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Easy Restaurant-Style Spicy Kani Salad

Close-up of a creamy, orange-hued kani salad mixed with sliced cucumbers and topped with sesame seeds.
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Make this creamy, crunchy, and spicy Kani Salad at home in minutes. It is a refreshing seafood side dish perfect for sushi night or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces imitation crab meat (kani), shredded
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Japanese mayonnaise (like Kewpie)
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon masago or tobiko (optional, for topping/texture)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the imitation crab: Gently shred the kani meat into thin strips using your fingers or two forks. Place the shredded crab in a medium bowl.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Julienne the cucumber into thin matchsticks. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the crab.
  3. Make the spicy mayo dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Japanese mayonnaise, Sriracha, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until completely smooth. Taste the dressing and add more Sriracha if you prefer extra heat.
  4. Combine the salad: Pour the spicy mayo dressing over the crab and cucumber mixture. Gently fold everything together until the crab and vegetables are evenly coated. Do not overmix.
  5. Chill (optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Kani Salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Top with masago or tobiko, if using, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a crispier texture, you can add 1/4 cup of finely shredded carrot or a few tablespoons of finely chopped celery to the salad mix.
  • If you do not have Japanese mayonnaise, you can substitute it with regular mayonnaise mixed with a tiny splash of lemon juice, but the flavor will be slightly different.
  • This salad works well as a low carb salad option when served over lettuce greens.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/easy-kani-salad-recipe/