Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight
Discover a refreshing and vibrant side dish that perfectly balances crisp textures with a creamy, savory dressing. This Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight is a quick-to-prepare option, ideal for a light lunch, a picnic, or as a sophisticated accompaniment to any meal. It's an effortless way to bring a burst of fresh flavor and elegant presentation to your table.
Prep Time
Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 20 minutes
Servings
2-4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Effortlessly delicious: A simple assembly yields complex, satisfying flavors.
- Perfectly refreshing: Crisp cucumber and a cool, creamy dressing make it ideal for any season.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile dish: Great as a light meal, side dish, or appetizer.
- Balance of textures: Crunchy cucumber meets tender crab in a smooth dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 medium (approximately 150g) Persian cucumber
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) fine-grain sea salt, plus extra for cucumber
- 170g (6 oz) imitation crab sticks, flaked or shredded
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) granulated sugar
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 22.5 ml (1.5 tbsp) mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's)
- A generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) rice vinegar
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 medium green onion stalk (scallion), thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber. Begin by julienning the Persian cucumber into thin, uniform strips. Transfer these strips into a small bowl. Lightly sprinkle the cucumber with about 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of fine-grain sea salt and toss gently to ensure an even coating. Allow the salted cucumber to sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes; this crucial step helps to draw out excess moisture, ensuring the salad remains crisp and prevents it from becoming watery. Once the time has passed, carefully gather the cucumber strips and gently squeeze them to remove any accumulated water. Set the blotted cucumber aside.
- Prepare the Imitation Crab Meat. Take the imitation crab sticks and prepare them according to your textural preference. You can either shred them into fine, fluffy pieces using your fingers, or slice them lengthwise into thinner strips for a more substantial bite. Once prepared, set the crab meat aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Dressing. In a separate small mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: granulated sugar, garlic powder, mayonnaise, freshly ground black pepper, and rice vinegar. Whisk these components together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, homogenous, and all seasonings are well integrated. Taste the dressing and adjust the balance of sugar, vinegar, or pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Combine and Gently Toss Ingredients. Transfer the prepared, moisture-reduced cucumber strips and the shredded or sliced imitation crab meat into a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly made creamy dressing over the cucumber and crab. Using a spatula or tongs, gently toss all the ingredients together. The goal is to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the dressing without breaking up the delicate crab meat too much.
- Garnish and Serve Chilled. Once the salad is uniformly coated, transfer it to your serving dish. Before presenting, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and the thinly sliced green onion for both visual appeal and an added layer of flavor and texture. For optimal enjoyment, serve the Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small mixing bowls (2)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
- Serving dish
Essential Success Tips
- Salt the cucumber: This step is crucial for removing excess water, preventing a soggy salad, and concentrating the cucumber's flavor. Don't skip it!
- Gently squeeze cucumber: After salting, gently but firmly squeeze the cucumber strips to extract as much moisture as possible. This ensures ultimate crispness.
- Taste and adjust dressing: Always taste your dressing before combining. Adjust sugar, vinegar, or pepper to achieve your preferred balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
- Chill before serving: While delicious immediately, chilling the salad for at least 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall experience.
- Don't overmix: Toss the ingredients gently to avoid breaking down the imitation crab too much. You want distinct pieces and textures.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- The Umami Boost: For an extra layer of umami without altering the core flavor, add a tiny dash (1/4 teaspoon) of toasted sesame oil to the dressing. It provides a subtle depth that complements the crab and vinegar beautifully.
- Textural Contrast: To elevate the textural experience, consider adding a sprinkle of finely crushed roasted peanuts or cashews alongside the sesame seeds for a sophisticated crunch.
- Herbaceous Freshness: A very fine chiffonade of fresh mint or cilantro can introduce an unexpected, bright herbaceous note that beautifully cuts through the richness of the creamy dressing, offering a culinary surprise.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumber may soften slightly over time.
- Variation: For a spicy kick, add a small amount of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Protein Boost: For a more substantial meal, serve over a bed of mixed greens or with a side of steamed rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Absolutely! Real lump crab meat would be a luxurious substitute, offering a more intense crab flavor and a different texture. Simply flake it and follow the same steps.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dressing and the cucumber (after squeezing out moisture) a few hours in advance. Combine everything just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and prevent sogginess.
What kind of cucumber is best for this salad?
Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin, small seeds, and crisp texture. English cucumbers also work well. Avoid regular slicing cucumbers if possible, as they tend to have larger seeds and more water.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Estimates per serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 180, Protein: 10g, Fat: 12g, Carbs: 10g, Sodium: 550mg.
Allergy Information
Contains shellfish (imitation crab often contains fish), eggs (mayonnaise), and soy (imitation crab and sometimes mayonnaise). May also contain wheat/gluten if imitation crab contains it. Always check ingredient labels for specific allergen information. For a gluten-free version, ensure your imitation crab and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free.
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