Crispy Crab Stick and Cucumber Cold Salad
Recipe for Refreshing Crab Stick and Cucumber Cold Salad
Today, we’ve prepared a delightfully zesty cold salad using crab sticks and crisp cucumbers. The signature pungent kick of mustard sauce is truly captivating, isn’t it? The combination of refreshingly cool, crunchy cucumbers and savory crab sticks is like a perfect match made in culinary heaven. It’s an ideal dish to awaken your appetite on warmer days.
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 5 imitation crab sticks
- 1/4 onion
- 1/4 red bell pepper
- 1/4 yellow bell pepper
Mustard Dressing- 2 Tbsp prepared mustard (like Japanese karashi)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp prepared mustard (like Japanese karashi)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing one cucumber. Wash it thoroughly. You can peel it if you prefer, but leaving the peel on adds extra crunch and nutrients. Slice the cucumber thinly into matchsticks, about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them thinly ensures they absorb the dressing well and have a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Next, prepare the colorful vegetables that will add vibrancy to the dish. Finely julienne 1/4 onion, 1/4 red bell pepper, and 1/4 yellow bell pepper. Aim for a similar thickness to the cucumber matchsticks for a harmonious bite.
Step 3
Now, prepare the imitation crab sticks. You’ll need 5 sticks. Gently shred them lengthwise into bite-sized pieces. Shredding them rather than chopping preserves their texture and makes them more enjoyable to eat. Avoid shredding them too finely, as they can become mushy.
Step 4
It’s time to make the flavorful mustard dressing that’s key to this dish! In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of prepared mustard, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 1 tablespoon of sugar, a small pinch of salt, and 1/2 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Add 2 tablespoons of water and whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can start with a little less mustard and add more to taste.
Step 5
Get a large mixing bowl ready. Add the julienned cucumber, onion, bell peppers, and the shredded imitation crab sticks to the bowl. Give them a gentle toss to mix the ingredients together before dressing.
Step 6
Pour the prepared mustard dressing evenly over the ingredients in the bowl. Ensure that the dressing is distributed throughout the salad.
Step 7
Now for the mixing! It’s best to wear disposable gloves for this step. Gently toss and mix all the ingredients with the dressing until everything is well coated. Be careful not to overmix or crush the delicate crab sticks.
Step 8
Your delicious Crab Stick and Cucumber Cold Salad is ready! Experience the delightful interplay of the zesty mustard, the crisp vegetables, and the tender crab sticks. For the best flavor and refreshing experience, it’s highly recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. I often make this cold salad first and let it chill while I prepare other dishes. This little step makes a big difference! Take a bite with all the components together – you’ll be greeted by a refreshing crunch and a cool, invigorating sensation that truly whets the appetite. The bright, pungent mustard sauce adds a wonderful zest, making it a perfect and captivating dish for warm weather.
