The Only Condiment You Should Ever Use To Make A Bold And Rich Crab Salad - Tasting Table

"Perfecting a crab salad begins with perfecting the ingredients, and yes, every single thing counts. Fresh, succulent crab meat should be matched with a dressing that complements its flavors well, and more often than not, it's mayonnaise's distinctive tang that highlights the seafood's natural sweetness. But if you want to take it to the next level, ditch your regular mayo, as kewpie mayonnaise can do an even better job. With more boldness and charm, this staple Japanese condiment is perfect for this dish."

"It may not look much like it from their similar colors and textures, but there is definitely a difference between kewpie mayo and regular - and it all comes down to how they're made. Western-style mayo is made with whole eggs, whereas the Japanese version only utilizes the yolks. This may seem like a minor change, but it's the reason why kewpie mayo is so much richer and sweeter, as well as less acidic and more luscious in consistency."

"Before you get started, make sure you get Japanese kewpie mayo instead of the Western one. While the two have similar ingredients, the latter doesn't contain MSG. MSG isn't bad for you like some folks have long believed; in fact, this seasoning plays a huge role in kewpie mayo's umami complexity - one of its main allures. Without it, your crab salad might not reach its full flavor potential."

Kewpie mayonnaise uses only egg yolks rather than whole eggs, producing a richer, sweeter, less acidic, and more luscious texture. Kewpie contains MSG that contributes notable umami complexity and amplifies savory depth in dishes. The egg-forward flavor rounds out and enhances crab meat's natural sweetness and earthy nuances instead of masking them. Kewpie's texture helps the dressing cling to meat and vegetables, improving mouthfeel and bite. Selecting Japanese kewpie rather than Western-style mayonnaise yields a bolder, more charming condiment for crab salad. If Japanese kewpie is unavailable, a copycat version can be prepared at home.

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