Crab Cake Sauce

Are you a seafood lover looking to elevate your crab cake game? The key to a truly delicious crab cake lies in the sauce that accompanies it. Here I  will delve into the world of crab cake sauces, exploring different flavors and ingredients that can complement the sweet and delicate taste of crab meat. 

Whether you prefer a classic remoulade, a zesty tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and recipes you need to take your crab cakes to the next level. Get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests with these mouthwatering crab cake sauce ideas!

What is Crab Cake Sauce?

Crab cake sauce is a delectable dip that pairs well with light seafood such as crabs. It’s delicious with flaky seafood, scallops, and sautéed squid.

The creamy mayonnaise pairs nicely with the tangy lemon juice to make a delectable remoulade. A little ketchup and a dollop of honey add a delightful touch of sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the fresh fish. 

Whether you’re making remoulade for the first time or have tried a variety of flavors, you’ll love this recipe with your homemade seafood meals.

It works well as a pasta salad foundation, a sandwich spread, or as a dipping sauce for a blooming onion. You can use any of these sauces on fish like this!

Crab Cake Sauce Ingredients

Crab cake sauce is a delicious accompaniment that enhances the flavor of the crab cakes. With some simple ingredients you can make this sauce easily .

Mayonnaise 1/2 Cup

This creamy condiment adds richness and flavor to the crab cakes, complementing the delicate taste of the crab meat. Mayonnaise provides a smooth texture and helps bind the other ingredients together, creating a cohesive sauce that enhances the overall dish.

White Vinegar 1 Tablespoon

It adds brightness to the sauce and helps cut through the richness of the crab cakes.

Ketchup 1 Tablespoon

Ketchup adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the crab cakes.

Lemon Juice 1 Tablespoon

lemon juice adds a zesty and refreshing tang to complement the richness of the crab cakes.

Capers 7-8

These small, pickled flower buds add a burst of tangy and slightly salty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the crab cake.

Honey 2 Teaspoons

Its natural sweetness helps balance out the richness of the crab meat and other ingredients in the sauce.

Garlic Powder 1/2 Teaspoon

Its aromatic and pungent taste can enhance the overall taste profile of the sauce, complementing the sweetness of the crab cake.

Onion Powder 1/2 Teaspoon

Its savory and slightly sweet flavor adds depth to the sauce, complementing the richness of the crab cakes perfectly.

Paprika 1/2 Teaspoon

Paprika is a versatile spice that can add a delicious kick to crab cake sauce.

Coarse Kosher Salt 1/2 Teaspoon

Kosher salt  helps enhance the flavor of the sauce without overpowering the delicate taste of the crab sauce.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Crab Cake Sauce

To prepare a delicious crab cake sauce, having the right kitchen tools can make the process more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some essential tools available on Amazon:

Measuring Spoons – Ensure precise ingredient ratios.
Citrus Juicer – Extract fresh lemon juice effortlessly.
Mini Food Processor – Blend ingredients for a smooth sauce.
Whisk – Perfect for emulsifying and mixing.
Mixing Bowls – Ideal for combining ingredients easily.

How to Make Crab Cake Sauce: Step By Step Process 

• Simply combine the vinegar, lemon juice, mayonnaise,ketchup, capers, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt in a small food processor and blend. Mix until everything is mixed and the capers are well chopped.
• Simply chill it for an hour to allow all of the flavors to combine.
• If you’ve tried this dish, please leave a comment or rate it!

Tips & Tricks Creamy Sauce For Crab Cakes

• Chilling the crab cake mixture for around 30 minutes allows the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, making the crab cakes easier to hold together when baked.
• I use an ice cream scoop to make it easier to dish out the crab cakes. You will end up with approximately eight crab cakes, each about the size of three tablespoons.
• Simply place the remoulade sauce in the refrigerator and cover with plastic wrap; it will keep for about two weeks.

How to Serve Crab Cake Dipping Sauce?

There are so many possibilities available. Have fun and try this sauce with all of your favorite salty, flavorful, spicy, and smokey foods. Aside from crab cakes, there are a number of other methods to use crab cake sauce:

• Try it as a silky dip for some crunchy veggies to snack on. It’s delicious with zucchini fries, fried green beans, french fries, fried pickles, mashed potatoes, veggie cakes, and fried mushrooms.
• Improve your seafood game with recipes like crab-encrusted halibut, California rolls, baked salmon, Cajun shrimp, poached fish, and salmon cakes. 
• Spread it on hamburgers, cheesesteak sandwiches, and lobster rolls. 
• Try it as a topping for some delicious steak, such as prime rib or filet mignon. 
• Delicious bowls of beef stew or beef stroganoff topped with a hearty serving of this thick, creamy sauce. 

Best Crab Cake Sauce Variations

You can totally customize this crab cake sauce in so many ways. I’ve got a couple of ideas for you.

Worcestershire Sauce 

Toss this in for a boost of umami and a touch of saltiness.

Old Bay Seasoning 

 I’m not a huge fan of it in my sauce (I already use a lot in my crab cakes), but feel free to sprinkle some into the sauce if you want.

Hot Sauce

Add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Cajun Seasoning or Creole Spice: 

If you like the taste of cajun food, try adding some to this creamy remoulade.

Fresh Herbs

You can add any herbs, from parsley to dill, that you think will go well with the crab cakes.

Green Onions

Thinly slice green onions and add them to the dish to add color and taste.

Black Pepper

Adding a little black pepper can make something a little hotter.

Dill Mustard: 

Add some of your favorite Dill mustard to add some earthiness and umami.

Cayenne Pepper:

 Add a little cayenne to make it spicier.

Bell Pepper: 

Some people make their crab cakes with green pepper pieces. You can also chop them up very small and add them to the sauce for a fresh, chunky taste.

Sour Cream: 

To add some tang, try replacing or adding sour cream.

Yellow Onion: 

You can use chopped onion instead of onion powder.

Fresh Garlic

 Just remember to mince it if you’re swapping it for garlic powder.

Smoked Paprika: 

You can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika if you like smoky tastes. Make sure not to use too much so that the smokey flavor doesn’t overpower the tiny crab cakes.

Can I Make a Healthy Crab Cake Sauce? 

Making a healthy crab cake sauce is definitely achievable with the right ingredients and substitutions. Traditional crab cake sauces often contain mayonnaise, which can be high in calories and fat. To create a healthier version, consider using Greek yogurt as a base instead of mayonnaise. 

Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture while being lower in fat and higher in protein. You can also add flavor to your sauce by incorporating ingredients like lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and spices. 

Experiment with different combinations to find a healthy crab cake sauce that suits your taste preferences while keeping your meal light and nutritious.

Crab Cake Sauce Without Mayo

Creating a delicious crab cake sauce without mayo is easier than you may think. One simple and tasty alternative is to use Greek yogurt as a base for your sauce. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor can mimic the richness of mayo while offering a healthier twist. 

To add some zing to your sauce, consider incorporating ingredients like Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. 

Experiment with different herbs and seasonings such as dill, parsley, or Old Bay seasoning to tailor the sauce to your taste preferences. With these easy swaps and additions, you can whip up a flavorful crab cake sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

What to Serve With Crab Cakes?

This tangy sauce is ideal for adding an artistic touch to food by pouring it over it. To drizzle it over your food, scoop some into a tiny plastic bag or grab a squeeze bottle, then cut off the corner. Serve it in a bowl on the side or serve it with a trio of sauces, such as 

• Cocktail Sauce, 
• Tartar,
• Garlic Aioli
• Zucchini Fries
• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Salmon Croquettes
• Scallops
• Hush Puppies
• Maryland Crab Cakes
• Fried Fish
• Hearts Of Palm Cakes
• Fried Pickles

FAQ

Is This Crab Cake Sauce Recipe Spicy?

No, not necessarily. The creamy horseradish adds a hint of heat, but the sauce is overall moderate. If you are sensitive to spices, eliminate the horseradish or replace it with pickle relish.

Alternatively, increase the heat and make a hot crab remoulade instead. Combine the ingredients and add a few chipotle chilies or a dash of hot sauce. A modest amount of cayenne will provide the desired result.

How to Make Ahead & Store?

This sauce needs to be kept in the refrigerator, just like any other mayo-based sauce. It should keep for about two weeks if stored in an airtight container. 

You may definitely freeze your crab cake dipping sauce, but be aware that it may separate slightly when you thaw it.

What is the Difference Between Tartar Sauce and Remoulade?

Tartar sauce is made with a mayo base and mixed in some pickles, capers, onions, and herbs to give it that tangy kick. Southern Remoulade sauce has a lot of the same ingredients, but it also throws in mustard, hot sauce, and creole seasoning for a kick and a more interesting flavor vibe.

Final Words

Enhancing your crab cakes with the perfect sauce can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Whether you prefer a tangy remoulade, a creamy aioli, or a zesty cocktail sauce, the right accompaniment can complement the flavors of the crab cakes and leave your taste buds craving for more. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite pairing and take your seafood dishes to the next level.