Spicy Sriracha Crab and Cucumber Salad (Kani Salad) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is spicy kani salad made of? ›

Spicy kani salad is one of those rare recipes that is packed with flavor, but surprisingly so. It has only a few ingredients – imitation crab, a dressing (made from mayonnaise, sriracha, and a bit of mirin or rice vinegar), and cucumber.

Kani is made from a white fish like pollock, processed and mixed with starch to mimic crab legs. It can also refer to lobster or shrimp. The shape, texture, and even flavor all mirror real crab meat. Keep in mind that Kani sushi combines both Kani and Sushi.

Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, is typically precooked during the manufacturing process. As a result, it can be consumed without further cooking, although it is often reheated or served cold in various dishes. Some common dishes that use imitation crab meat include crab cakes, salads, dips, and sushi rolls.

Imitation crab, as its name says, is a mock version of crabmeat. It's a highly processed food containing minced fillet, egg whites, salt, sugar, and other additives to make it look like real crab meat. It's more affordable, but less nutritious, than fresh crab meat.

Imitation crab is made from surimi, which is fish flesh that has been deboned, washed to remove fat and unwanted bits, then minced into a paste. This paste is blended with other ingredients before being heated and pressed into shapes that mimic crab meat ( 1 ).

The Japanese word for “crab” is 「カニ」pronounced as 'kani' .

To make this recipe, you will need imitation crab meat or real crab, celery, red onion, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, mayonnaise and fresh dill.

Can you eat imitation crab raw? Yes. It is pre-cooked, so you are able to eat it straight from the package. Many people use it as part of a larger recipe though, adding it to cream of crab soup, crab Rangoon or crab salad.

The extra step allows them to release some of their water — keeping them extra crisp even when they get tossed with the dressing. It also ensures the dressing doesn't become watered-down, which is especially useful in creamy mayo-based cucumber salads.

You start by taking the imitation crab out of its packaging and holding it in the palm of your hand. Then, gently apply pressure with your other palm to squeeze the meat. As you do this, the layers of the imitation crab will separate into thin strands.

Should I peel cucumber for salad? ›

Should you peel your cucumbers for cucumber salad? Again, it depends on the variety and maturity of the cucumber. English or Persian cucumbers have thin skins which you do not need to peel. Regular market cucumbers may have thicker peels that can be tough and bitter, so it's best to peel those.

In Japan, imitation crab meat is referred to as kanikama. In the U.S., it is often referred to simply as kani. Imitation crab is a key ingredient in California sushi rolls, along with avocado and cucumber, and is used as a crab substitute in Japanese cuisine.

Imitation crab can be cooked using various methods. Some popular options include sautéing, baking, boiling, or incorporating it into stir-fries or soups. How do I sauté imitation crab? To sauté imitation crab, heat a pan with some oil or butter over medium-high heat.

In Thai cooking, the nation's spicy salad is called som tam, or sometimes som tum. It is derived from Laos to the north of Thailand from a dish called tam mak hoong or the Cambodian version is known as bok l'hong.

Spicy Kani Roll is a popular Japanese sushi roll that is creamy, yet spicy. It features shredded kani crab sticks tossed in a spicy Kewpie mayo sauce, then rolled in seasoned sushi rice, nori, and your choice of sesame seeds or tobiko.

Carbs in Bento Nouveau Kani (imitation Crab) Salad Salade De Crabe) Bento Nouveau Kani (imitation Crab) Salad Salade De Crabe) (1 serving) contains 10g total carbs, 10g net carbs, 7g fat, 6g protein, and 130 calories.

Crab Salad Ingredients

Imitation crab meat: This recipe starts with a pound of imitation crab meat. Celery: Finely chopped celery lends flavor and texture. Dressing and mayonnaise: A combination of mayonnaise and reduced-fat ranch dressing ensures a flavorful, creamy result. Sugar: White sugar adds subtle sweetness.