Stone crabs are a culinary treat in Florida. Especially since there is only a seven month season. If you’ve never had them, you’re missing out. There’s a debate among people as to whether to enjoy them hot with drawn butter or cold with a mustard dipping sauce. The latter is the more traditional way and my personal favorite, especially if it’s Key lime mustard dipping sauce.
If you aren’t familiar with Key limes, you can read about them in my post about the fruit. Plus I have many other recipes using them including Key lime muffins with Key lime glaze and Tupelo honey Key lime vinaigrette. Like all of my Key lime recipes, this one uses fresh juice from the tree that grows in my yard.
A few fun facts about stone crabs
They were named by the Native Americans because their shells are so tough, a stone was used to crack them. Stone crabs are the only thing we take from the sea that we don’t kill. They regenerate their claws, in about a year. Stone crab season in Florida is only 7 months long, from October 15 to May 15. When you order stone crab claws in a restaurant they arrive already partially cracked. When you purchase stone crabs, they are sold to you cooked, they have to be. Some can have pockets of air in the claw that will yield less meat. Those with the air pockets are known as floaters and must be labeled as such so consumers know. They are often cheaper. Stone crabs generally come in four sizes, medium, large, jumbo and colossal and the price reflects the size.
Knowing that stone crabs are difficult to come by in other parts of the United States, this Key lime mustard dipping sauce would also be delicious with chicken tenders.
My blogger friends and I are sharing recipes for picnics today. The fact stone crabs can be served cold makes them perfect for a picnic. They are easily transported and, while you’re keeping the claws cold, you can just tuck the Key lime dipping sauce in the cooler too. Be sure to visit their recipes too.
Key lime mustard sauce is the only condiment you need when serving Florida Stone Crab claws.
Key Lime Mustard Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Instructions
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Lizzy
Monday 19th of December 2022
I live in Key West and have always loved the Key Lime Mustard Floribbean sauce. Like, really Really Love it. I could drink it out of the bottle. (just kidding, mostly) I believe this is the copycat recipe!! so excited, and happy about finding this!! thank you <3 Liz The Lizard Lady
Ellen Folkman
Monday 19th of December 2022
You made my day! I hope you love it!
anne lawton
Friday 27th of April 2018
I love stone crab claws and this dip!
Patty
Wednesday 25th of April 2018
I love these stone crab claws and your key lime dip looks so delicious and refreshing, thanks for the recipe!
shelby
Wednesday 25th of April 2018
I have never had a stone crab but would love to try it. Thanks for a great explanation of what they are! I also think your sauce combination sounds delicious and yes, for now we will try it with chicken :) Next time I visit you it will have to be during a time you can serve this dish to me! :)
1particularhrbr
Wednesday 25th of April 2018
You are welcome anytime!
Veena Azmanov
Wednesday 25th of April 2018
Oh God, what a tasty looking this Key Lime Mustard Dipping Sauce is! I am in love with the colors and how simple and short the ingredient list is. Yum!