Tempura crab sticks with shredded ends and nori wraps on a plate

Tempura Crab Sticks

LEVEL Intermediate
PREP TIME 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME 20 minutes
SERVINGS Makes 10 crab sticks · Serves 2–3
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Big Crab Stick Energy

Imitation crab has never exactly screamed main character. It's rubbery, suspicious, and not fooling anybody. But what can I say? Ms. Wong's has a way of turning everyday meh into wait, why is this actually so good? All it takes is a simple shred, wrap, and dip. Voilà, sad crab no more. Just the glow-up it deserved.

INGREDIENTS

  • 10 imitation crab sticks
  • 1 bag Ms. Wong's Tempura Mix
  • ½ cup ice-cold water
  • 60 ounces vegetable oil, for a 6-quart pot
  • Nori sheets, cut into strips
  • Your favorite dipping sauce

SHOP NOW

Directions

STEP 1: Heat the Oil
Pour 2 to 3 inches of oil into a deep pot, keeping it no more than halfway full. Heat the oil to 380°F.

Heat the Oil - Crab Sticks

STEP 2: Prep the Crab Sticks
Shred one end of each crab stick into thin strands. Soak a nori strip with water so it sticks, then wrap it around the unshredded end.

Prep the Crab Sticks - Crab SticksPrep the Crab Sticks - Crab Sticks

STEP 3: Batter Up
Gently mix 1 bag Ms. Wong's Tempura Mix with ½ cup ice-cold water until just combined.

Batter Up - Crab Sticks

STEP 4: Fry Fearlessly
Coat each crab stick in batter and carefully place it in the 380°F oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly golden and crispy. Fry them in one batch only if every piece has room to float freely without crowding, so the oil stays at the proper temperature.

Fry Fearlessly - Crab Sticks

STEP 5: Serve & Enjoy
Drizzle with your favorite sauce (… sriracha) and serve hot. 🔥

Serve and Enjoy - Crab Sticks