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sushi crab salad recipe

Sushi Crab Salad Recipe

A creamy, spicy sushi crab salad that’s perfect for rolls, bowls, or enjoying on its own!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 8
Calories 229 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups sushi rice
  • 1 ¾ cups water
  • 3 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
  • 12 oz imitation crab surimi, shredded or chopped
  • ½ seedless cucumber julienned
  • 2 tbsp chopped scallions
  • 4 tbsp Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise divided
  • 3 tbsp Sriracha hot sauce divided
  • 4 nori seaweed sheets
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp black sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
  • Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Drain and let it sit for 30 minutes (optional for better texture).
  • In a pot, add the rice and water, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in rice vinegar, spread the rice in a shallow pan, and let it cool.
  • Step 2: Make the Crab Salad
  • Shred or chop the imitation crab.
  • In a bowl, mix crab, chopped scallions, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and 2 tbsp Sriracha.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Mayo
  • In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp mayonnaise with 1 tbsp Sriracha. Transfer to a squeeze bottle.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Rolls
  • Wrap a bamboo sushi mat in plastic wrap.
  • Cut nori sheets in half and place one half, shiny side down, on the mat.
  • Wet your fingers and press ½ cup of rice evenly over the nori, leaving ½-inch empty space on top.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and flip the nori so the rice is on the bottom.
  • Step 5: Roll and Slice the Sushi
  • Place the crab salad and cucumber in a horizontal line near the bottom of the nori.
  • Use the sushi mat to roll the sushi tightly, pressing firmly.
  • Place the roll on a cutting board, seam-side down, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  • Drizzle with spicy mayo before serving.

Notes

If you prefer a spicy crab salad, mix in 1 tsp of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This also works great as a filling for a crab stick roll or an imitation crab sushi roll.