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The 20 Best Dipping Sauces for Crab Legs

Do you love the sweet and savory flavors of crab legs?

If so, then you know that the perfect dipping sauce can take your meal to the next level.

From classic melted butter to creamy garlic sauces, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing your crab legs with a delicious dip.

In this article, I will share 20 of my favorite dipping sauces for crab legs – all of which are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Read Also: Crab Legs Wine Pairing: The Best Wines for Crab Legs

Crab Butter Sauce

The 20 Best Dipping Sauces for Crab Legs

Crab legs make for a delicious meal, but enjoying them is even better when paired with the perfect dipping sauce.

To help you find the ideal accompaniment for your crab legs, we’ve compiled a list of twenty of our favorite sauces.

1. Garlic Butter Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Garlic butter sauce is a creamy, savory condiment that combines the flavors of garlic and butter. The sauce has a rich, garlicky flavor with hints of lemon and parsley. It’s perfect for dipping crab legs or other seafood dishes.
  • Common Uses: Garlic butter sauce is often used as a dip for boiled or steamed seafood such as crab legs, shrimp, lobster tails, and crawfish. It can also be used to top grilled fish or vegetables. Additionally, it makes an excellent topping for baked potatoes or pasta dishes.

2. Tartar Sauce

  • What Does Tartar Sauce Taste Like? Tartar sauce is a creamy condiment that has a tangy flavor. It’s made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and other seasonings like lemon juice and dill. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.
  • Common Uses: Tartar sauce is most commonly used as a dip for seafood dishes such as crab legs or fried fish. It can also be used to top burgers or sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to vegetables like french fries or onion rings. Additionally, tartar sauce can be used in recipes such as tuna salad or egg salad for added flavor and creaminess.

3. Homemade Cocktail Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Homemade cocktail sauce is a tangy and slightly sweet condiment made with ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavor that is both spicy and tart.
  • Common Uses: Cocktail sauce is most commonly used as a dip for seafood dishes such as crab legs or shrimp. It can also be used to add flavor to sandwiches or burgers. Additionally, it can be used as an ingredient in other recipes such as deviled eggs or potato salad.

4. Green Cocktail Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Green cocktail sauce is a tangy, spicy condiment made with horseradish, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.
  • Common Uses: Green cocktail sauce is most commonly used as a dip for seafood dishes such as crab legs or shrimp. It can also be used to add flavor to sandwiches or burgers, or even as an ingredient in salad dressings. Additionally, it can be used as a marinade for meats such as chicken or pork chops.

5. Wasabi Cocktail Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Wasabi cocktail sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment that combines the flavors of wasabi and horseradish with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings. The result is a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with a kick of heat from the wasabi.
  • Common Uses: Wasabi cocktail sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for seafood dishes such as crab legs or shrimp. It can also be used to add flavor to sandwiches or burgers.
  • Ingredients: To make wasabi cocktail sauce you will need mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, wasabi paste (or powder), Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder and salt.
  • How To Make It: Begin by combining all ingredients in a bowl and whisking until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve chilled alongside your favorite seafood dish!

6. Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Cajun garlic butter sauce is a creamy, savory blend of butter, garlic, and spices. The combination of the rich butter with the spicy cajun seasoning creates a flavor that is both bold and comforting.
  • Common Uses: This sauce can be used to dip crab legs or other seafood dishes such as shrimp or lobster tails. It can also be used as a topping for vegetables, potatoes, or pasta dishes.
  • Ingredients: Butter, garlic cloves (minced), Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, paprika, dried oregano leaves (crushed), dried thyme leaves (crushed).
  • How To Make It: In a small saucepan over medium heat melt the butter until it starts to bubble. Add in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice then add in all of the seasonings; cayenne pepper, paprika oregano and thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally until everything is combined and heated through. Serve warm with your favorite seafood dish!

7. Lemon & Herb Aioli

  • What Does It Taste Like? Lemon & Herb Aioli is a creamy, tangy sauce that combines the flavors of lemon and herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique flavor profile that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes like crab legs.
  • Common Uses: Lemon & Herb Aioli is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for seafood dishes such as crab legs, shrimp, or fish. It can also be used to top salads or sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Ingredients: To make Lemon & Herb Aioli you will need mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves (minced), fresh herbs (parsley, dill and/or chives), salt and pepper to taste.
  • How To Make It: Begin by combining the mayonnaise with the minced garlic in a bowl until smooth. Add in the lemon juice and stir until combined. Then add in your desired herbs (parsley, dill and/or chives) along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well blended then serve alongside your favorite seafood dish!

8. Hibachi Ginger Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Hibachi ginger sauce is a sweet and savory condiment that has a slightly spicy kick. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates an umami flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes like crab legs.
  • Common Uses: This versatile sauce can be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables before grilling or baking. It also makes an excellent dipping sauce for fried foods such as tempura shrimp or chicken tenders. Additionally, it can be used to top salads or noodles for added flavor.
  • Ingredients: To make hibachi ginger sauce you will need soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar and red pepper flakes (optional).
  • How To Make It: Begin by combining the soy sauce and honey in a small bowl until they are well blended. Then add the garlic powder, ground ginger and sesame oil to the mixture and stir until everything is combined. Finally add the rice vinegar and red pepper flakes (if desired) to taste. Mix everything together until it forms a thick paste-like consistency then serve with your favorite seafood dish!

9. Creamy Mustard Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Creamy mustard sauce is a combination of creamy and tangy flavors. The smooth texture of the mayonnaise and sour cream are balanced by the sharpness of the Dijon mustard, creating a delicious condiment that pairs perfectly with crab legs.
  • Common Uses: Creamy mustard sauce is most commonly used as a dip for seafood dishes such as crab legs, shrimp, or lobster. It can also be used to top salads or sandwiches for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Ingredients: To make creamy mustard sauce you will need mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and salt & pepper to taste.
  • How To Make It: Start by combining all ingredients in a bowl and whisking until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving with your favorite seafood dish!

10. Diablo Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Diablo sauce is a spicy, creamy condiment that pairs perfectly with crab legs. It has a tangy flavor from the Worcestershire and hot sauce, balanced out by the sweetness of butter and cream. The horseradish adds an extra kick to the sauce that will make your taste buds tingle!
  • Common Uses: Diablo sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for seafood dishes such as crab legs or shrimp. It can also be used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, and other savory dishes.
  • Ingredients: To make diablo sauce you will need butter, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco), prepared horseradish, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt.
  • How To Make It: Begin by melting the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted add in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Add in all of the remaining ingredients and stir until everything is well incorporated. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes before removing from heat and serving with your favorite seafood dish!

11. Ponzu Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Ponzu sauce is a citrus-based condiment that originated in Japan. It has a tart, tangy flavor with notes of soy sauce and mirin (a sweet rice wine). The combination of flavors makes it the perfect accompaniment to seafood dishes like crab legs.
  • Common Uses: Ponzu sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for sashimi, tempura, and other Japanese dishes. It can also be used as a marinade or salad dressing.
  • Ingredients: Ponzu sauce typically contains soy sauce, citrus juice (usually yuzu or lemon), mirin, katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), and seaweed.
  • How To Make It: Making ponzu sauce at home is easy! Simply combine equal parts soy sauce and citrus juice in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of mirin per cup of liquid. Add 1 teaspoon of katsuobushi per cup of liquid and stir until combined. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before straining out the solids and adding 2 tablespoons of seaweed flakes per cup of liquid. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite seafood dish!

12. Mango Chutney

  • What Does It Taste Like? Mango chutney is a sweet and tangy condiment made from mangoes, sugar, vinegar, spices, and sometimes raisins. The combination of flavors creates a unique taste that is both sweet and savory.
  • Common Uses: Mango chutney is most commonly used as an accompaniment to Indian dishes such as curries or samosas. It can also be served with grilled meats or fish, stirred into rice dishes for added flavor, or even spread on toast for a quick snack.
  • Ingredients: To make mango chutney you will need fresh mangos (or canned if fresh are not available), white sugar, cider vinegar, garlic cloves, ginger root, ground cumin seed powder, ground coriander seed powder, ground turmeric powder and salt to taste. You may also add raisins for extra sweetness if desired.
  • How To Make It: Start by peeling the mangos and cutting them into small cubes. In a large saucepan over medium heat combine the cubed mangos with the sugar and cider vinegar until it comes to a boil then reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally until thickened slightly. Add in the garlic cloves (minced), ginger root (grated) along with all of the spices listed above except for salt which should be added at the end once everything else has been cooked together for about 15 minutes total stirring often so nothing sticks to the bottom of your pan. Once finished let cool before transferring it into an airtight container where it can last up to two weeks in your refrigerator!

13. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Honey mustard dipping sauce is a creamy, sweet and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with crab legs. The combination of honey and mustard creates a unique flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet.
  • Common Uses: Honey mustard dipping sauce can be used to dip all kinds of seafood, including crab legs, shrimp, lobster tails, scallops, and more. It’s also great for chicken tenders or nuggets as well as vegetables like carrots or celery sticks.
  • Ingredients: To make honey mustard dipping sauce you will need mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder and salt.
  • How To Make It: Start by combining the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a bowl until smooth. Then add the honey, lemon juice garlic powder and salt to taste. Mix everything together until combined then serve with your favorite seafood dish!

14. Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Soy ginger dipping sauce is a sweet and savory combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. The flavors are balanced to create a delicious condiment that pairs perfectly with crab legs.
  • Common Uses: This dipping sauce is perfect for seafood dishes such as crab legs, shrimp, or lobster. It can also be used as a marinade for meats like chicken or pork.
  • Ingredients: Soy sauce, honey, garlic cloves (minced), fresh ginger (grated), sesame oil (optional).
  • How To Make It: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

15. BBQ Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? BBQ sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with crab legs. The flavor of the sauce can vary depending on the ingredients used, but it typically has a smoky, savory taste with hints of sweetness from sugar or molasses.
  • Common Uses: BBQ sauce is most commonly used as a marinade for meats like chicken, ribs, and pork before grilling or baking. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fried foods such as french fries and onion rings. Additionally, it makes an excellent topping for burgers and sandwiches.
  • Ingredients: Common ingredients in BBQ sauces include tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar or molasses, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika or chipotle pepper powder for heat and smoke flavorings. Additional seasonings such as cumin or chili powder may also be added to give the sauce more depth of flavor.
  • How To Make It: Making your own homemade BBQ sauce is easy! Simply combine all of the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl until they are well blended together. Then transfer the mixture to a small pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer while stirring occasionally until thickened (about 10 minutes). Let cool before serving with your favorite seafood dishes!

16. Hoisin Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark-colored Chinese condiment made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies and other spices. It has a sweet and salty flavor with hints of smokiness.
  • Common Uses: Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for crab legs or other seafood dishes. It can also be used as an ingredient in marinades or stir-fries, or to add flavor to soups and sauces.
  • Ingredients: The main ingredients in hoisin sauce are fermented soybean paste (doubanjiang), sugar, vinegar, garlic, chili peppers and various spices such as star anise and cloves. Other ingredients may include sesame oil, rice wine or sake, oyster sauce and five-spice powder.
  • How To Make It: Making your own hoisin sauce at home is easy! Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency and taste, transfer it to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

17. Spicy Mayo

  • What Does It Taste Like? Spicy mayo is a creamy condiment that combines the tangy flavor of mayonnaise with a kick of heat from chili peppers. The combination creates a unique and flavorful sauce that can be used to enhance many dishes.
  • Common Uses: Spicy mayo is often used as a dipping sauce for seafood, such as crab legs or shrimp. It can also be used as an ingredient in sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Additionally, it makes an excellent topping for burgers and fries.
  • Ingredients: To make spicy mayo you will need mayonnaise, chili pepper flakes or hot sauce (such as Sriracha), garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
  • How To Make It: Start by combining all ingredients in a bowl until well blended. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if desired. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

18. Sweet Chili Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Sweet chili sauce is a condiment made from sweet red peppers, garlic, and vinegar. It has a sweet and spicy flavor with a hint of tanginess. The sweetness comes from the peppers while the spiciness comes from the addition of chili peppers or hot sauce.
  • Common Uses: Sweet chili sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for seafood dishes such as crab legs, shrimp, and fish. It can also be used to add flavor to stir-fries, marinades, glazes, and sauces.
  • Ingredients: To make sweet chili sauce you will need red bell peppers (or other sweet pepper), garlic cloves, white sugar, rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar), fresh ginger root (optional), salt to taste (optional), and crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (optional).
  • How To Make It: Start by roasting your bell peppers in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they are soft and lightly charred on all sides. Once cooled remove the skins then puree them in a food processor along with the garlic cloves until smooth. In a medium pot over medium heat combine the pureed mixture with sugar and vinegar then bring it to a boil stirring constantly until thickened about 10 minutes. Add optional ingredients if desired then let cool before serving or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

19. Cajun Remoulade Sauce

  • What Does It Taste Like? Cajun remoulade sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment with a kick of heat. The combination of mayonnaise, mustard, and spices creates a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes like crab legs.
  • Common Uses: Cajun remoulade sauce is most commonly used as a dip for boiled or steamed seafood such as shrimp, crawfish, and crab legs. It can also be used to top salads or sandwiches for an extra zing of flavor.
  • Ingredients: To make cajun remoulade sauce you will need mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), lemon juice and salt to taste.
  • How To Make It: Start by combining the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a bowl until smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce and mix well. Then add the garlic powder, onion powder paprika and cayenne pepper (if using). Finally stir in the lemon juice and season with salt to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so that all of the flavors have time to meld together.

20. Garlic Chive Mayonnaise

  • What Does It Taste Like? Garlic chive mayonnaise is a creamy, flavorful condiment that combines the savory flavor of garlic with the mild onion-like taste of chives. The combination creates a unique and delicious dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with crab legs.
  • Common Uses: Garlic chive mayonnaise is most commonly used as a dip for seafood dishes such as crab legs, shrimp, and lobster. It can also be used to dress salads or sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.
  • Ingredients: To make garlic chive mayonnaise you will need mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped fresh chives, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
  • How To Make It: Begin by combining all ingredients in a bowl until well blended. Serve chilled alongside your favorite seafood dish or use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
crab legs sauces

The 20 Best Dipping Sauces for Crab Legs

If you love seafood, then you know that crab legs are a delicious treat. But to really bring out their flavor, you need the perfect dipping sauce. This article will show you the 20 best dipping sauces for crab legs, from classic sauces like tartar and cocktail to more unique sauces like honey mustard and garlic aioli. So get ready to dip and enjoy!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dipping Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 467 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Garlic Butter Sauce
  • Tartar Sauce
  • Homemade Cocktail Sauce
  • Green Cocktail Sauce
  • Wasabi Cocktail Sauce
  • Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
  • Lemon & Herb Aioli
  • Hibachi Ginger Sauce
  • Creamy Mustard Sauce
  • Diablo Sauce
  • Ponzu Sauce
  • Mango Chutney
  • Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
  • Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Hoisin Sauce
  • Spicy Mayo
  • Sweet Chili Sauce
  • Cajun Remoulade Sauce
  • Garlic Chive Mayonnaise

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sauce from this article.
  • Organize and prepare all of the required ingredients.
  • Prep a dipping sauce in 20 minutes or less.
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.