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 tasty side. Combining crisp cucumber with sweet imitation crab and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

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

1. Step 1: Julienne the cucumber into thin strips and place them in a small bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt, toss to coat, and let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then gently squeeze the cucumber strips to remove water and set aside.
2. Step 2: Shred or slice the imitation crab sticks lengthwise, depending on your preference, and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, black pepper, and chopped green onion until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cucumber strips, crab meat, and creamy sauce. Gently toss everything until evenly coated, taking care not to break up the crab meat.
5. Step 5: Garnish with roasted white sesame seeds. Serve the salad cold for a refreshing and flavorful experience.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting Japanese mayonnaise with regular mayo mixed with a little wasabi for a spicy twist.
• Add thinly sliced radishes or carrots for extra crunch and color.
• If you prefer, use fresh crab meat instead of imitation for a more luxurious version.
• Chill the salad in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumber may release more water over time, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving. It’s best enjoyed fresh and cold, and can be served directly from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Japanese mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise, but Japanese mayonnaise tends to be a bit sweeter and creamier, which adds to the dish’s balance. You can add a small pinch of sugar if using regular mayo to mimic the flavor.

Is imitation crab meat a good substitute for fresh crab?

Imitation crab meat is a budget-friendly and convenient alternative. While it lacks the delicate texture and subtle sweetness of fresh crab, it works well in this salad, especially when combined with the creamy dressing and crunchy cucumber.

Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

A refreshing and flavorful Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight, featuring crisp julienned cucumber and delicate imitation crab meat tossed in a creamy Japanese mayonnaise dressing with hints of rice vinegar and garlic powder, garnished with green onion and toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cucumber

• 1 Persian cucumber
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Crab Meat

• 6 oz defrosted imitation crab sticks

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

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Julienne the Persian cucumber into thin strips and place them in a small bowl. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of sea salt and toss to coat evenly. Let the cucumber sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterwards, gently squeeze the cucumber strips to remove the water and set aside.
2. Prepare the Imitation Crab Meat: Shred the imitation crab sticks into fine pieces or slice them lengthwise according to your preference. Set aside for later use.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Combine and Toss Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumber strips, shredded imitation crab meat, and the creamy sauce. Gently toss the ingredients until they are evenly coated with the sauce, taking care not to break apart the crab meat.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with chopped green onion and roasted white sesame seeds. Serve chilled for a refreshing and light meal or side dish.

Notes

• For extra crunch, chill the cucumber strips after salting before mixing.
• You can substitute Japanese mayonnaise with regular mayonnaise if unavailable, though the flavor will vary slightly.
• This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the sauce to achieve your preferred balance of sweetness and acidity.
• To keep the cucumber crisp, avoid mixing too far in advance to prevent sogginess.

Keywords: cucumber salad, crab meat salad, Japanese mayonnaise, no-cook salad, healthy salad, summer salad