Looking for a salad that is light, refreshing, and healthy? Kani Salad is here to check all the boxes. Also known as the crab stick salad the Kani salad originates from Japan.
This salad uses minimal ingredients and will also leave you craving for some more. The best thing about this salad is that the ingredients used are available almost everywhere. You don’t have to look around hundreds of places to find carrots or cucumbers right?
The salad is dressed with mayonnaise and the topping is made with panko to give it an extra crunch and taste.
If you haven’t tried Kani salad yet you can grab it from ZEN. At Zen, we’ve taken this classic dish and infused it with our own unique twist, creating a Kani Salad experience that is truly unforgettable.
Ingredients For Kani Salad
The ingredients for Kani salad will depend on the type of taste you are going for. Let’s start with the basic Kani salad and discuss the other recipes after that.
To make Kani salad you will need:
First up, we’ve got a crab stick. Look for the ones shaped like long sticks with a strip of red coloring on top to mimic real crab meat. It’s the star of the show!
Next, grab a large English cucumber. Slice it up into thin strips, also known as julienne cuts. We want that fresh crunch in every bite.
Don’t forget about the carrot! You’ll need an equal amount of carrots to cucumber. Julienne them as well to match the cucumber strips. We’re all about balance here!
Now, let’s talk about that special sauce – Japanese mayonnaise, also known as Kewpie mayo. It’s creamier and richer than your regular mayo, adding a delightful tang to the salad.
If you can’t find the Japanese mayo you can start up with regular mayonnaise it won’t make much of a difference don’t worry!
- Last but not least, grab a lemon and give it a good squeeze. We want that freshly squeezed lemon juice to add a zesty kick to the salad.
How To Make Kani Salad
So now our ingredients are ready it’s time to prepare the salad. The thing we love most about Kani salad is that it is easy to prepare and only takes about 15 minutes when you have all the ingredients ready.
Here is the step-by-step process of making Kani salad:
- Prepare the Crab Stick: Start by shredding the crab stick into thin strands. You can do this by pulling them apart with your hands. If you’re in a hurry, grab a fork and run it along the length of the crab stick while holding onto the other end.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Next up, julienne the English cucumber and carrots into thin strips. We want everything to be nice and uniform for that perfect bite.
- Make the Dressing: Now, let’s add this dressing to our bowl.
In a bowl, mix together the Japanese mayo (Kewpie mayo) with some freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Want to add a bit of kick? Throw in a few teaspoons of sriracha sauce for that spicy twist.
- Toss Everything Together: Time to bring it all together! Toss the shredded crab stick, julienned carrots, and cucumbers with the dressing until everything is nicely coated. Don’t forget to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
That was quick, wasn’t it? It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare the salad and is good for almost any occasion. If there are health-conscious people at your next party then the Kani salad can be a good option to serve with
Storage Tips For Kani Salad:
If you happen to have any leftovers (though we doubt there will be!), you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just a heads up, though we don’t recommend freezing it as the vegetables might get a bit watery.
Variations Of Kani Salad
Like any other salad, the Kani has many different variations that you can mix and match according to your taste.
1. Spicy Kani Salad
The spicy Kani salad is the same as the regular salad but there is one extra ingredient which is the 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce. This will create some spice in the salad.
You can adjust this according to your own preference and add sauce that will complement your taste.
2. The Mango Kani Salad
This variation of the Kani Salad adds mango to the existing ingredients. We don’t like mango but if you are someone who is into healthy foods you can try this version out too.
3. The Tobiko Spicy Kani Salad
This variation of the salad along with the spices adds Tobiko and tempura.
Tobiko isn’t just your average fish roe – it’s small, bright orange, and adds a burst of flavor and texture to any dish. When you bite into tobiko, you’ll experience a satisfying pop that elevates the entire salad.
For that extra crunch, we’re adding deep-fried tempura bits. These little nuggets of goodness should be added at the last possible minute to maintain their crispiness. While some recipes call for panko breadcrumbs, we believe that tempura bits offer a superior crunch that perfectly complements the Kani Salad.
Health Benefits Of Kani Salad
At ZEN we only look at dishes that are healthy and can have positive effects on your life. Our Kani salad is prepared with fresh and authentic ingredients to deliver the most healthy and delicious taste to our customers.
Here are the health benefits that Kani Salad offers:
| Health Benefit | Description |
| Low in Calories | Kani Salad is typically low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight. |
| High in Protein | The imitation crab meat in Kani Salad provides a good source of protein for muscle repair and growth. |
| Rich in Omega-3s | Imitation crab meat contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. |
| Abundant in Vitamins and Minerals | Kani Salad is packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. |
| Low in Fat | Kani Salad is generally low in fat, making it a healthier option compared to many other salads. |
| High in Fiber | The vegetables in Kani Salad, such as cucumber and carrot, are rich in fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety. |
Nutritional Properties Of Kani Salad
Let’s break down the nutritional benefits of Kani Salad with these values:
- Calories: 159kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 441mg
- Potassium: 63mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 1534IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 7mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
Conclusion
There you have Kani salad prepared in just no time easy, healthy, and delicious. When making the salad make sure you use only the fresh of ingredients to enjoy the taste of the salad.
Make you own Kani salad at home or try Zen’s Kani salad to see if it is something that you would want to try making!
FAQ’s
What is Kani Salad made of?
Kani Salad typically consists of imitation crab meat (Kani), mixed greens, cucumber, avocado, and a tangy dressing.
How to cut cucumber for Kani Salad?
Cucumber for Kani Salad is usually cut into thin strips, known as julienne cuts, to provide a crisp and refreshing texture.
What is Kani Salad?
Kani Salad is a Japanese-inspired salad featuring imitation crab meat, mixed greens, and vegetables, tossed in a flavorful dressing.
How to make Kani Salad dressing?
To make Kani Salad dressing, simply mix Japanese mayo (Kewpie mayo) with lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a creamy and tangy flavor profile.
How many calories is a Kani Salad?
A typical serving of Kani Salad contains approximately 159 calories.
Is Kani the same as imitation crab?
Yes, Kani is another name for imitation crab meat. It’s made from processed fish proteins and starches, mimicking the taste and texture of real crab meat.
