Dipping Sauces
Crab Cake Sauce (Easy Remoulade Sauce for Crab Cakes)
Crab cakes demand an equally delicious sauce, and crab cake sauce, also known as remoulade, is a classic pairing. This cooling, creamy sauce adds a tangy, herby burst of flavor that perfectly complements the sweet succulence of crab cakes.
On this website, you’ll discover everything about crab cake sauce – from its signature taste to easy homemade recipes. Read on to learn why remoulade is such an essential component of crab cake enjoyment. You’ll find tips on how to make and customize your own remoulade, plus serving ideas to delight crab cake aficionados.
With this ultimate guide, you’ll become a master at creating mouthwatering remoulade sauce for your impressive crab cake creations!
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The Allure of Crab Cake Sauce (Remoulade)
Crab cake sauce, or remoulade, has some key qualities that make it the perfect match for hot crab cakes.
Key Flavors
Remoulade contains a zesty blend of flavors:
- Creamy, cooling mayonnaise – Provides rich foundation
- Pungent mustard – Adds delightful bite
- Briny capers – Contribute tangy saltiness
- Fresh herbs – Offer bright, aromatic notes
- Spicy cayenne (optional) – Brings a touch of heat
These components unite to create a sauce that is creamy, peppery, and refreshing.
Essential Ingredients
Remoulade showcases these core ingredients:
- Mayonnaise – Can use regular, low-fat, or aioli
- Dijon mustard – Sharp, spicy flavor
- Chopped gherkins or capers – Tart, olive-y taste
- Lemon juice – Bright acidity
- Chopped parsley, tarragon, and/or chives – Herbaceousness
- Hot sauce (optional) – For extra kick
It’s the ideal balance of richness, acid, brine, and herbs.
Perfect Pairing
Remoulade complements crab cakes in these ways:
- Cools the palate from hot crab cake interior
- Cuts through the rich, flaky crab texture
- Provides creamy base that clings to crab cake
- Adds bright pops of flavor not found in crab alone
- Elevates crab flavor without overpowering it
The sauce makes the sweet crab flavor shine while rounding out the taste experience.
Easy Crab Cake Sauce Recipe
Making remoulade sauce at home is simple with just a few ingredients and steps.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, chopped
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp tarragon, chopped
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, capers, and herbs until thoroughly combined.
- Add hot sauce if desired, starting with 1 tsp and adjusting to preferred spiciness.
- Season with salt and pepper. Let sit 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Use immediately, or refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days.
Tips
- Use fresh herbs for optimal flavor.
- Add herbs sparingly so they don’t overwhelm.
- For smoother texture, finely mince capers and herbs.
- Adjust lemon juice to balance acidity.
- Make the day before to allow flavors to develop.
Variations and Customization
Once you master the basic recipe, get creative with fun remoulade variations!
Spice It Up
- Use spicier mustard or more hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add cayenne, paprika, or crushed red pepper.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or Sriracha.
Fresh Herbs
- Basil, oregano, or marjoram
- Dill, mint, or cilantro
- Green onion, shallot, or garlic
- Chili, cumin, celery seed, or curry powder
Other Add-Ins
- Horseradish for punch
- Anchovies or olives for brine
- Tomato, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red pepper for sweetness
- Honey, agave, or brown sugar for hint of sweetness
Serving Crab Cake Sauce
Remoulade can transform your crab cake experience when served thoughtfully.
Best Practices
- Dip crab cake bottoms – Dunk underside of cakes so sauce doesn’t soak in too much.
- Drizzle over cakes – For even coverage with full crab cake flavor.
- Dollop on side – Allows control over sauce amount in each bite.
- Serve in ramekins – Lets people take just what they want.
Beyond Crab Cakes
Remoulade also pairs deliciously with:
- Fried shrimp or oysters
- Fish tacos or sandwiches
- French fries or tater tots
- Fried seafood baskets or platters
- Veggies like zucchini fries or fried pickles
Really, this versatile sauce can enhance anything fried.
Conclusion: Crab Cake Sauce
With its cool, herby creaminess, remoulade sauce takes crab cakes to the next level. Making your own allows you to customize the flavor. While classically paired with crab cakes, it can also enhance other fried seafood. Just mix a few ingredients for incredible crab cake sauce. Now you have the complete guide to creating the perfect remoulade.
Ingredients
- Base:
- Mayonnaise - ½ cup
- Flavorings: 2. Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon 3. Worcestershire sauce - ½ teaspoon 4. Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Other: 5. Old Bay seasoning - ½ teaspoon (or your favorite seafood seasoning) 6. Chopped fresh herbs (optional): - Chives - 1 tablespoon - Fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon 7. Optional for a bit of heat: - Hot sauce (like Tabasco) - A few drops to taste - Sriracha - A squeeze to taste
Instructions
- Whisk Together Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred seafood seasoning) until smooth and combined.
- Add Fresh Herbs (Optional): If using, stir in the chopped chives and parsley.
- Adjust for Heat (Optional): For a touch of spice, add a few drops of hot sauce or a squeeze of sriracha to taste. Start with a little and taste as you go, adding more for a spicier kick.
- Serve or Chill: You can enjoy the Crab Cake Sauce (Remoulade Sauce) immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further. The sauce will thicken slightly as it chills.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover Crab Cake Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop and intensify over time.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This sauce is great for making ahead of time. You can whip it up a day or two before serving and store it in the fridge.
- Dietary Variations: For a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise. For a lower-fat option, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Flavor Twists: Get creative! You can add a pinch of paprika for smokiness, a grated cornichon pickle for a briny tang, or a spoonful of capers for a more complex flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Crab Cake Sauce (Easy Remoulade Sauce for Crab Cakes)
Serves: 4-6 servings
|
Amount Per Serving: About ¼ cup
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 10-15 g | 15.4% | |
| Saturated Fat 3-5 g | 15% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 5-10mg | 1.7% | |
| Sodium 300-400mg | 12.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 5-10 g | 1.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber Negligible | 0% | |
| Sugars 3-5 g | ||
| Protein 1-2 g | ||
| Vitamin A Low | Vitamin C Minimal | |
| Calcium 20mg | Iron 1-2mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me