What to Put on a Crab Cake Sandwich: 12 Delicious Options

Crab cakes make for a delicious sandwich filling, but the possibilities for toppings and condiments are endless. From classics like tartar sauce to unexpected flavors like mango salsa, there are so many options for customizing your crab cake sandwich In this article, we’ll explore 12 delicious ideas for what to put on a crab cake sandwich.

1. Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a classic condiment for crab cakes and seafood. At its most basic tartar sauce contains mayonnaise, dill pickles parsley, and lemon juice. The tangy flavor of the mayo and pickles complements the sweet crab meat perfectly. Tartar sauce adds a cool, creamy contrast to the hot crisp exterior of fried crab cakes. It’s easy to make your own or use store-bought.

2. Remoulade

Remoulade is a close cousin to tartar sauce in the condiment family It also contains mayonnaise as the base along with mustard, capers, herbs, pickles, and other seasonings. The difference is that remoulade often has a spicier kick from hot sauce or paprika The enhancement of mustard and spices gives it a more complex flavor than tartar sauce. Remoulade makes a great spread on crab cake sandwiches, giving them a little heat.

3. Cole Slaw

Crunchy cole slaw adds freshness and texture when paired with hot crab cakes, not to mention a tasty vinegary punch. The crispy cabbage also helps cut the richness of the fried crab. Cole slaw comes in endless varieties, from mayo-based to oil-and-vinegar style. Creamy or tangy, any type of cole slaw makes an automatic match with a crab cake sandwich.

4. Mango Salsa

For a Caribbean twist, try topping your crab cake sandwich with fresh mango salsa. The sweet and tangy mango pairs beautifully with the sweet crab meat. The salsa also adds moisture and a refreshing bite. Making your own mango salsa is easy with diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder. The tropical flavors take the sandwich to the next level.

5. Guacamole

Creamy, fresh guacamole is another way to add coolness and moisture to balance a hot crab cake, not to mention a punch of flavor. The richness of the avocado complements the crab perfectly. Making guacamole is simple with mashed avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Guacamole can be spiced up with jalapenos or kept mild. Either way, it makes a tasty spread for crab cake sandwiches.

6. Aioli

Aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise sauce that can be spread on both halves of the sandwich bun. The bold garlic flavor accentuates the sweetness of the crab meat. Aioli also adds moisture and richness to contrast the crunch of the crab cake. Making aioli is easy with mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt whisked together. Aioli is also great for dipping the sandwich.

7. Pesto

Herby pesto makes a fantastic condiment for crab cake sandwiches, adding big flavor. The basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan offer the perfect Italian flavors to complement seafood. The slick of pesto sauce also balances the heavy fried cake with freshness. You can make your own pesto or use high-quality store-bought pesto. Try both the traditional basil pesto and spinach pesto for variety.

8. Chili Mayo

For those who like a little heat, chili mayo is the ideal crab cake sandwich spread. Simply combine mayonnaise with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime. The creamy mayo gets a spicy kick that enhances the sweet crab flavor. Add as much or as little spice to suit your tastes. Chili mayo also pairs well with slaw on the sandwich.

9. Lemon Aioli

To brighten up your sandwich even more, add some lemon to your aioli. Simply add a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon juice when making basic aioli. The zesty lemon cuts through the rich flavors and makes them pop. Lemon aioli has a tangy zip that pairs perfectly with the sweet crab.

10. Old Bay Mayo

For an authentic Maryland crab cake sandwich, try mixing mayonnaise with Old Bay seasoning, the classic Chesapeake crab spice blend. Add about a teaspoon of Old Bay to per half cup of mayo. Spreading Old Bay mayo on the bun gives it that distinctive Maryland flare. The mayo mellows and carries the strong seasonings of celery salt, paprika, and mustard.

11. Pickled Red Onion

Pickled red onions add a bright, tangy crunch when topped on crab cake sandwiches. Quick-pickled onion slivers are easy to make by briefly marinating thin slices in red wine vinegar with salt and sugar. The sharp onion cuts through the heavy richness. Pickled red onion also adds great color contrast.

12. Lettuce and Tomato

Don’t overlook the simple classic combo of crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices. The cool crunch and moisture of lettuce and tomato perfectly balance hot crispy crab cakes. Little gems or butter lettuce and beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes make delicious additions. Drizzle on a little olive oil and vinegar for even more flavor.

With so many choices, it’s easy to create your own signature crab cake sandwich. The key is finding toppings that add flavor, texture, moisture and acidity to balance the rich crab. From quick homemade sauces to fresh vegetables, let your imagination run wild. The possibilities for making an epic crab cake sandwich are endless!

Classic and popular condiments for crab cakes include tartar sauce and remoulade sauce.