*All of these dips can also be prepared up to two days in advance, reheating as needed.
Ancient Miso Dipping Sauce
Makes about 1-1/4 cups
Classic Asian ingredients and flavors combine in this versatile sauce that’s a perfect accompaniment for Alaska salmon, halibut, scallops, crab and black cod.
INGREDIENTS
2 Tablespoons peeled and chopped fresh ginger1/3 cup white miso paste
2/3 cup warm water
1 to 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1 /3 cup torn Thai basil leaves (about 6 to 8 leaves)
1 small red or orange pepper (Jalapeno, Scotch bonnet, Thai chile, etc.), halved and seeded*
Chopped chives for garnish
*1/ 4 teaspoon red chile flakes may be substituted for peppers
DIRECTIONS
To prepare the sauce, place the ginger, miso paste, water, rice vinegar, basil leaves, and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until the peppers are finely minced. Pour the sauce into a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives.
To steam the crab, fill large saute or fry pan to ½-inch depth with water.
Add crab legs and bring to boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer until heated through. Suggested cooking times: 6 to 8 minutes for frozen; 3 to 4 minutes for thawed.
Butter Sauce
Makes 4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup unsalted melted butter1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
Dash white pepper
DIRECTIONS
Blend ingredients together in a bowl.
Nutrients per serving (includes crab): 535 calories, 24g total fat, 16g sat fat, 43% calories from fat, 227mg cholesterol, 73g protein, .5g carb, .1g fiber, 3668mg sodium, 185mg calcium, and 400mg omega-3 fatty acids.
Rouille Sauce
Makes 4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup bottled roasted red peppers
2 cloves minced garlic
2/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS
Combine peppers and garlic in food processor and process until well minced. Pulse in remaining ingredients until well combined.
Nutrients per serving (includes crab): 477 calories, 16g total fat, 2g sat fat, 31% calories from fat, 181mg cholest, 73g protein, 5g carb, .4g fiber, 3704mg sodium, 191mg calcium and 400mg omega-3 fatty acids.
Basil-Mint Pesto Sauce
Makes 4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1-1/2 cups fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
3 Tablespoons toasted walnuts
3 cloves garlic
3-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS
Combine basil, mint, oil, walnuts, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor; puree until smooth. Add Parmesan and pulse until well combined.
Variation: For a creamier sauce, combine 1/4 cup Basil-Mint Pesto sauce with 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise.
Nutrients per serving (includes crab): 680 calories, 36g total fat, 6g sat fat, 49% calories from fat, 79g protein, 6g carb, 4g fiber, 3516mg sodium, 431mg calcium and 1300mg omega-3 fatty acids.
Mediterranean Dip
Makes 4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
1 jar (6.5 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup low-fat sour cream
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (dehydrated or drained), chopped
1 can (4 oz.) sliced olives, drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives OR 2 Tablespoons sliced green onions
DIRECTIONS
Blend artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and chives in bowl.
Variation: Bake at 350ºF until bubbly.
Nutrients per serving (includes crab): 485 calories, 21g total fat, 6g saturated fat, 41% calories from fat, 141mg cholesterol, 55g protein, 12g carbohydrate, 2g fiber 3040mg sodium, 368mg calcium and 300mg omega-3 fatty acids.