There's nothing quite like a feast centered around fresh, local Dungeness crab. While the sweet and succulent meat of the crab can stand on its own, a tasty dipping sauce can take it to the next level. In this article, we'll show you how to make two different variations of garlic butter dipping sauce that pair perfectly with Dungeness crab. Whether you prefer a classic garlic butter sauce or a more unique blend of spices and flavors, these two recipes are sure to make your Dungeness crab feast even more delicious. So, gather your toadfish and get ready to dip into some mouth-watering garlic butter sauce!

Option 1: Classic Melted Butter Garlic Dipping Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter - or replace with our Lightly Salted, Handmade, Slow Cultured Butter from Stepladder Creamery. This locally made butter is the real deal and so delicious with crab when melted. Since it is lightly salted, you can omit or reduce the 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the melted butter, stirring well to combine. Cook the garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
4. Pour the melted butter garlic sauce into a small dipping bowl.
5. Serve the warm Dungeness crab with the butter garlic sauce on the side for dipping.

Option 2: Classic Melted Butter Garlic Dipping Sauce –– Level Up With a Kick!

Here's a revised recipe for melted butter garlic dipping sauce that incorporates some unique flavors while still using the same ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin to the melted butter, stirring well to combine. Cook the garlic and spices for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and honey. Stir until the honey is fully incorporated.
4. Pour the melted butter garlic sauce into a small dipping bowl.
5. Serve the warm Dungeness crab with the butter garlic sauce on the side for dipping.

This sauce has a smoky, slightly sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet meat of the your local Dungeness crab. Whether you're dining on our live, cooked, pre-cracked and cleaned, or pulled local Dungeness Crab options, enjoy!