Reheating-induced gel properties change and flavor evolution of surimi-based seafood: Effects and mechanisms

This study investigated the effect of different reheating treatments on gel properties and flavor changes of surimi products. As the reheating temperature increased from 90 °C to 121 °C, the heat-induced proteolysis produced more abundant umami and sweet amino acids, which took part in the conversion of IMP to AMP, thus enhancing the taste profiles. Reheating increased the exposure of active -NH₂ terminals in proteins, which boosted Maillard and Strecker reactions with carbonyl compounds originated from fatty acid oxidation, thus not only reducing the aldehydes and esters contents but also lowering the whiteness of surimi products. Reheating at 90 °C prohibited the production of warmed-over flavor (WOF) and well-preserved the textural characteristics, but high temperatures ≥100 °C were prone to generate furan as the major WOF substance and to destroy gel structures. Collectively, this study provides new insights on understanding the role of reheating on sensory properties of surimi products.