Are you a fan of sushi and looking to try something new? This simple sushi crab salad recipe is perfect for you. This dish is a refreshing twist on traditional sushi rolls and is perfect for those who love the flavor of crab salad. The dish typically includes crab sticks mixed with mayo and other flavorful ingredients, such as cucumber and spicy sauce.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish or as the main course, depending on your preference. It’s also a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional sushi rolls, as it typically contains fewer carbs and calories.
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ll love this dish. It’s a popular home-cooked side dish in Japan and is often served in sushi restaurants as well. Whether you’re a fan of a spicy crab roll or prefer a milder flavor, there’s a sushi crab salad recipe out there that’s perfect for you. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?

Creating the Perfect Sushi Crab Salad
Making sushi crab salad is a delicious and easy way to enjoy sushi flavors without all the fuss of making sushi rolls. With a few simple ingredients and some basic preparation, you can create a dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Choosing Your Ingredients
The first step in creating the perfect sushi crab salad is choosing the right ingredients. You can use either real crab meat or imitation crab sticks, depending on your preference and budget. If you choose real crab meat, make sure to get high-quality, fresh crab meat. For imitation crab meat, look for ones that are made with high-quality ingredients. You can source these easily from your local grocery stores or an Asian market.
In addition to crab, you will need some vegetables to add flavor and texture to your salad. Cucumber and avocado are both great choices, as they add a refreshing crunch to the dish. Sesame seeds are also a great addition, as they add a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.
Preparing the Sushi Rice
The next step is preparing the sushi rice. Use high-quality sushi rice and follow the instructions carefully to ensure that it is cooked perfectly. After the rice has cooked, mix in some rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it the perfect texture and flavor.

Mixing the Crab Salad
To make the crab salad, mix your crab meat or sticks with some Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you want your salad to be a bit spicier, add more sriracha or some spicy mayo.
Next, mix in your vegetables and sesame seeds, making sure everything is well combined. You can also add some fish roe or julienned cucumber for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Your Sushi Crab Salad
To serve your sushi crab salad, you can either place it on top of a nori sheet or serve it on its own. If you want to make it into a homemade sushi roll, place the salad on top of a sheet of nori and roll it up tightly. You can also serve it as a side dish with some white fish or fresh cucumbers.
Overall, making a sushi crab salad is an easy and delicious way to enjoy sushi flavors without all the fuss. With a few simple ingredients and some basic preparation, you can create a dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Assembling and Serving
Rolling the Sushi
Now that you have prepared the sushi rice and spicy crab salad, it’s time to roll the sushi. Use a sushi-making kit to ease the process. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed, shiny side down, on a bamboo sushi mat or a piece of plastic wrap. Wet your fingers with cool water and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top. Place a thin layer of spicy crab salad on top of the rice, followed by your choice of crunchy vegetables such as cucumbers, green onions, or mango. Roll the sushi tightly using the bamboo sushi mat or plastic wrap, making sure to keep the filling in place. Place the spicy crab rolls on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the sushi into smaller pieces and serve with soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi.
Garnishing and Presentation

To make your sushi crab salad look as good as it tastes, garnish it with sesame seeds or black sesame seeds and green onions. You can also add thin strips of avocado or kani kamaboko (imitation crab) for extra flavor and texture. Arrange the sushi rolls on a plate or sushi mat, and serve with a side of spicy mayonnaise or kani salad dressing.
Variations and Accompaniments
Sushi crab salad is a great side dish for any meal or a perfect appetizer for your next sushi night. You can also use it as a filling for a spicy crab sushi roll or a California roll. If you’re a sushi beginner, check out the sushi beginner’s guide for more tips and tricks. For a rice bowl or sushi bowl, simply place a scoop of sushi crab salad on top of the rice and garnish with black sesame seeds and crunchy vegetables. If you’re ordering takeout from a sushi restaurant, ask for a side of Kewpie mayonnaise to complement your sushi crab salad.
Spicy Sushi Crab Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Wooden sushi rice paddle or fork
- Chef's Knife
- Small bowl for the spicy mayo
- Sushi mat or sushi making kit (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup imitation crab meat - shredded
- 1 cup cucumber - julienned
- 1 avocado - thinly sliced
- 1 cup sushi rice - cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
- 2 tablespoons pickled ginger - thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon sriracha sauce - adjust to taste
- Soy sauce for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Crab Salad
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded imitation crab meat, julienned cucumber, and sliced avocado.
Step 2: Season Sushi Rice
- In a separate bowl, season the sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Allow it to cool.
Step 3: Assemble Salad Bowls
- Divide the seasoned sushi rice among serving bowls.
- Top with the crab salad mixture.
Step 4: Make Spicy Mayo
- In a small bowl, mix Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise with sriracha sauce to create a spicy mayo.
Step 5: Drizzle Spicy Mayo
- Drizzle the spicy mayo over the crab salad and sushi rice.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sliced pickled ginger and toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Serve with soy sauce on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.