat.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Whether Crab Rangoons are made with real crab or not depends on the restaurant. Some restaurants use imitation crab meat to save on costs, while others use real crab meat and charge a higher price.
If you're a fan of Crab Rangoons and want to try them with real crab meat, be sure to check the menu or ask the server before ordering. And if you're watching your wallet, opting for Crab Rangoons made with imitation crab meat is still a tasty option.
