Spicy Kani Salad with Imitation Crab

This spicy kani salad combines thinly shredded imitation crab with my sweet and spicy mayo dressing. Serve it with crisp cucumber as a side dish, or add rice and vegetables for an easy sushi-inspired bowl.

I’ve been a long time fan of Asian-Inspired flavors. Some of my favorite recipes include my Firecracker Grilled Salmon, Sriracha Lime Chicken Thighs and Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls.

And with this spicy kani salad recipe, it was love at first bite!

No need to splurge on a meal out at a Japanese steakhouse or Japanese food take out for spicy crab salad when you can make this easy spicy kani salad recipe at home using simple ingredients.

What is Kani Salad?

Kani is the Japanese word for crab. This kani salad uses imitation crab, also called surimi seafood, tossed in a creamy, spicy dressing.

Imitation crab is tossed in a creamy sauce that is spicy and mayonnaise based. The optional additions and garnishes vary.

It’s addictively delicious.

Choosing Ingredients for Your Kani Salad

I think about healthy eating in the context of my own needs, including my history of Lupus remission and maintaining a 100+ pound weight loss. That personal experience is not a promise about what this recipe will do for someone else. Choose ingredients and portions that fit your own needs.

Is Kani Salad Gluten-Free?

It depends on the ingredients. Choose imitation crab labeled gluten-free, and check the mayonnaise, hot sauce, coconut aminos or soy sauce, and toppings. Regular soy sauce and many crunchy toppings contain wheat. For restaurant kani salad, ask about ingredients and preparation rather than assuming it is gluten-free.

Simply Surimi is one gluten-free option. Always check the current package for ingredients, allergens, nutrition and storage directions.

Is Kani Salad Low-Carb?

Imitation crab contains carbohydrates, and amounts vary by brand. This recipe makes 8 side-dish servings using 1 pound of imitation crab. Use the nutrition labels on your ingredients to decide whether a serving fits your carbohydrate goals; sweeteners, dressing and optional toppings also affect the total.

Spicy Kani Salad Ingredients:

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make a Japanese crab salad at home, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full details.

• Imitation crab sticks — use 1 pound, shredded into thin strips.
• Optional cucumber garnish: thinly slice or julienne an English cucumber or Persian cucumbers.
• Regular mayonnaise is what I use for this recipe because our local grocery stores and asian markets do not carry kewpie mayo or Japanese mayonnaise. IF you have it available, please use it!
• Sriracha Sauce (hot sauce)
• Sweetener: I use monk fruit, but sugar works well too.
• Toasted Sesame oil
• Coconut aminos or soy sauce

How to Make the Best Spicy Crab Kani Salad

The crab legs are unrolled and thinly sliced to resemble the texture of shredded fish. After you shred crab sticks into thin strips of crab; grab a small bowl to combine the dressing ingredients –> Asian Sweet and Spicy Mayo Sauce is the creamy spicy mayonnaise dressing that gives this Japanese-inspired salad its kick!

Toss your shredded crab sticks with the kani salad dressing in a medium bowl. You can serve it immediately, or chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors come together. The salad can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated in an airtight container; add your garnishes just before serving.

I prefer to enjoy my Homemade Crab Kani Salad with a side of thinly sliced fresh cucumbers. However, feel free to try popular additions like shredded carrots, chopped mango, corn kernels, etc

How to Garnish Japanese kani salad

And don’t forget to garnish your spicy kani salad! I’m pretty minimalist with just a few green onions from our garden and black sesame seeds for that pretty contrast. Pro tip; you can also use white sesame seeds, panko breadcrumbs, fish roe or kelp noodles as garnishes! Additionally adding some sushi rice to your bowl will give your kani salad that spicy crab roll/sushi roll feeling that you crave from Japanese food take out; only now you’ve made it at home!

I also love to sprinkle on a little Tobiko (Orange Fish Roe/Caviar) too! Just a reminder, to keep this dish gluten free you want to avoid adding crunch garnishes like panko bread crumbs or tempura bits, both contain gluten. A better choice would be sprinkle of pork Panko!

If you want to experiment with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, expect a tangier flavor and a different texture; this is a variation on the original recipe.

I hope you enjoy this homemade spicy kani salad!

More Imitation Crab Recipes

For a creamy deli-style option, try my seafood salad with shrimp and imitation crab. My easy seafood ceviche pairs cooked seafood with lime, avocado and tomatoes. For more meal ideas, browse my imitation crab recipes for easy weeknight dinners, including creamy seafood enchiladas.