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!

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

1. In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, capers, and herbs until thoroughly combined.
2. Add hot sauce if desired, starting with 1 tsp and adjusting to preferred spiciness.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
4. 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.