Harvey's Crab Dip Recipe

This easy homemade BBQ sauce is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite grilled dishes. With just a few ingredients, you'll have a tangy and savory sauce that's great for everything from burgers to ribs!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Once mixed, the sauce is ready to use or can be stored in an airtight in the refrigerator for later use.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Each serving (about 2 tablespoons) contains:

Calories	28
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	246mg
Total Carbohydrates	7g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	0g
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	9mg
Iron	0mg
Potassium	105mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

The Story Behind Harvey's Crab Dip

Harvey's Crab Dip is a beloved American appetizer with roots in Marylands coastal culinary traditions. Its creation was inspired by the regions famous blue crabs, which have been a staple since colonial times. The dip emerged as a convenient accompaniment to fresh crab feasts, combining simple pantry ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to highlight the delicate flavor of the crab meat. Over time, Harvey's Crab Dip became synonymous with casual gatherings, seafood boils, and crab shacks along the Chesapeake Bay.

Regional Characteristics

Though crab dips can be found across the United States, Harvey's version is particularly tied to Maryland. Unlike cream-based dips popular in other regions, this recipe emphasizes a tangy and slightly sweet profile, reflecting the local preference for bold yet balanced flavors. In Maryland, it is often paired with saltine crackers or served alongside a platter of freshly steamed crabs. Its simplicity ensures that it complements rather than overwhelms the natural taste of the seafood.

Differences From Similar Dishes

Harvey's Crab Dip stands apart from richer, cream-heavy crab dips like those made with cream cheese or mayonnaise. While many recipes rely on melting cheese or adding heavy spices, Harvey's keeps the focus on vinegars acidity and Worcestershire sauces umami depth. This minimalistic approach creates a lighter, tangier dip that contrasts with the heavier, cheesy varieties often found at parties or in restaurants. It is less about richness and more about enhancing the crabs natural sweetness.

Where Its Commonly Served

Traditionally, Harvey's Crab Dip is served at casual seafood gatherings, backyard crab boils, and family dinners along the East Coast. It is popular in crab houses, where patrons enjoy it as a starter before digging into whole steamed crabs. Additionally, the dip is often featured at summer picnics, potlucks, and holiday celebrations, making it a versatile appetizer that travels well and requires no cookingjust mixing.

Interesting Facts

• Harvey's Crab Dip has a nearly identical flavor profile to sauces served with Maryland blue crabs, making it a nostalgic favorite for locals.
• The dips simplicityjust three ingredientsmakes it one of the fastest seafood accompaniments to prepare.
• It reflects the ingenuity of coastal cooks who relied on shelf-stable condiments to create flavorful accompaniments for seafood.
• Although it pairs perfectly with crackers, it can also be used as a topping for grilled fish or a spread for sandwiches, showcasing its versatility.
• Its tangy-sweet balance mirrors the flavor preferences of Maryland cuisine, which often emphasizes both vinegar and spice in crab and seafood dishes.

FAQ about Harvey's Crab Dip Recipe