What is surimi?

Surimi is a specialized seafood product made from purified and frozen minced fish, typically derived from species like pollock or hake. The process involves washing the fish meat to remove fat and other soluble components, then mincing, and finally freezing it for preservation. This results in a versatile ingredient that can be shaped and flavored to mimic other seafood products, such as crab or shrimp.

The other options do not accurately describe surimi. It is not simply a type of fish fillet, as it involves further processing beyond just cutting the fish into fillets. Additionally, while surimi can be used in various dishes, it is not a seasoning. Rather, it is primarily an ingredient meant to approximate the taste and texture of other seafood. Lastly, while there are methods involved in preparing surimi, simply categorizing it as a method does not capture its unique identity as a processed seafood product.