Are you craving a light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This poke crab salad recipe is your answer. Forget complicated seafood dishes; this vibrant salad is incredibly easy to make, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a culinary masterpiece that's perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning appetizer. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and healthy dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup sushi-grade tuna, diced (optional, for extra protein)
- 1/2 cup cooked sushi rice
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 avocado, diced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice: If using cooked sushi rice, ensure it's cooled completely. If cooking rice, follow package instructions. Let it cool thoroughly before proceeding.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, tuna (if using), cooked rice, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the crab meat.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, and grated ginger. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. More sriracha for extra heat!
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the crab and rice mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add Avocado: Gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Serve & Garnish: Serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Poke Crab Salad:
- Quality Crab Meat: Use high-quality, lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Look for options with minimal filler.
- Sushi-Grade Fish: If adding tuna, ensure it's sushi-grade to avoid any health risks.
- Don't Overmix: Avoid overmixing the salad, as this can break up the crab meat and make it mushy.
- Adjust the Spice: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more if you prefer a spicier salad.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Combine everything just before serving to keep the avocado fresh and the rice from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Mango Poke Crab Salad: Add diced mango for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Spicy Poke Crab Salad: Increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Avocado Poke Crab Salad: Double the avocado for a creamier texture.
- Vegetable Poke Crab Salad: Add other vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or edamame.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This poke crab salad recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be. It's a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying without compromising on taste or nutrition. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing seafood dish!