Imitation crab salad is an easy, filling, and cheap recipe you can make from simple ingredients most of us have at home. I remember my mom and aunts making this salad for every special occasion. It’s a staple recipe in my family and many other Lithuanian and Eastern European families.
I know variations of imitation crab salad exist across Eastern Europe, but this is the recipe I know and have eaten a million times. So, if you’re looking for a cheap, quick, and easy recipe for your weekly meal prep or to bring to a picnic, this is it.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make crab salad with imitation crab meat in three simple steps.
Jump to RecipeHow to make crab salad with imitation crab meat
The recipe couldn’t be easier.
Step one: Prepare the rice
I prepare rice in a rice cooker, but you can also boil it according to the package instructions. Before cooking, rinse the rice a few times to help the grains separate more. I know no one in Lithuania typically washes their rice, but it comes out much better if you do. For this recipe, I used basmati rice, but traditionally in Lithuania, we use any medium to long-grain rice we have.
When the rice is cooked, let it cool down. Once it’s not as hot, put it in the fridge because the rice needs to be cold for this recipe.
Step two: Chop the vegetables and imitation crab
There’s little chopping needed for this recipe, but while the rice cools down, you can prepare the other ingredients. Wash and cut the cucumber into tiny cubes, and slice the imitation crab.
Also try this summer shrimp salad.
Step three: Mix everything together
When the rice is cold, add chopped cucumber, imitation crab meat, drained canned corn, a few spoonfuls of mayo, and fresh or frozen dill. Season everything with salt and pepper and you have your imitation crab salad.
Serve it cold.
The Easiest Eastern European Imitation Crab Salad
Ingredients
- 300 g imitation crab
- 1 can corn
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 cup rice
- 3 tbsp mayo
- salt and pepper to taste
- dill for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice a few times before cooking. You can use basmati or any medium to long-grain rice. Cook it in a rice cooker or boil according to package instructions. Let cooked rice cool, then refrigerate until cold.
- Wash and cut cucumber into tiny cubes. Slice imitation crab.
- Combine cold rice with: chopped cucumber, sliced imitation crab meat, drained canned corn, 3 spoonfuls of mayo, fresh or frozen dill, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Serve the imitation crab salad cold
Leave a Reply