How to Make Mouthwatering Kickin Crab Sauce at Home

Kickin crab sauce, also known as whole shabang sauce, is a popular cajun-inspired seafood sauce that packs some serious heat and flavor. This tangy, spicy butter sauce is commonly found at seafood boils and crab shacks, where it’s used to coat shrimp, crawfish, and snow crab legs. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily recreate this addictive sauce at home.

This easy recipe will show you how to whip up kickin crab sauce from scratch, along with tips for customizing the heat level and suggested uses for leftover sauce Once you master this versatile condiment, you may never buy store-bought cocktail sauce again!

What is Kickin Crab Sauce?

Kickin crab sauce gets its name from the spicy kick of cayenne pepper and other zesty seasonings. It has a rich, buttery base flavored with garlic, cajun spices, hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice. The end result is a smooth, pourable sauce that clings nicely to seafood.

Compared to typical cocktail sauce, kickin crab has deeper flavor layers. It forgoes tomato sauce and horseradish for a more complex butter sauce infused with onions, paprika spices, and pepper flakes. The sauce ranges from mildly spicy to firey hot depending on your preferred level of heat.

Reasons to Make Homemade Kickin Crab Sauce

Here are some of the benefits of preparing your own kickin crab sauce rather than buying it pre-made:

• Customizable – Adjust the spiciness to your personal tastes,

• Fresher Ingredients – Use freshly minced garlic and lemon juice.

• Cost Effective – Much cheaper than restaurant prices.

• Versatile – Use as a seafood sauce or sandwich spread.

• Flexible Storage – Refrigerate for a week or freeze for months.

• Flavor Control – Make it as mild or spicy as you want.

• Simple Method – Ready in just 20 minutes!

How to Make Kickin Crab Sauce

Making authentic kickin crab sauce at home is simple. Here is an overview of what’s involved:

Ingredients

• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Cajun seasoning
• Hot sauce
• Spices like paprika, cayenne, black pepper
• Green onions

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Cook garlic and cajun seasoning for 1-2 minutes.

3. Stir in additional seasonings and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice.

5. Adjust consistency if needed by stirring in extra melted butter.

6. Top with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips for Making Delicious Kickin Crab Sauce

With this basic recipe, you can easily infuse the sauce with your own unique blend of flavors. Here are some tips:

• Saute the garlic in the melted butter briefly to boost its flavor before adding other ingredients. Be careful not to burn it.

• Add the seasoning ingredients gradually so you can taste and adjust the flavor.

• Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness.

• For mild sauce, start with 1/4 tsp cayenne and add more if desired.

• Pour in lemon juice at the end to preserve its bright, acidic taste.

• Thin the sauce with chicken or seafood stock if it gets too thick.

• Garnish with green onion, parsley, sesame seeds, or a swirl of cream.

How to Adjust Spice Levels in Kickin Crab Sauce

The amount of cayenne pepper and other dried spices determines how spicy this sauce turns out. Here are some guidelines for achieving different levels of heat:

Mild: 1/4 tsp cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce

Medium: 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp hot sauce

Spicy: 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tbsp hot sauce

Extra Hot: 1-2 tbsp cayenne, 2-3 tbsp hot sauce

For family-friendly sauce, opt for less cayenne and serve additional hot sauce on the side. Tailor it to your taste preferences.

Ideas for Using Leftover Kickin Crab Sauce

Don’t let extra homemade kickin crab sauce go to waste! Here are some creative ways to use up leftovers:

• Toss with fried popcorn shrimp or hushpuppies

• Mix into tuna, chicken, or potato salad

• Use as a spicy sandwich spread

• Drizzle over fried oysters or fish tacos

• Serve as a dip for cooked veggies or boiled shrimp

• Add a spoonful to seafood gumbo or jambalaya

• Warm up and use as a pizza sauce

• Stir into macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes

Storing and Freezing Kickin Crab Sauce

Properly stored, this sauce keeps for 4-5 days refrigerated. To freeze, first let it cool completely. Then:

• Spoon into freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch of space.

• Flatten to a thin layer so it freezes faster.

• Seal and freeze for 2-3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before using again.

• Stir well before using since the butter may separate.

Recipe for Cajun-Style Kickin Crab Sauce

Now that you know the basics, try making this easy recipe for seriously bold, flavorful Louisiana-style kickin sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 stick melted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1⁄2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄2 tsp oregano
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute stirring frequently.

2. Stir in paprika, cayenne, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper until combined.

3. Reduce heat and simmer sauce for 5-10 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Mix in green onions. Taste and adjust spice level if desired.

6. Allow to cool slightly before pouring over peeled, cooked shrimp.

Notes:

For thicker sauce, melt in a few tbsp of cream cheese or coconut milk after removing from heat. Serve leftover sauce chilled or reheat gently to preserve flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of butter is best? Use salted or unsalted butter. Salted has more flavor, while unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.

2. Can I use jarred minced garlic? For ideal flavor, use fresh minced garlic. But jarred will work in a pinch.

3. Do I need Old Bay seasoning? While not traditional, a teaspoon of Old Bay can add extra depth. Use instead of cajun seasoning if you prefer.

4. Can I freeze the sauce? Yes! Let it cool completely first, then freeze in airtight containers for 2-3 months.

5. How long does it last refrigerated? About 4-5 days. Keep sealed and stored in the fridge.

6. What proteins go well with it? Toss with shrimp, crawfish, crab, clams, mussels, fish, or chicken.

7. Can I substitute cayenne pepper? For less heat, use smoked paprika or chili powder instead.

Enjoy Restaurant-Worthy Kickin Crab Sauce at Home

Now there’s no need to dine out to enjoy the addictive flavors of spicy, tangy, garlic-infused kickin crab sauce. With just 20 minutes and a simple recipe, you can whip up this popular cajun condiment in your own kitchen.

Adjust the heat to suit your preferences and use it to coat juicy shrimp, fried oysters, crab legs, and more. Drizzle it over seafood dishes or use as a unique sandwich spread.

With endless possibilities for incorporating kickin crab sauce into your cooking, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your arsenal of cajun flavors. Just be prepared for some serious compliments whenever you break out your homemade version of this restaurant favorite.