Perfect Dips to Accompany Crab Cakes: A Comprehensive Guide

Crab cakes are a delightful treat that pair excellently with a variety of dips and sauces. Choosing the perfect dip amplifies the taste and brings out the natural flavors of the crab. In this guide, we explore some of the best dips and sauces that complement crab cakes perfectly.

Classic Lemon Dill Mayo Dip

For those who love a tangy and herbaceous hit, my personal favorite is a mayo lemon diced pickle kosher dill spread. This dip is easy to make and can be enhanced with a dash of white pepper and lots of lemon juice. Alternatively, you can use a controlled amount of mayonnaise, and the combination should not overpower the crab.

You can also experiment with tomato-based sauces or similar Caribbean condiments. Sweet and tangy elements will work well, but ensure the sauce is not too overpowering. A good addition could be diced pickled capers or diced pimento-stuffed green olives, which also balance the flavors nicely.

Sweet and Tangy Chutneys

Any subtle sweet and tangy tasting chutney can pair wonderfully with crab cakes. Chutneys such as a good Hollandaise sauce with a pinch of cayenne pepper add a delightful touch, especially in Maryland-style eggs Benedict. Even without the Benedict, a slightly spicy Hollandaise can enhance the flavor of crab meat or crab cakes.

Szczawn Sauce and Cilantro Chutney

Szczawn sauce, a spicy and tangy Polish sauce, is an excellent accompaniment to crab preparations. You can also try a cilantro chutney, which brings a fresh, zesty flavor to the mix. Sour ingredients pair well with crabs due to their natural sweetness.

Salespotation

A good remoulade sauce is also a great choice, especially one made with Cajun spices. You can find recipes for remoulade by searching online. Another idea is to create a mayonnaise-based dip by starting with mayonnaise and adding Chipotle in Adobo sauce, mustard, honey, fresh herbs, or any combination of spices and herbs. The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

The choice of dip for crab cakes really depends on the ingredients in your recipe. As there are as many varieties of crab cakes as there are sauces, the accompanying dip can vary. For instance, a traditional Maryland-style crab cake might pair well with a tartar sauce or mustard sauce. On the other hand, a spicy crab cake filled with jalape?os and cilantro would be perfect with a creamy avocado sauce or guacamole. You could also imagine a curried crab cake served with a sweet and sour chutney. Remember, the limits are only your imagination and availability of ingredients. Don't be afraid to borrow ideas from books, magazines, and cooking shows. Use your creativity, experiment, and have fun!