What Sauce Goes with Crab Cakes? (11 Sauces)

Knowing what sauce goes with crab cakes is important.

Very important.

I would even go so far as to say that it’s a life skill.

And while you may be tempted to just go with tartar sauce (I see you, Hellman’s), I’m here to show you that there are so many other delicious options out there.

So, whether you’re looking for a creamy sauce or something on the lighter side, read on for my top 11 picks.

What Sauce Goes with Crab Cakes?

The best sauces to serve with crab cakes are rémoulade, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce. For a healthier option, try lemon juice and olive oil. If you want something more indulgent, go for hollandaise sauce or beurre blanc.

Still looking for ideas?

No worries!

Here are 11 sauces that go well with crab cakes:

1. Bang Bang Sauce

This sauce is great for most meats, but especially delicious with crab cakes.

It’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at the same time, and takes less than 5 minutes to whip up!

I like to use a food processor to make this sauce because it results in a smoother texture, but you could also just use a blender or even chop everything by hand if you prefer.

If you want to change up the flavor of this sauce, you could:

• Add more or less chili pepper flakes to adjust the spice level.
• Use white balsamic vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Swap out the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup if you want a vegan option.
• Add a teaspoon of grated ginger for an extra zing.

2. Marinara Sauce

Why not make sure everybody goes home with a full stomach by serving up a plate of crab cakes with this delicious marinara sauce?

This particular recipe is unique because it uses a variety of different herbs to really give the sauce an extra zing.

Of course, you can tailor the herbs to your own taste, but we think that basil, oregano, and thyme really do make for the perfect combination.

If you want to change up the flavor or texture of this sauce, you could:

• Add some heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Make it creamier by stirring in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Bulk it up with some cooked diced chicken or Italian sausage.
• Add some sweetness with a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.

3. Sweet Onion Sauce (Subway Copycat Recipe)

I bet you’ve tried the delicious sweet onion sauce from Subway and loved it.

Now you can make it at home with this easy copycat recipe.

It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and it goes great on sandwiches, salads, and wraps.

Plus, it’s really quick and easy to make.

To change up the flavor and texture of this sauce, you could:

• Add some diced onion or shallot for extra sweetness and crunch.
• Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
• Stir in a tablespoon of honey for an even sweeter sauce.
• Thin it out with a little bit of water or vegetable broth if you want a thinner sauce.

4. Chimichurri Sauce

Why not add some beautiful color to your crab cakes with this vibrant chimichurri sauce?

It’s so easy to make, and it adds a delicious herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of crab.

If you want to change up the flavor or texture of your chimichurri sauce, here are a few ideas:

• Add some diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Swap out the cilantro for parsley or basil.
• Use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.
• Add a tablespoon of honey for sweetness.
• Try blending the sauce for a smoother consistency.

5. Mushroom Sauce

I’ve loved this sauce since I was a kid, and it’s the perfect finishing touch for crab cakes.

It’s earthy, slightly sweet, and a little bit salty – everything you want in a good sauce.

To change up the flavor and texture of this sauce, you could:

-Add some diced onion or shallot for sweetness and crunch.

• Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for an extra depth of flavor.
• Make it creamier with the addition of half & half, cream, or sour cream.
• Thicken it up with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
• Add some spice with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

6. General Tso Sauce

Known for being great in stir fry, this General Tso sauce recipe is also delicious on crab cakes.

It’s slightly sweet, a little tangy, and has just the right amount of heat.

I like to keep things simple and just use this sauce as-is, but you could also:

• Add a teaspoon of sriracha or other hot sauce for more heat.
• Mix in a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness.
• Stir in a tablespoon of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for more tanginess.
• Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) if you prefer a thicker sauce.

7. Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)

If you like a little spice in your life, this aji verde sauce is for you.

It’s made with Peruvian chiles, cilantro, and lime juice, and it’s the perfect condiment for crab cakes.

But don’t stop there – this sauce is also great on grilled chicken or fish, mixed into quinoa or rice, or even as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables.

Here are a few ways to change up the flavor and texture of this sauce:

• Add some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Stir in a spoonful of mayo or sour cream to temper the heat.
• Mix in some chopped fresh pineapple or mango for sweetness.
• Add a handful of chopped cilantro for extra zing.

8. Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet, sour, and slightly sticky, this delicious sauce is the perfect finishing touch for crab cakes.

But don’t stop there! Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken or shrimp, or even as a salad dressing.

To change up the flavor of this sauce, you could:

• Add a teaspoon of curry powder or garam masala for an Indian-inspired twist.
• Stir in some diced mango or pineapple for sweetness and texture.
• Mix in a tablespoon of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

9. Honey BBQ Sauce

Have you ever tried adding honey to your BBQ sauce?

It gives the sauce a delicious, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with crab cakes.

This honey BBQ sauce is also really easy to make.

Just whisk together all of the ingredients and you’re done!

If you want to change up the flavor or texture of this sauce, here are a few ideas:

• Add a teaspoon or two of hot sauce for some spice.
• Mix in a tablespoon or two of Dijon mustard for a tangy flavor.
• Stir in a minced chipotle pepper for smoky heat.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, for brightness.

10. Chili Tahini Lime Sauce

This sauce has a bit of everything going on – it’s creamy from the tahini, has a bit of heat from the chili pepper, and is brightened up with fresh lime juice.

It’s the perfect sauce for dipping or drizzling over crab cakes, fish tacos, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies.

To change up the flavor and texture of this sauce, you could:

• Add more or less chili pepper to adjust the level of heat.
• Substitute lemon juice for the lime juice.
• Use smooth almond butter in place of the tahini for a slightly different flavor.
• Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin out the sauce if it’s too thick.

11. Honey Mustard Sauce

Ah, the family-friendly honey mustard sauce.

This sweet and tangy sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and of course, crab cakes.

But don’t limit yourself to just dipping!

Honey mustard is also great as a salad dressing or a sandwich spread.

To change up the flavor and texture of this sauce, you could:

• Add a teaspoon of sriracha for some heat.
• Use Dijon mustard for a more intense flavor.
• Add a tablespoon of mayo or Greek yogurt for a creamier consistency.
• Swap out the honey for agave or maple syrup for a different sweetness.

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