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
- 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.