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Easy Spicy Kani Salad Recipe

A mound of creamy, shredded kani salad mixed with thin strips of green cucumber served on a white plate.
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Make restaurant-style Spicy Kani Salad at home. This recipe delivers a creamy, refreshing imitation crab salad with a spicy kick, perfect as a quick appetizer or light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces imitation crab sticks (kani), shredded
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional garnish: Masago or tobiko (fish roe), toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kani: Gently shred the imitation crab sticks by hand or with two forks until they resemble crab meat. Place the shredded kani in a medium bowl.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Julienne the cucumber thinly. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the kani.
  3. Make the spicy dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust Sriracha for your preferred heat level.
  4. Combine: Pour the spicy dressing over the kani and cucumber mixture. Gently fold everything together until the crab and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Do not overmix.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Transfer the Kani Salad to a serving dish. Garnish with masago, sesame seeds, or cilantro before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use Kewpie mayonnaise; its slight sweetness complements the spice well.
  • If you prefer a less spicy version, start with 1 tablespoon of Sriracha and add more as needed.
  • This salad works well as a sushi side dish or served over a bed of lettuce for a light lunch idea.

Nutrition

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