A Simple & Tasty Sushi Filling
If you’re new to making sushi at home, this recipe is a great way to get started. Many people love sushi, but rolling it yourself might feel overwhelming. That’s where this easy crab salad comes in. Using imitation crab sticks, you can quickly create a flavorful filling with minimal effort. Just chop the crab sticks into about a half-inch in length, then shred them to your desired texture. A creamy sauce ties everything together, making it the perfect mix of flavors. You can see more in the sushi guide, which includes helpful basics, an FAQ, and even tips on sourcing the best ingredients.
For those who love a bit of heat, there’s also a spicy version of this recipe. If you want an extra kick, make sure to check out the spicy crab salad. This site focuses on Americanized and Westernized sushi, so you’ll find plenty of variations. There are different types of sushi, and you can learn more about them on the sushi page. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy filling, this crab salad will make your rolls taste just like the ones from your favorite shop!
A Staple in Western-Style Rolls
Crab salad is an iconic ingredient in Western and American-style sushi, loved for its creamy texture and mild seafood flavor. Typically, it’s made using imitation crab stick, Japanese mayonnaise, and a blend of other ingredients to enhance the flavoring. This recipe takes a lighter approach to mayo compared to what you’d find in most restaurants, which makes it more enjoyable without overwhelming the other flavors.
It’s important to note that imitation crab isn’t just “fake crab”—it’s a distinct food product with a rich history in both Japan and the Western world. If you want to read more, check out the ingredient’s section in this post. While many restaurants stick to imitation crab, some prepare their crab salad with real crab meat. I even plan to test a version using fresh crab soon!
Common Questions Answered
Is crab salad cooked? Yes! Crab salad for sushi is always made with cooked crab meat or imitation crab sticks, both of which are fully prepared before use.
How do I make crab salad for sushi? It’s simple—just combine Japanese mayo, imitation crab sticks, or crab meat with your favorite flavoring. See the recipe below for more details!
Does crab salad have dairy? Some versions include cream cheese, meaning they contain dairy. However, this recipe uses only mayo, making it completely dairy-free.
Is crab salad healthy? Since it contains a lot of mayo, it’s higher in calories, so it may not be the healthiest option. If you’re looking for something lower in calories, try a Classic California Roll made with crab stick instead of crab salad.
How Much Do You Need?
The amount of filling in a sushi roll depends on your personal preference. If you plan to use only this mix, it’s enough for one roll. However, I like to add cucumber or avocado, which helps a single batch stretch to make two rolls.
One batch can also work as a topping for specialty rolls or around 12 bite-sized pieces, like crispy rice or genkan. Whether you want a very loaded roll or prefer to balance it with other fillings, this recipe gives you the perfect portion to top your favorite sushi pieces!
What to Make – Crab Salad for Sushi
The Perfect Addition to Your Rolls
Crab salad is a must-have ingredient for homemade sushi, and there are plenty of recipes on this site that call for it. You can click the link below to see all the ways to use it, or check out the featured rolls! If you prefer, you can even substitute it for crab stick in various roll recipes.
Essential Flavors to Elevate Your Sushi
For that signature flavor, toasted sesame oil (also known as roasted sesame oil) brings a deep umami, savory, and nutty taste. It’s made from toasted sesame seeds, giving it a stronger flavor than regular sesame oil. Look for it at major US grocery stores, Asian grocery stores, or online—but not all brands explicitly mark the distinction, so be sure to check labels!
A squeeze of fresh squeezed lemon juice adds brightness, though bottled works too and is perfectly acceptable for this recipe. For the soy sauce, any brand works, but I personally stick with Kikkoman—whether regular, low sodium, or gluten-free. If you’re cooking with it often, stocking up on a large jug (like the 64 oz size) can be convenient.
While there’s a variety of interesting options available, I suggest using a staple soy sauce for the best balance. Be cautious with substituting ponzu sauce, as its citrus can cook raw seafood (like in ceviche) if left in prolonged contact—so marinating is not recommended!
Crab Salad for Sushi
An easy recipe to make crab salad for sushi at home! Imitation crab stick tossed in Japanese mayo and flavorful seasonings. This recipe is packed with umami!
⭐ 4.85 from 20 votes
📌 Print Recipe | 📌 Pin Recipe
⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 5 minutes
🍣 Course: Sushi
🌏 Cuisine: Sushi
🥢 Servings: 1 batch
🔥 Calories: 450 kcal
📝 Ingredients
- 3 imitation crab sticks (crab sticks), 6 inches long each
- 3 tbsp. Japanese mayo (different from American mayo!)
- 2 tsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ In a small bowl, combine the Japanese mayo, lemon juice, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well until smooth.
2️⃣ Roughly chop the imitation crab sticks into 1 cm chunks (or your preferred size). Then, shred them using your hands or a fork.
3️⃣ Mix the shredded crab stick with the prepared sauce until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. Can be made 1-2 days in advance.
5️⃣ When making sushi rolls, use a fork to scoop the mixture, leaving excess sauce behind to prevent soaking the nori.
💡 Notes
- New to making sushi? Check out the Sushi Beginner’s Guide before getting started!
- This crab salad recipe is lighter on the mayo and stronger on soy sauce, lemon, and sesame oil for a bold flavor. The sauce may be runny, but it’s worth it!
- Want a spicy version? Try my Spicy Crab Salad recipe!
🥢 Nutrition (Per Batch)
- Calories: 450 kcal
Enjoy your homemade sushi with this delicious crab salad! 🍣
