Crab Mayo Noodles with Sesame
Light, refreshing Japanese-inspired salad with tender noodles, imitation crab, and tangy Japanese mayo. This japanese-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs udon noodles, imitation crab sticks, Japanese mayo for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz udon noodles
- 6 oz imitation crab sticks
- 3 tbsp Japanese mayo
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz udon noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 6 oz imitation crab sticks, 3 tbsp Japanese mayo, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Mix until crab is fully coated.
- Step 3: Add cooked noodles and 2 tbsp sliced green onions, tossing gently to combine.
- Step 4: Transfer to a serving bowl, top with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crab Mayo Noodles with Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crab Mayo Noodles with Sesame?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep udon noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crab Mayo Noodles with Sesame?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crab Mayo Noodles with Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Crab Mayo Noodles with Sesame?
Japanese pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
