Can i boil imitation crab meat? and if so for how long?

Imitation crab meat is already pre-cooked, so no, I wouldn't boil it-- it'll be way over-done. It's usually used in sushi, cold sea food salads and cold "crab" dip. You CAN use it to stuff poppers, fish tacos, etc, but you just want to lightly cook it, not boil it. Recipes here: http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,imitation_crab_meat,FF.html By the way, imitation crab is basically chopped up bits of fish and food coloring with some chemicals...don't eat it if you're pregnant or feed it to small children due to the risk of mercury poisoning.

As mentioned, imitation crab/etc is already cooked and often eaten cold or at room temp. I like to heat mine briefly (lightly covered) in the microwave though just enough to warm it when I'm having it for dinner with an Asian dip**, or you could steam it till heated through. Just don't overheat it because any fish will get tough and "dry" when it's overcooked. (I wouldn't boil it though because it is a pressed concoction and may start coming apart with vigorous movement, and you'll also lose some of the flavor.) ** http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110605003124AAoI3lq .

I don't think you want to eat that stuff. Please read the ingredients. If you find CARMINE (E-120 or cochineal) its a bug. It's used to color it red like real crab meat.

Yes, it is cooked...you do not need to cook it. It is very tasty cold!

i wouldnt. then it unrolls in the water and would get mushy....ive microwaved mine and then sliced it and added to pasta salad

It's already cooked. Just heat it through. And don't boil it.