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Simple Japanese Crab Salad (Kani Salad)

A mound of creamy japanese crab salad mixed with shredded cucumber and topped with bright orange tobiko fish roe.
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Make this popular, creamy Japanese Crab Salad, often called Kani Salad, using simple ingredients. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of crunchy vegetables and savory imitation crab in a tangy Kewpie mayonnaise dressing.

Ingredients

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  • 8 ounces imitation crab meat (surimi), shredded
  • 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/4 cup masago or tobiko (fish roe, optional for topping)
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crab: If using sticks, shred the imitation crab meat into thin strips. Place the shredded crab in a medium bowl.
  2. Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until smooth.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add the shredded lettuce and cucumber to the bowl with the crab. Pour the dressing over the crab and vegetables.
  4. Mix gently: Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss the salad until all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. Do not overmix, as this can crush the lettuce.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle the top with masago or tobiko, if using, and garnish with sliced green onion. Serve chilled as a refreshing Japanese side dish or appetizer.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use crisp iceberg lettuce. Romaine can work, but iceberg provides the traditional crunch.
  • If you cannot find Kewpie mayonnaise, substitute with regular mayonnaise mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to add tang.
  • This salad is best eaten the day it is made for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/japanese-crab-salad-recipe/