Spicy Kani Salad (Printable View)

Refreshing Japanese-style salad with shredded crab, crisp vegetables, and creamy spicy dressing. Ready in 15 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Salad Base

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 for garnish

→ 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 Steps:

01 - Shred the imitation crab sticks lengthwise into thin, uniform strips. Set aside in the refrigerator to keep chilled.
02 - Using a sharp chef's knife, julienne the cucumber and carrot into matchstick-sized pieces, approximately 2 inches long.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded crab, cucumber, carrot, corn kernels if using, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until completely smooth and emulsified.
05 - Pour the spicy dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds immediately before serving. Serve chilled for best results.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in literally 15 minutes but looks and tastes like something from a specialty restaurant
  • The spicy creamy dressing creates this addictive flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
02 -
  • I once made the mistake of tossing this salad too early before guests arrived, and by serving time the cucumber had released too much water making everything soggy
  • The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge, but toss the salad just before serving for the best texture
03 -
  • After making this countless times, I have learned that serving it in individual portions looks much more elegant than family style
  • The secret restaurant style presentation is to leave some of the dressing visible on the plate rather than tossing everything completely

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