Print

Restaurant-Style Spicy Kani Salad

A close-up of a mound of creamy kani salad mixed with shredded carrots and cucumber chunks on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this creamy, crunchy imitation crab salad at home. It is a quick, refreshing side dish perfect for sushi nights or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces imitation crab meat (kani), shredded
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
  • 1/4 cup carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons masago or tobiko (optional, for topping)
  • 1/4 cup Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Shred the imitation crab meat into thin strips. Place the shredded kani in a medium bowl.
  2. Add the julienned cucumber and carrot to the bowl with the crab.
  3. Prepare the spicy mayo dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Japanese mayonnaise, Sriracha, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the kani and vegetable mixture.
  5. Gently fold all ingredients together until the crab and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Do not overmix.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the kani salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  7. Before serving, garnish the salad with masago or tobiko, if using, and sprinkle with chopped green onion. Serve cold as a sushi side dish or appetizer.

Notes

  • For a crunchier texture, you can add 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery or shredded cabbage to the mix.
  • If you do not have Japanese mayonnaise, you can substitute it with regular mayonnaise, but add a small squeeze of lemon juice for tang.
  • This salad is best eaten the day it is made for the freshest texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/easy-kani-salad-recipe-restaurant-style/