Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight Recipe
Introduction
This Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight is a refreshing and light dish perfect for warm days or as a side for any meal. The crisp cucumber pairs beautifully with creamy crab meat and a tangy, savory dressing that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 Persian cucumber
- 6 oz defrosted imitation crab sticks
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1½ tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 chopped green onion stalk
- A pinch of roasted white sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Julienn the cucumber into thin strips and place them in a small bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt, toss to coat evenly, and let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Gently squeeze the cucumber strips to remove the water and set aside.
- Step 2: Shred or slice the imitation crab sticks according to your preference, then set them aside until needed.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, black pepper, and chopped green onion. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumber strips, crab meat, and creamy sauce. Gently toss everything until evenly coated, taking care not to break the crab meat.
- Step 5: Garnish the salad with roasted white sesame seeds. Serve the salad cold and enjoy its refreshing flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or a handful of toasted nuts.
- Swap Japanese mayonnaise for regular mayo or a mixture of mayo and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or a dash of chili flakes if you prefer a savory or spicy twist.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day for best freshness. Avoid storing the salad for too long as the cucumber may release more water and become soggy. When ready to eat, give the salad a gentle toss and serve cold. It’s best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Yes, fresh or canned real crab meat can be used as a substitute and will add a richer flavor, though it may be more expensive and delicate.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Replace the imitation crab with marinated hearts of palm or artichoke hearts and use vegan mayonnaise to keep the creamy texture without animal products.
PrintCucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight Recipe
A refreshing and flavorful Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight that combines crisp cucumber strips with tender imitation crab meat, dressed in a creamy Japanese mayonnaise sauce with a hint of garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Cucumber
- 1 Persian cucumber
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Crab Meat
- 6 oz defrosted imitation crab sticks
Creamy Sauce
- 1½ tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of black pepper
Garnish
- 1 chopped green onion stalk
- A pinch of roasted white sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Start by julienning the cucumber into thin strips and place them into a small bowl. Sprinkle the cucumber with a pinch of sea salt, toss to coat evenly, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently squeeze the cucumber strips to remove the water and set aside.
- Prepare the Imitation Crab Meat: Shred the imitation crab meat sticks into fine pieces or slice them lengthwise according to your preference. Set aside until needed.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Combine and Toss Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumber strips, shredded or sliced imitation crab meat, and creamy sauce. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated, being careful not to break the crab meat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cucumber and crab salad with chopped green onion and a pinch of roasted white sesame seeds. Serve cold for a refreshing and flavorful dish.
Notes
- Julienning the cucumber thinly ensures it mixes well and soaks up the dressing nicely.
- Allowing the cucumber to sit with salt removes excess water, preventing a watery salad.
- Adjust the garlic powder and sugar according to your taste preferences.
- This salad is best served chilled and should be eaten within a day for optimal freshness.
- Use Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie for authentic flavor.
Keywords: Cucumber salad, crab meat salad, Japanese salad, no-cook salad, creamy cucumber salad, imitation crab recipe
