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A white bowl of Spicy Cucumber Salad with Crab, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh herbs on a wooden table.

No-Cook Spicy Cucumber Salad with Crab

A refreshing and luxurious no-cook salad featuring crisp cucumber ribbons and sweet, delicate crab meat tossed in a creamy, spicy, and tangy dressing. This light yet substantial dish is perfect for a quick low-carb lunch or an elegant side, ready in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 Persian cucumbers
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, for sweating cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup Kewpie mayonnaise, divided
  • 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha, or to taste, divided
  • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Colander
  • Large bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Fork
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Wash and dry the Persian cucumbers. Slice them into thin rounds or use a vegetable peeler to create long ribbons. Place them in a colander set over a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and toss to coat. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess water.
  2. After 15-20 minutes, gently pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and salt. Set aside.
  3. While the cucumbers are sweating, place the well-drained crab meat in a medium bowl. Gently flake it with a fork, keeping some larger chunks. Add half of the Kewpie mayonnaise (1/4 cup), half of the sriracha, and half of the sliced green onions. Gently fold to combine without overmixing.
  4. In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the remaining Kewpie mayonnaise (1/4 cup), remaining sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large serving bowl, combine the dried cucumbers and the spicy crab mixture. Pour the dressing over the top. Add the remaining green onions and the toasted sesame seeds.
  6. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. For the best flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, do not skip the step of salting and drying the cucumbers; this is crucial to prevent a watery salad. Be gentle when mixing the crab to maintain its flaky texture. For maximum crunch, dress the salad just before serving. For variations, consider adding diced avocado, mango, or toasted panko breadcrumbs. Imitation crab or cooked shrimp can be substituted for lump crab meat.