How to Make Delicious Kickin’ Crab Sauce From Scratch

Crab sauce is a popular condiment that goes great with seafood especially crab. The name “kickin’ crab sauce” comes from the spicy kick provided by ingredients like hot sauce and cayenne pepper. This sauce is creamy, tangy and full of flavor. Best of all, you can easily make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Overview of Kickin’ Crab Sauce

Kickin’ crab sauce has its origins in Asian and Cajun cuisines. It combines creamy, tangy, and spicy elements to produce a sauce that perfectly complements crab, shrimp, fish, and more The base ingredients are usually mayonnaise, ketchup, and lemon juice or vinegar Spices like cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper add flair. Some recipes also incorporate horseradish and hot sauce for even more of a spicy kick.

The great thing about kickin’ crab sauce is its versatility. Not only does it pair well with seafood, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce for fries, tater tots, and other finger foods. The sauce takes just minutes to prepare, making it easy to whip up anytime you need a flavor boost. Below you’ll find tips for making authentic kickin’ crab sauce at home.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make kickin’ crab sauce from scratch:

1. Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice or vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and thoroughly combined. The lemon juice adds tanginess while the Worcestershire boosts the savory umami flavors.

2. Add the spices and seasonings.

Next, whisk in the hot sauce, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and some ground black pepper. The spices infuse the sauce with heat and flavor. Feel free to adjust them to your desired spice level.

3. Add the horseradish if desired.

For extra spice and tang, also whisk in 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish. Horseradish has a strong flavor, so add it slowly until the sauce reaches your preferred level of heat.

4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Allow the sauce to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before drizzling it over seafood, using it as a dip, or adding it to other recipes. This allows time for the flavors to meld together.

5. Store leftovers in the fridge.

Any leftover kickin’ crab sauce will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The flavors may deepen over time. Shake or stir before using leftovers as the sauce can separate a bit.

Serving Suggestions

Kickin’ crab sauce pairs remarkably well with:

• Crab cakes or fried crab
• Shrimp skewers
• Fish fillets or fish tacos
• Fried seafood like oysters or calamari
• French fries or tater tots
• Chicken tenders or nuggets
• Veggie dippers like carrots and celery

Drizzle the sauce over any of these foods or use it as a dip on the side. The sauce also makes a great spread for sandwiches and burgers. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your tastes – a little goes a long way!

Adjusting the Spice Level

It’s easy to control the heat level in kickin’ crab sauce:

• For mild sauce, use less cayenne and hot sauce. Omit horseradish.
• For medium spice, use suggested amounts of cayenne and hot sauce.
• For extra hot sauce, increase cayenne to 1 teaspoon and hot sauce to 2 tablespoons or more. Add horseradish.

Taste as you go so you can monitor the building heat and spice. Another trick is to remove a portion of the sauce before adding hot sauce, to keep some mild sauce on hand. That way everyone can enjoy the sauce at their preferred spice level.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about homemade kickin’ crab sauce:

Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab?

Absolutely! Imitation crab works great with this sauce. Just break it up into small chunks to mix in.

Is there a quick microwave version?

Yes, you can make this sauce in the microwave in just 5 minutes. Simply combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until well blended.

What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?

Refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container for 4-5 days. The flavors may deepen over time. Stir or shake before using as the sauce can separate.

Can I freeze the sauce instead of refrigerating?

You can freeze kickin’ crab sauce for 1-2 months with no loss of flavor. First, transfer the sauce to a freezer bag or airtight container. Lay flat to freeze, then stand it up once frozen for compact storage.

What can I serve with kickin’ crab sauce?

In addition to seafood, this versatile sauce pairs well with fries, tots, chicken strips, veggie dippers, and more. Use it as a sandwich spread or burger sauce too. Get creative!

With this easy recipe, you can make authentic, flavor-packed kickin’ crab sauce anytime. Adjust the spice to your liking and enjoy it on seafood, as a dip, in sandwiches, and more. This versatile sauce amps up the flavor of anything it touches.