What to Dip Crab In: 10 Delicious Sauces and Dips for Crab

Crab is one of the most delicious types of seafood. With its sweet, succulent meat, crab pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. But with so many options out there, what is the best sauce for dipping crab? Here are 10 of my favorite crab dips and sauces to try:

1. Melted Butter

Melted butter is a classic accompaniment for boiled or steamed crab. It allows the natural sweetness of the crab to shine. For an extra flavor boost, stir minced garlic, lemon juice or zest into the melted butter. Clarified drawn butter is ideal as it won’t solidify as quickly. Serve the warm, seasoned melted butter alongside crab for dipping the meat.

2. Cocktail Sauce

This zesty tomato-based sauce adds a nice tangy contrast to rich crab Mix ketchup with prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Garnish with minced green onion Cocktail sauce is especially good with chilled crab meat or crab cakes.

3. Lemon Butter Sauce

For a bright citrus flavor, make lemon butter by melting butter and mixing in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice This light sauce highlights crab’s natural sweetness Stir in some minced garlic or shallot if you like. Drizzle lemon butter over cracked Dungeness crab legs.

4. Aioli

Aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise sauce that pairs fabulously with crab. To make your own, whisk together mayo with minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon and a dash of cayenne Aioli is wonderful with crab cakes, cold crab dip or on crab salad sandwiches

5. Sweet Chili Sauce

For a Thai-inspired flavor, serve crab with sweet chili sauce. The balance of spicy, sweet and tangy complements the crab beautifully. You can find bottled sweet chili sauce or make your own by mixing chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar and lime juice.

6. Mango Salsa

Fresh mango salsa adds tropical flair to crab dishes. Simply mix diced mango with red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice and seasoning. Spoon the bright, chunky salsa over cracked crab for a delicious fusion flavor.

7. Cheese Fondue

For an indulgent dip, nothing beats hot cheese fondue. Use crab meat as one of the dippers for the bubbling pot of melted cheese! Opt for classic Swiss and Gruyère or experiment with different cheese blends.

8. Hollandaise Sauce

Creamy, buttery hollandaise is a luxurious dipping sauce for crab. While the classic version uses raw egg yolks, I prefer this easy blender hollandaise made safely with pasteurized eggs. Serve with crab cakes Benedict or just for dunking crab meat.

9. Old Bay Butter

For an authentic Maryland crab experience, whip up some Old Bay butter. Simply mix the iconic seafood seasoning into melted butter. Dunk your crab legs or clusters into the seasoned butter for joyful flavor in every bite.

10. Crab Dip

Of course creamy, cheesy crab dip is an amazing sauce for crab meat! Hot versions baked with cream cheese, cheddar and spices are perfect for dipping crackers or bread. Or go cold with crab mixed into a chilled creamy dip.

With options ranging from mild melted butter to zesty cocktail sauce, there are so many great sauces for dipping luscious crab meat. Try pairing your favorite type of crab with a variety of sauces to discover new flavor combinations. Just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand for this messy, tasty experience!

Common Questions About Dipping Sauces for Crab

Can you use ranch dressing as a dip for crab?

While it may seem unconventional, creamy ranch dressing does pair surprisingly well with crab. The rich, herby flavor complements the sweetness of the crab meat. For best results, use a high-quality, homemade ranch recipe instead of bottled dressing.

What is the difference between cocktail sauce and remoulade?

Both cocktail sauce and remoulade are creamy, piquant condiments for seafood. However, cocktail sauce is tomato-based while remoulade contains mayonnaise. Remoulade also includes more herbs and spices like celery seed, paprika, garlic and mustard.

What’s a fast dipping sauce to make with pantry ingredients?

In a pinch, an easy go-to dip can be whipped up with mayo, chili sauce (or hot sauce) and a squirt of lime or lemon juice. For added flavor, mix in a sprinkle of cumin, cayenne and smoked paprika along with some chopped cilantro.

Can you use marinara sauce as a dip for crab?

Absolutely! The zesty tomato flavor of marinara sauce pairs nicely with sweet crab meat. Opt for a high-quality marinara without too much added sugar. Or spice it up by adding red pepper flakes and garlic.

Is drawn butter the same as clarified butter?

Yes, drawn butter and clarified butter refer to the same type of clear golden butter where the milk solids have been removed. It has a higher smoke point so it’s ideal for dipping seafood like crab legs or lobster without burning.

Dipping crab meat into a flavorful, creamy or spicy sauce takes this sweet shellfish to a whole new level of deliciousness. From classic butter to unique fusions, experiment with different sauces to find your perfect match for crab dipping. Just be ready for a messily satisfying experience!