Crab Mayo Noodles with Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz udon noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Add cooked noodles and 2 tbsp sliced green onions, tossing gently to combine.
  4. 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.

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

Related recipes