Stone Crab Mustard Sauce

The real magic of tasty chilled stone crab claws lies in a creamy mustard dipping sauce. To elevate the taste of the sweet and delicate crab meat, Stone Crab Dipping sauce provides a perfect blend of savoury and creamy ingredients with just the right amount of spice. 

The following recipe is inspired by the famous Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami. With just a few pantry staple items, you can whip up this seafood restaurant-style sauce at home in just under 10 minutes. 

So, let’s start.

What is in stone crab mustard sauce? Know the Ingredients

The ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry, but once fused into a balanced concoction, they can be paired with any seafood to transform the dish into a restaurant-style serving. 

Dry Mustard Powder 

The dry mustard powder is the main component of the recipe. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon for this recipe. 

Tip: It’s recommended to use Coleman’s brand for authentic taste. You can also use 1.5 tablespoons of prepared Dijon mustard for a milder and less spicy taste. 

Water  

To activate the dry mustard, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of water. 

Mayonnasie 

1 cup of good-quality and full-fat mayonnaise is required.

Tip:  For a lighter or dairy-free version (in case of lactose intolerance), use 1 cup of full-fat Greek yoghurt. You can also use vegan mayonnaise as a vegan alternative. 

Worcestershire Sauce 

You’ll need 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce; it will add umami and depth to the sauce. 

Tip: You can also use soy sauce and a dash of vinegar as a vegan alternative, or if you’re looking to avoid anchovies. 

A-1 Steak Sauce (Optional) 

You can add 1 teaspoon of steak sauce to your crab mustard dip to add a mild, tangy, and sweet touch of flavour.

Heavy Cream 

You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to balance the sharpness of the sauce and give it a smooth texture

Tip: For a lighter, dairy-free version or for fewer calories, you can switch out heavy cream for coconut cream. Gives it a creamier and smoother texture. 

Salt 

Start with a pinch and add according to taste. 

Tip: You can also use sea salt or kosher salt instead of table salt. 

Black Pepper 

Add according to taste to adjust the balance of flavours.

Tip: Freshly ground black pepper is best for this recipe. If you prefer a milder taste, use white pepper or cayenne pepper. 

How to Prepare the Stone Crab Mustard Sauce?

Making this sauce is very easy, as no exotic cooking is required. Just follow these simple steps below to blend the ingredients into a perfect blend of creamy and savoury sweetness with a dash of spice. 

Step 1: Bloom the Mustard 

Add the mustard and water to a small bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will bloom (unlock) the mustard and enhance the pungent flavour. 

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients 

Transfer the bloomed mustard mixture to a medium-sized bowl and add the other base ingredients, the mayonnaise, worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and steak sauce (if using). 

Step 3: Whisk Till Smooth 

Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything until a smooth, heavy, and creamy texture appears. 

Step 4: Season to Taste 

Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper according to preference. Whisk it again and adjust the balance (use more mustard for more heat, or cream to mellow out the spice) 

Step 5: Chill 

Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or aluminium foil and let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) to let the flavours meld and mix.

Serving Tips: 

• This Florida-style dipping sauce is best served with cold, cracked stone crab claws. 
• You can garnish with lemon wedges or add a bit of freshly chopped parsley to make it fancy. 
• The sauce can also be paired with a variety of seafood. 

How Do You Make Mustard Sauce Like Joe’s Stone Crab?

To make the sauce more like the legendary Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami, you’ll need to closely mimic the recipe and use the recommended ingredients. Here are some points you’ll need to be careful about to get the closest results:

• Use Coleman’s high-quality mustard powder for better results and a great pungent taste. 
• In the homemade version, the A1 steak sauce is optional, but traditionally, in Joe’s Stone Restaurant-Style recipe, it is a must-have ingredient. 
• Add the salt and pepper to adjust the taste and get closer to the taste of the original. 
• Use high-quality mayonnaise for a richer taste and smoother texture. 
• Adjust the mustard and cream to control the heat and creaminess; this will help mimic the original version closely. 
• Let the sauce chill for at least 30 minutes to make it Joe’s Stone Crab-like. 

Can You Store Stone Crab Mustard Sauce?

Yes, you can store the sauce in the refrigerator after preparing. Here are some storage tips you can follow to get the best results- 

• Store it in an airtight container. 

The airtight container ensures the proper storage of the sauce and prevents the perishable ingredients (e.g., mayonnaise) from rotting. 

• Do not freeze the sauce

 Freezing the sauce can separate or change the texture of the mayonnaise and cream. 

• Stir before serving 

Chilled sauce in the fridge can thicken or separate a bit. Make sure to thaw it at room temperature and stir it well to mix the ingredients before serving. 

• Label the container

The dipping sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5-7 days; it’s better to label the container with the preparation date so that you can keep track of it. 

What Other Seafood Goes Well With Mustard Sauce? 

While the mustard-mayo dipping sauce is usually paired with stone crab claws, it can be served with a variety of kinds of seafood or even with simple everyday dishes. Here are some seafoods best paired with the stone crab dipping sauce-

• Lobster 

Use it instead of melted butter for extra flavour. 

• Boiled or Steamed Shrimp 

For a bold, creamy twist on the normal cocktail shrimp, dip them in this Florida-style mustard sauce. 

• Crab Cakes 

Instead of tartar or remoulade, drizzle some of this creamy mustard dip on top for a more pungent twist. 

• Grilled or Baked Salmon 

This savoury mayo dip adds a cool contrast to the warm and flaky texture of salmon. 

• Scallops

This dipping sauce can be especially good when paired with seared or grilled scallops.

• Cold Poached Fish 

To transform the simple poached fish like halibut or cod into an elegant appetizer, this tangy dipping sauce is second to none. 

• Seafood Platters 

And lastly, you can add this sauce as a dipping or drizzle it on top with lemon wedges and pair it with any chilled seafood platter or raw fish spread to make it a mouthwatering, attractive dish. 

Conclusion 

With just a few simple steps, you can get a homemade stone crab sauce that is simple but packed with flavour. Whether you’re looking to throw a seafood feast or just treat yourself, you can make gourmet-style crab mustard dip without leaving your kitchen. 

So, grab a spoon and dig in!