Spicy Kani Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumber and carrot with shredded crab in spicy Japanese-mayo dressing

# What You’ll Need:

→ Salad Components

01 - 7 oz imitation crab sticks (kani), shredded into thin strips
02 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned into matchsticks
03 - 1 medium carrot, julienned into matchsticks
04 - 2 tablespoons sweet corn kernels (optional)
05 - 1 tablespoon green onions, finely sliced
06 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Spicy Dressing

07 - 4 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie recommended)
08 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
12 - ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil

# How to Prepare:

01 - Pull imitation crab sticks apart lengthwise into thin strips. Use your fingers to separate layers for authentic texture.
02 - Julienne cucumber and carrot into uniform matchstick-sized pieces. Keep vegetables crisp and fresh.
03 - Place shredded kani, cucumber, carrot, corn if using, and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - Whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until completely smooth and emulsified.
05 - Pour spicy dressing over salad mixture. Using salad servers or hands, toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
06 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately while crisp, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for chilled presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dressing comes together in seconds but tastes like you spent hours perfecting the balance of heat and creaminess
  • It stays perfectly crisp in the fridge for hours, making it ideal for meal prep or bringing to gatherings
02 -
  • The salad needs at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator after tossing to let the flavors meld together properly
  • Imitation crab can vary wildly in quality, so taste it before adding and choose a brand that actually tastes like crab
03 -
  • Toasting your sesame seeds in a dry pan for just 2 minutes transforms their flavor from mild to deeply nutty
  • Let the dressed salad rest for exactly 15 minutes before serving, but no longer or the vegetables lose their signature crunch

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