What Sauce Goes with Crab Cake – 15 Yummy Ideas You’ll Love
When I was younger, I loved parties. My mom would always make these little crab cakes as appetizers, and I would gobble them up.
Then, I didn’t think about what went well with them, I just knew that they were delicious.
Now that I’m older, I’ve realized that the sauce you pair with your crab cake can make or break the dish.
One party in particular sticks out in my mind. It was a summer barbecue, and my mom had made her usual crab cakes.
However, she decided to try out a new dipping sauce that was super tangy and acidic. It completely overpowered the delicate flavor of the crab cake, and I was so disappointed.
Since then, I’ve been searching for the perfect sauce to pair with crab cakes.
Having tried a lot of different sauces, I’ve found that some work better than others. You can find out too. Keep reading.
Best Sauce For Crab Cakes
- Tartar Sauce
- Remoulade
- Honey Wasabi Sauce
- Tomatillo Jalapeno Aioli
- Cilantro and Lime Dipping Sauce
- Crisp Crab Cakes with Chipotle Mayonnaise
- Tzaziki
- Spicy Mustard Mayonnaise Sauce
- Spicy Crab Cakes with Mango Puree
- Maryland Crab Cakes with Horseradish Sriracha Remoulade
- Horseradish Dijon Aioli
- Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- Â Cocktail Sauce
- Russian Dressing
Tartar Sauce
There is a reason that this is the most popular sauce to pair with crab cakes.
Tartar sauce is creamy, slightly acidic, salty, and briny. It is an excellent complement to the richness of crab cake.
If you add a little bit of dill to my tartar sauce, you have my loyalty.
Tartar sauce is also versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce or spread on top of the cake. Terrific, right?
Remoulade
This is another sauce that is popular in crab cake restaurants. It is similar to tartar sauce but has a bit more of a kick to it.
Tart with a unique flavor, This sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or spread.
I have to say that I’m not the biggest fan of remoulade. I find it to be a little too spicy and acidic for my taste. However, I know many people who love it.
Honey Wasabi Sauce
With no acidity and a little bit of sweetness, this sauce is perfect for those who want to try something different.
The honey helps to cut the richness of the crab cake while the wasabi adds a unique flavor.
I would recommend using this sauce as a dipping sauce rather than spreading it on top of the cake.
Tomatillo Jalapeno Aioli
If you have been to a Mexican restaurant, you have probably had this sauce. It is similar to guacamole but has a bit of a kick to it.
The jalapeno adds spice, while the tomatillo adds acidity and sweetness. This sauce is perfect for those who like their food with a little bit of heat.
Cilantro and Lime Dipping Sauce
This sauce is perfect for those who want a light and refreshing sauce.
The bright flavors of lime and cilantro are perfect for cutting through the richness of the crab cake.
I would recommend using this sauce as a dipping sauce.
Crisp Crab Cakes with Chipotle Mayonnaise
I don’t know about you, but I love anything with chipotle in it. This sauce is perfect for those who want a smoky flavor.
The chipotle adds a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with crab cake.
However, I would suggest that you don’t use too much of this sauce as it can be a bit overwhelming.
Tzaziki
Every time I visit my mom, she makes this sauce for me. It is refreshing and perfect for those who want a light sauce.
Add the sweetness of the crab, cucumber, and dill. And you have a real winner. Whether as a dipping sauce or spread, this sauce is perfect for any crab cake lover.
Spicy Mustard Mayonnaise Sauce
This is my go-to sauce for crab cakes. I love the flavor of the mustard, and it pairs perfectly with crab cake.
A pinch of cayenne pepper is a wonderful way to add some heat if you want it. This sauce is sheer perfection for those who want a little bit of spice.
Spicy Crab Cakes with Mango Puree
Whenever I have this dish, it always has a nostalgic effect on me. It takes me back to my childhood and eating crab cakes with my dad when mom was too tired or sick to cook for us.
Dad would always make a spicy mango puree to go with it, and I loved it. Even today, if you bring me a dish like this, I will be one happy camper.
Maryland Crab Cakes with Horseradish Sriracha Remoulade
This is another wonderful sauce to pair with crab cakes. The horseradish gives it a nice kick while the sriracha adds some heat. The remoulade is perfect for those who want a little bit of acidity in their sauce.
There are only a few people I know who don’t like this sauce.
Horseradish Dijon Aioli
I love horseradish and Dijon mustard. So, it’s no surprise that I love this sauce.
The combination of ingredients produces a wonderful taste that is both sweet and sour. The Dijon mustard adds some acidity to the dish, while the horseradish provides a spicy kick.
This sauce is ideal for people who want something between sweet and sour in their food.
Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
I know what you will say. “But crab cake is already creamy.” And you are right. But what can I say? I love this sauce.
To be honest, I don’t really taste the peppers that much. I think they just add beautiful color to the sauce.
For those who prefer something creamy and mild in flavor, this sauce is ideal.
Chipotle Aioli
This is a great sauce for those who want a smoky flavor.
The chipotle adds a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with crab cake. I would suggest that you use this sauce sparingly as it can be a bit overwhelming.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
Oh! This is my favorite sauce of all. I love the sweetness of the chili and how it pairs with the crab cake.
This is a wonderful choice if you want a balance of sweet and spicy in your sauce. I would strongly suggest this condiment to anybody who enjoys crab cakes.
Cocktail Sauce
I consider this the standard sauce for crab cakes. It is simple and has a familiar flavor that pairs well with crab cake.
For those who want a classic sauce, this is the one to go for.
Russian Dressing
Last but not least, we have Russian dressing. I know you must be thinking that Russian dressing is for salads.
And you are right. But it also goes wonderfully with crab cake.
If you taste it, you will understand what I am talking about. The sweetness of the crab cake is a perfect match for the tanginess of the Russian dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is crab cake sauce made of?
Most crab cake sauces are made of mayonnaise, mustard, and spices. Some variations include horseradish, sriracha, or remoulade.
What is the best sauce for crab cakes?
The best sauce for crab cakes depends on your personal preferences. If you like it, go for the spicy mustard mayonnaise sauce. If you want something sweet and spicy, then Thai sweet chili sauce is a great choice.
The cocktail sauce is the way to go for those who prefer a classic sauce.
Do you have any other suggestions for what goes well with crab cake?
Yes, Try eating crispy crab cakes with tomato butter, or a simple horseradish cream
What is your favorite sauce to pair with crab cake?
I personally love Thai sweet chili sauce, but I also enjoy cocktail sauce and spicy mustard mayonnaise sauce.
Conclusion
There are a lot of debates when it comes to what sauce goes best with crab cakes. Some people say that there is no wrong answer and some people have very strong opinions on the matter.
When it comes to what goes with crab cake, you have a few options. You can serve them with a dipping sauce, a tartar sauce, or a remoulade sauce. You can also serve them with a side of rice or potatoes. It all depends on you.
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make a great sauce for crab cakes. All you need is a little bit of creativity and the willingness to experiment.
There are no rules when it comes to what goes best with crab cake. So, go ahead and try out different sauces until you find the perfect one for you. Who knows? You might even come up with a new favorite sauce.