Surimi-based products occupy an important position in the aquatic product processing industry. To enhance the quality and flavor of surimi-based products, the effects of pre-emulsified safflower seed oil on the texture, water-holding capacity (WHC), microstructure, and flavor of Nemipterus virgatus surimi gel was evaluated. The texture and whiteness of the gel were improved, and the WHC increased (p < 0.05) as the content of safflower seed oil increased up to 2 mL per 100 g surimi. Furthermore, the drops of pre-emulsified safflower seed oils with an average diameter of less than 0.10 μm were evenly distributed in gel matrix. Microstructure and infrared spectroscopy analyses indicated that low-content pre-emulsified safflower seed oil acted as filler particles to occupy void spaces, resulting in gel exhibiting a dense network structure. Volatile analysis showed the gel containing pre-emulsified oil enriched volatile compounds, mainly resulting from the oxidation and decomposition of oils by the activation of lipoxygenase, which synergistically contributes to unique flavors of gel. Consequently, low-content pre-emulsified safflower seed oil can used to enhance the quality and flavor of N. virgatus surimi-based products. These findings are especially relevant to the current growing interest in low-fat and high-protein diets.

To enhance the quality and flavor of surimi‐based products, we investigated the effects of vegetable oils (peanut, soybean, corn, coconut, olive, and safflower seed oils) on the texture, water‐holding capacity (WHC), microstructure, and flavor of the Nemipterus virgatus surimi gel. The results showed that 6 kinds of vegetable oils could improve the whiteness and flavor of gels. However, peanut, olive, and coconut oils enriching oleic acid or lauric acid were easy to accumulate with an average diameter of more than 0.15 μm. Thus, the gel with the oil showed a loose network structures with large cavities, and the texture was deteriorated, accompanied by decreased WHC (p < .05). Compared with other vegetable oils, soybean, corn and safflower seed oils enriching linoleic acid were emulsified with protein forming a stable interfacial protein film. The gel with the oil showed an increase in the WHC and bound water content. Furthermore, the oil droplets with an average diameter of less than 0.15 μm were evenly distributed in the gel matrix, and the gel exhibited dense network structures with small cavities and smooth surface. In general, soybean and safflower seed oils can be used as a potential additive to improve the quality and flavor of surimi‐based products.

Surimi-based products occupy an important position in the aquatic product processing industry. To enhance the quality and flavor of surimi-based products, the effects of pre-emulsified safflower seed oil on the texture, water-holding capacity (WHC), microstructure, and flavor of Nemipterus virgatus surimi gel was evaluated. The texture and whiteness of gel were improved, and the WHC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) as the content of safflower seed oil increased up to 2 mL per 100 g surimi. Furthermore, the drops of pre-emulsified safflower seed oils with an average diameter of less than 0.10 &mu;m were evenly distributed in gel matrix. Microstructure and infrared spectroscopy analyses indicated that low-content pre-emulsified safflower seed oil acted as filler particles to occupy void spaces, resulting in gel exhibiting a dense network structure. Volatile analysis showed the gel containing pre-emulsified oil enriched volatile compounds, mainly resulting from oxidation and decomposition of oils by the activation of lipoxygenase, which synergistically contributes to unique flavors of gel. Consequently, low-content pre-emulsified safflower seed oil can used to enhance the quality and flavor of N. virgatus surimi-based products. These findings are especially relevant to the current growing interest in low-fat and high-protein diets.