You will love how refreshing and delicious this spicy kani salad is. It’s super easy to make, too.
Spicy Kani Salad
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
I can’t stress enough how much I love a spicy kani salad.

I was first introduced to them by Auntie Amanda on Tik Tok about a year ago.
The more I saw her eating them the more I wanted to try one.
Let me tell you something, I was hooked from the very first bite.

Since then I can not order sushi without a spicy kani salad to go alone with it.
The ingredients are simple but they all play a part to make this salad really special.

I know if you try this spicy kani salad recipe, you’re going to love it, too!
Does this kani salad have to be spicy?
If you’re not really into heat don’t worry. You can easily eliminate the spice out of this salad.

Instead of using sriracha mayonnaise just use regular mayonnaise instead.
Still mix it with the vinegar and you’re good to go!
Can I used regular crab meat?
You can but it’s not recommended.
A real kani salad uses the imitation crab meat or crab sticks.

I’d try it this way before switching to real crab first.
What to serve a spicy kani salad with
Kani salads can be served as a side dish, snack or main course.

It is a Japanese food so I usually get it with sushi. But when I make it at home like this the options are endless.
I usually go with something like chicken teriyaki, orange chicken or skirt steak and a vegetable like roasted broccoli.

Any protein and veggie combo would work just fine.
Spicy Kani Salad Ingredients

- Sriracha mayonnaise
- Vinegar
- Imitation crab
- Shredded cucumber
- Shredded carrot
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
Instructions
First, pull apart the imitation crab or slice it into shreds then add it to a medium sized bowl.

Now add the shredded carrots.

I get them in a bag preshredded to save myself the hassle but if you want to shred a carrot yourself go for it.

Then using a peeler, peel the cucumber from the outside into the center leaving the seeds.

Take those cucumber shreds and slice them thin using a knife and add them to the crab and carrots.

After that make the dressing by mixing spicy mayonnaise with a little white vinegar.

Add the spicy mayo dressing to the kani salad and toss it to combine.

Add sesame seeds and sliced avocado if you want.

Serve cool and enjoy.

Spicy Kani Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz Imitation crab meat
- ¼ cup Shredded Carrots
- 1 medium Cucumber, shredded
- ⅓ cup Sriracha Mayo
- 1 teaspoon Vinegar
- Avocado (optional)
- 2 tbs Sesame Seeds (optional)
Instructions
- First, shred or slice the imitation crab meat thin (julienne) and add it to a medium sized bowl.
- Then add the shredded carrots. (I buy them already shredded at the grocery store but you can slice one thin or grate it if you want.
- Using a peeler, peel the cucumber from the outside in until you hit the middle where the seeds are.
- Using a knife, slice the peeled cucumber into thinner shreds (julienne) and add it to the bowl.
- To make the dressing, mix the sriracha mayo with the vinegar. Pour it on top of the kani salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add sliced avocado if you'd like. Serve cold and enjoy!
Crystal Hartsell says
This was absolutely delicious!!!
The avocado made a big difference.
Al Dente Diva says
Hey Crystal, I’m so glad you made it and liked it! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Angela l Hanson Muesse says
You mention Japanese Mayo but then use the Shriracha mayo. Is the Japanese mayo for when you don't want spicy?
Al Dente Diva says
Hi! Yes or you can make your own sriracha mayo with Japanese mayo and the sriracha. Up to you
Anonymous says
T this was fantastic. I live me some Kani salad and the amount this made for the price was great. Especially what it costs out. Great recipe, thanks for sharing!!
Mike
Al Dente Diva says
Hey Mike, thanks so much!! I’m so happy you tied it and liked it. Thank you!!