This lemony and creamy Old Bay Crab Cake Sauce goes great with all kinds of seafood, like crab cakes and po’boys.
While jump lump crab cakes are tasty on their own, trust me when I say that this remoulade sauce for crab cakes is out of this world.
This sauce is great on crab cakes because it has tartar sauce, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice in it.
Crab cakes are an iconic seafood dish that is loved by many across the world. Their crispy outer coating encasing the soft, flaky crab meat inside is simply delicious. However the key to taking your crab cakes from great to spectacular is finding the perfect sauce to complement them.
The right sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the crab, provides moisture, and gives an extra burst of flavor. It also adds visual appeal to the dish. From classic options like tartar sauce to more unique choices like mango salsa, there are many excellent sauces for crab cakes.
Here are 12 mouthwatering sauces that pair wonderfully with crab cakes:
1. Tartar Sauce
The tangy, creamy flavors of tartar sauce make it one of the most popular choices for serving with crab cakes. Tartar sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, sweet pickles, capers, onions, and herbs. It provides a cool, rich contrast to the hot crispiness of crab cakes. Tartar sauce is easy to make at home or can be purchased ready-made.
2. Cocktail Sauce
Another classic sauce for crab cakes is the spicy, tomato-ey cocktail sauce. Made from ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, cocktail sauce adds a bold, punchy flavor. The vinegary taste cuts through the richness of fried crab cakes. It also makes a tasty dipping sauce. Keep some extra on hand for shrimp and oysters too.
3. Remoulade
Remoulade is a heavenly sauce that originated from France but became popular in Louisiana Creole cuisine. It has a creamy base of mayonnaise or aioli amped up with mustard, capers, herbs, pickles, paprika, hot sauce, and other zingy ingredients. Remoulade combines cooling creaminess with tangy heat that excites the tastebuds.
4. Mango Salsa
For a fresh fruity sauce, make a colorful mango salsa. Dice up ripe mangoes red onions, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. The sweet juiciness of the mango salsa balances the rich crab cake while adding delicious flavor. It also makes the dish feel lighter. Try serving crab cakes topped with mango salsa alongside coconut rice for a tropical twist.
5. Hollandaise
Buttery, lemony hollandaise is a luxurious sauce that can transform crab cakes into a gourmet dish. Made from egg yolks, melted butter, lemon juice, and seasoning, this elegant sauce adds a richness that perfectly complements the sweet crab flavor. Use it on top of crab cake Benedicts at brunch or plain broiled crab cakes for dinner.
6. Aioli
Aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise sauce that originates from the Mediterranean region. To make it, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Aioli comes in many flavor varieties too like sriracha, saffron, and roasted red pepper. Aioli adds a decadent creaminess to crab cakes.
7. Chipotle Mayonnaise
For spicy crab cakes, chipotle mayonnaise can’t be beat. Mix chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into mayonnaise for a smoky, lightly spicy spread. The creaminess balances the heat while enhancing the crab’s sweetness. Add some lime juice to brighten it up. Chipotle mayo is also great on tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
8. Horseradish Cream
Horseradish lovers will rejoice over crab cakes served with a kicky horseradish cream sauce. Mix prepared horseradish into mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, adding lemon juice and herbs to taste. The pungent horseradish heat pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of crab meat. It wakes up your taste buds with every bite.
9. Lemon Dill Sauce
A simple lemon dill sauce allows the pure flavors of the crab cake to shine. Simmer lemon juice, butter, and fresh dill together then drizzle over hot crab cakes. The bright, grassy flavors highlight the sweet crab without overpowering it. Enjoy this light sauce in summer when dill is fresh and abundant.
10. Romesco Sauce
Romesco is a rich Spanish sauce made with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, almonds, olive oil, and vinegar. With its deep, smoky flavors, Romesco sauce adds big, bold flavor to crab cakes. The nuttiness and hint of heat are excellent complements. Serve with a crisp white wine.
11. Pesto
For an herby Italian twist, top crab cakes with pesto sauce. Made with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, parmesan, and garlic, pesto provides a fresh, green flavor and richness. The crab cakes soften the intense basil flavors. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color.
12. Mustard Sauce
Cut through the richness of crab cakes with a zingy mustard sauce. Mix Dijon and whole grain mustards with mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, and herbs for a tangy spread. Spicier mustards like stoneground or horseradish mustard also pair well. The brightness of the mustard allows the sweetness of the crab to shine.
With so many tasty sauces to try, you may want to serve an assortment so guests can customize their crab cake experience. Set out a few ramekins of different sauces and let guests get creative with the toppings. From creamy and cool to spicy and zingy, a flavorful sauce can make good crab cakes great. Dip in and enjoy!
What to serve crab cake sauce on
This Old Bay Sauce goes well with a lot of different foods, not just crab cakes. Here are some ideas:
What is remoulade sauce made of?
Remoulade sauce, pronounced rei·moo·laad, was created in France as a topping for french fries! How crazy is that?!
Since then, it has changed into different kinds that are used for different things (though you can still dip your french fries if you want to). ).
Depending on the area you are in your remoulade sauce will change. Remoulade sauce, on the other hand, usually has a creamy base like tartar sauce or mayonnaise, herbs, and spices. If you are in the south, expect some cajun seasoning or even boiled eggs!.
OUR FAVORITE CRAB CAKES RECIPE + DIPPING SAUCE
FAQ
What is crab cake sauce made of?
What is remoulade sauce made from?
What can I put on a crab cake?
A cucumber-based sauce works great on top of crab cakes, like this Tzatziki Sauce. Make a sauce out of sour cream or nonfat Greek yogurt. Add pickle relish, capers, lemon juice, dill, parsley, or red pepper flakes to create your own tartar sauce substitute. Just a simple dollop of mayo might be enough for some people.
What sauce goes well with crab cakes?
The best sauces to serve with crab cakes are rémoulade, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce. For a healthier option, try lemon juice and olive oil. If you want something more indulgent, go for hollandaise sauce or beurre blanc. Still looking for ideas? No worries! Here are 11 sauces that go well with crab cakes: 1. Bang Bang Sauce
What is a good dipping sauce for crab cakes?
A tangy and spicy cocktail sauce made with ketchup, horseradish, and seasoning that provides a perfect dipping sauce for crispy crab cakes. A creamy and flavorful sauce made with ripe avocados, lime juice, and seasoning that adds a refreshing twist to the dish.
Should you add a sauce to crab cakes?
Balances the dish: Sometimes, crab cakes can be a bit dry, and adding a sauce can balance the dish and provide moisture. Complements the dish: A sauce can enhance the flavors of the crab cakes and complement the ingredients used in the dish.