Satisfy Sushi Cravings With This Easy, Spicy Surimi Salad

Guess what, Seafoodies!?

Today we’re hyping up an ingredient that doesn’t get nearly enough love—surimi! Also known as kani or imitation crab, this clever seafood standout has been quietly making meals better for decades, yet somehow it’s still flying under the radar for many home cooks.

Made primarily from Alaska pollock, surimi delivers a sweet, mild seafood flavor with incredible versatility and convenience. You’ll find it in the refrigerated seafood section of most grocery stores, usually packaged in those familiar red-and-white sticks, though it also comes in shredded form for easy salads and bowls.

We’re always fans of any kitchen multitasker, and surimi fully fits the bill! To start, it’s budget-friendly—you get all that delicious seafood taste without a hefty price tag. Think restaurant-quality sushi that won’t break the bank, making it optimal for feeding families or entertaining on a budget. The convenience factor is equally impressive. And one of the best parts? Surimi is ready to eat straight from the package. No timing concerns, no worrying about overcooking—just open and enjoy. 

And lastly, storage is another win. Surimi stays good in the fridge unopened for a few weeks, meaning you can keep some of this easy-to-use protein on hand. Once opened, consume within 3 to 5 days. But how to use this marvelous multitasker? We are so glad you asked! 

Our latest recipe is Spicy Surimi Salad, which showcases exactly why we are stocking up on this protein-rich ingredient! This vibrant, Asian-inspired dish is like a deconstructed sushi roll transformed into a satisfying salad that takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. We start with tender kelp or rice noodles as the base, then add flaked surimi alongside protein-rich edamame, crisp cucumber slices and julienned carrots for that invigorating crunch factor. Mix in the tangy yogurt-based dressing that combines Greek yogurt with apple cider vinegar, soy sauce and just the right amount of sriracha heat. This creamy, spicy dressing ties everything together while still keeping it a lighter bite. Top everything off with sliced avocado, scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a recipe that is fresh, satisfying and proves that budget-friendly can still be hands down delicious. 

It works beautifully as a light, standalone plate for lunch or dinner, but also makes an impressive side dish alongside grilled salmon and steamed rice for a complete Asian-inspired feast. Don’t let the humble reputation fool you—surimi also brings some solid nutrition to the table. It’s a quick source of lean protein (about 6 grams per ounce), and is low in fat and calories.

So next time you spot surimi in the seafood aisle, toss a pack into your cart—and give this recipe a try! It’s easy to make, easy to love and just waiting for a spot in your weekly meal rotation.

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