Crab cakes are a tasty seafood dish that comes from the United States, especially from the Chesapeake Bay area. You mix lump crab meat with things like breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and different spices like Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley to make these tasty treats. Crab cakes are formed into patties and pan-fried until they develop a golden-brown crust. People love them because they taste like sweet crab and have a crispy outside. They are usually served with lemon wedges and a creamy dipping sauce. However, you may want a switch up from the common creamy dipping sauce. If you want to serve these tasty seafood patties with something different, check out these 21 easy crab cake sides.
You will see that crab cakes go well with many side dishes that bring out their rich and savory flavors. You can choose from a variety of sides, such as a crisp and tangy coleslaw to go with the rich crab cakes or a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing to make the meal colorful and fresh. Asparagus or Brussels sprouts that have been roasted give the crab cakes a delicious, slightly charred flavor that goes well with them. No matter what your cravings are, there’s something on the list for everyone.
Mango Salsa, a sweet and slightly spicy combo, will go perfectly with crab cakes. Crab cakes are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, so a mango salsa goes well with them because it adds more textures and flavors. You can present the crab cakes with the mango salsa already dolloped on top.
For delectable crab cake sides, potatoes are a go to. A Classic French-Style Potato Salad is made with no mayo, fresh herbs, and zippy add-ons. Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, olive oil, and red wine vinegar are mixed together and tossed with the food while it is still warm. Crab cakes already have a good amount of mayo, so you won’t miss it in the potato salad.
Putting together a salad is one of the easiest things you can do. This antipasto salad is not only simple, but it also has lots of different tastes and textures that go well with the crab cakes. This salad keeps things light – there are no heavy carbs or dressings in it. So crab cakes can remain the star of the show.
You probably already have all the ingredients you need to make your own Coleslaw. All you have to do is pour and mix them together. This plain old Cole Slaw recipe is a simple crab cake side dish you can make at home with things you can manage.
This tomato cucumber mozzarella salad was inspired by the Italian classic caprese salad. It’s full of fresh mozzarella cheese, avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber. A lovely balsamic garlic dressing drizzles over the top. It’s easy to throw together as nothing needs to be cooked.
Try these honey mustard green beans if you want your crab cakes to feel like a full meal and you want to stay healthy. As long as the vegetables are seasoned and cooked well enough to go with the crab cakes and not just look like an afterthought, they make good sides for crab cakes. These honey mustard green beans can stand on their own, or help highlight the crab cakes.
Another salad, yes! Because it’s so easy to get a variety of flavors to pair with crab cakes. This salad has pungent and leafy mustard greens that add texture and flavor to the whole meal. With roasted potatoes added, it becomes a well-balanced dish that will leave each guest completely satisfied.
Chickpea salad is hearty and holds up to the creamy, slightly crispy crab cakes. This is the best Mediterranean chickpea salad you’ll ever taste. It has olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta, herbs, and a tasty homemade dressing. Even though there are a lot of different tastes, these sides for crab cakes are good enough to stand on their own.
We already told you that chickpeas and crabcakes go well together. This salad has a lemon vinaigrette that brings out the seafood in the crabcakes. This Kale Quinoa and Chickpea Salad is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition. It is great for meal prep. Imagine having crab cakes with this kale quinoa chickpea salad for lunch all week. Your co-workers will be asking you for the recipe.
Broccoli rabe is a member of the cabbage family and has a bitter taste. But when you add some olive oil, garlic, cheese, and ground red pepper, it turns into Rapini, an Italian classic. Since garlic and lemon are used a lot in Italian cooking, Italian food goes well with crab cake sides. This one is no exception.
This simple corn orzo recipe only takes 25 minutes to make and only needs one pan. It’s full of fresh corn and is finished with homemade bacon bits and fresh herbs. It’s even creamier than risotto and it’s much easier to make. This cheesy creamed corn orzo will go well with your crispy crab cakes for a hearty meal that will make everyone happy.
Crispy Brussels sprouts to match the crispy exterior of rich crab cakes go hand in hand. The mild sweetness of the crab and the hint of sweetness in the Brussels sprouts will both come out in the maple bourbon sauce. As the weather cools down, you should eat crab cakes and maple bourbon Brussels sprouts every week.
This bang bang grilled corn recipe is your new go-to if it’s still warm enough to grill. Grilled corn is easy to make and tastes great. We’ve already seen that corn goes well with crab cakes. The bang bang sauce gives the corn a little kick and keeps the dish from being too rich. Pro tip: use some of the bang bang sauce to drizzle over your crab cakes too.
Crab cakes are heavy, but you can still eat them in the summer if you want to. Pair them with this sweet tomato soup. It’s easy and will keep things cooled off in a delicious way. This recipe for homemade gazpacho is a fun way to enjoy summer flavors. It can be kept in the fridge for 4 to 5 days in a covered container, so it’s great to make ahead of time.
It’s a little sweet and sour because brown sugar, vinegar, and apple sauce are used to make it. Moving over, sausage. The new best meal is this crispy, tender cabbage with crispy, tender crab cakes. It makes the whole meal taste fresh and is an easy way to cook a lot of food at once.
For crab cake sides that hit the spot, think potatoes. Roasted fingerlings satisfy that itch for smoky flavored vegetables. They bring a depth of flavor that is needed to balance the saltiness of the crab cakes. With under 10 ingredients, you can have this side dish on the table in under an hour. You can also swap the fingerlings for sweet potatoes for a fun twist. Either way works well for crab cake sides.
Whether you bake or fry them, French fries are the ultimate side dish for crab cakes. And, of course, they need to be extra crispy to beat crab cakes’ soft, creamy center. This recipe shows you how to make extra crispy French fries right at home. It gives you all the tips to have perfect fries every time.
With how delicious this creamy corn chowder is, the crab cakes might feel like a side dish. But either way, they pair perfectly together. Lots of potatoes, sweet corn, and crispy bacon in this chowder. All of these things go well with crab cakes. It’s also another recipe you can have done in under an hour.
Back to keeping things light and refreshing, let’s take a look at this chopped vegetable salad. Large chunks of fresh vegetables are mixed together with a tangy, homemade vinaigrette. The zesty garlic dressing is what ties in the crab cake flavors. With a mixture of textures, this salad is a wonderful side dish for crab cakes.
While most sauces wouldn’t make the crab cake sides list, Louisiana Remoulade Sauce absolutely does. It’s creamy, classic, creole spicy, and delicious. It will bring your crab cakes to life. Make a big batch, because this sauce is always the first thing to go. Everything you need to do is mix it all together and put it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It’s as easy as that.
Similar to the green beans, sugar snap peas add amazing flavor and texture when paired with crab cakes. This recipe for Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas is healthy and quick to make. They are on this list of crab cake sides because they have a hint of salty, buttery panko crumbs and just the right amount of garlic.
You can change the sides that come with each easy crab cake option to suit your tastes. This makes for a complete and satisfying meal with these tasty seafood treats. Get to cooking! No ratings yet.
Crab cakes are a delicious meal that can be served as an appetizer or entree. Their sweet tender crab meat complements a variety of side dishes. Choosing the right sides can take your crab cakes from great to spectacular. This article will explore mouthwatering options for side dishes that pair perfectly with crab cakes.
Salads
Salads make light, fresh accompaniments for crab cakes The tanginess and crunch of salad greens contrasts nicely with the rich flavor of crab Here are some salad ideas
-
Corn salad – Also called confetti corn salad this combines sweet corn red and green peppers, red onion, and fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and chives. The pops of color and flavor pair beautifully with crab cakes.
-
Caesar salad – Crab cakes topped with Caesar dressing and served alongside a classic Caesar salad is a match made in heaven. The creamy garlic dressing ties the dishes together.
-
Spinach salad – Baby spinach leaves, crumbled bacon, hard boiled eggs, mushrooms, and a warm bacon vinaigrette turns a spinach salad into a delightful crab cake pairing.
-
Wedge salad – A crisp iceberg lettuce wedge drizzled with blue cheese dressing and topped with diced tomato is an easy, tasty side for crab cakes.
Veggies
Roasted, grilled, or sautéed vegetables add color and nutrients. They balance out the richness of crab cakes. Great vegetable sides include:
-
Asparagus – Roasted or grilled asparagus spears served with lemon wedges or hollandaise sauce make an elegant crab cake accompaniment.
-
Green beans – Sauté green beans with sliced almonds, lemon, and olive oil for a simple side.
-
Brussels sprouts – Roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize and turn nutty and sweet, pairing perfectly with crab cakes.
-
Squash – Grilled zucchini or summer squash seasoned with Italian dressing or herbs complements crab cakes beautifully.
-
Roasted root vegetables – A medley of cubed, roasted carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets adds bright complexity next to crab cakes.
Grains
Hearty grains like rice, quinoa, or pasta absorbs flavors and provides satisfying contrast to rich crab cakes. Consider these grain sides:
-
Rice pilaf – Rice pilafs made with chicken or vegetable broth and sautéed aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs make excellent pairings for crab cakes.
-
Quinoa – Cooked quinoa tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, diced cucumber, and mint creates a fresh, tangy crab cake side.
-
Pasta salad – Chilled pasta tossed with a vinaigrette and vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, peas, and parsley is a perfect crab cake accompaniment.
-
Polenta – Sautéed onions and garlic added to creamy polenta gains a lovely roasted corn flavor that enhances crab cakes.
-
Couscous – Israeli (pearl) couscous cooked in broth with raisins, pistachios, lemon, and fresh herbs gains vibrant flavor next to crab cakes.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic pairing with seafood. They soak up rich flavors and add starchiness. Great potato pairings include:
-
Roasted potatoes – Cubed red potatoes roasted with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary become caramelized, crispy cubes that offset crab cakes.
-
Mashed potatoes – Smooth, creamy mashed russet or Yukon Gold potatoes enriched with butter and warm milk act as comforting companion for crab cakes.
-
Potato salad – Chunky potato salad made with a mayonnaise dressing and diced celery, onion, mustard, and boiled eggs makes a familiar crab cake partner.
-
Home fries – Pan-fried diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes gain crispy edges while interiors stay fluffy and absorbent, creating an ideal crab cake side.
-
Hasselback potatoes – Sliced potatoes fanned open, roasted, and stuffed with cheese, bacon, and scallions become indulgent vehicles for any drippings from crab cakes.
Creative Combos
Some side dish pairings think outside the box, combining flavors in unexpected ways that work beautifully with crab cakes:
-
Sautéed corn, bacon, and jalapeno – The natural sweetness of corn counters spicy jalapeno while bacon adds a smoky crunch to this unique crab cake side.
-
Warm German potato salad – Tangy vinegar potato salad gains richness when topped with crispy, chopped bacon before serving alongside crab cakes.
-
Hush puppies – Cornmeal dumplings fried up crispy and served with a honey butter dipping sauce make a fun, casual accompaniment for crab cakes.
-
Macaroni and cheese – ooey-gooey, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese makes a quintessential, comfort food pairing for crab cakes.
-
Collard greens – Slow braised collards gain smoky flavor from diced ham hock or bacon. Their earthiness stands up to crab cakes.
The possibilities for amazing crab cake pairings are endless. Salads, veggies, grains, or potatoes prepared simply or with creative twists all help crab cakes shine. Use this guide to inspire your next memorable crab cake meal.
What To Serve With Crab Cakes: 21 Simple Sides
- ▢ 8 oz rotini pasta *measured dry- about 2 cups
- ▢ 2 cups canned corn, drained well
- ▢ 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- ▢ 1 red pepper, diced
- ▢ 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ▢ 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- ▢ 1/4 cup plain 0% greek yogurt
- ▢ 1/3 cup fat free sour cream
- ▢ Juice of 2 limes
- ▢ 1 tbsp real lime zest
- ▢ 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ▢ 1.5 tsp chili powder
- ▢ 1/4 tsp salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp pepper
- ▢ 1/2 cup light crumbled feta
- As directed on the package, boil the pasta. Then, run it under cold water and set it aside.
- Put the mayo, yogurt, sour cream, lime juice and zest, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. Mix the ingredients together.
- Put the corn, onion, pepper, cherry tomatoes, and garlic in a large bowl and mix them all together. Add in the pasta then fold in the sauce mixture. Gently stir in the feta cheese.
- Put it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It makes 10 servings of 1 cup.
Guy Fieri’s Baked Crabcakes with Old Bay Remoulade | Guy’s Big Bite | Food Network
What to serve with crab cakes?
Lucky for you and your wallet, these coastal delicacies can be easily made at home. Now the only hurdle to enjoying crab cakes is choosing what side dish to pair with them. To help complete your meal, we’ve rounded up the best side dishes to serve with crab cakes, from colorful salads to creamy soups.
What goes well with crab?
This sweet, summery side dish is the perfect pairing for crab. Photo by lutzflcat. Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and parsley are tossed in a lime juice and vinegar mixture for a bright and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with crab. Show off your summer produce with this unique slaw recipe.
What to eat with hot crab cakes?
Chilled macaroni salad is an iconic summer side dish that also happens to be the perfect balance for hot crab cakes. Layers of cheese, onion, and zucchini are topped with a buttery bread crumb topping in this irresistible casserole.
What vegetables go with crab cakes?
Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini, Squash, and Tomatoes Roasted vegetables are always great sides with crab cakes. These sheet pan vegetables are delicious and easy to prepare, and they are a great light vegetable side to serve with the crab cakes. The squash and zucchini are sliced into thick rounds; the cherry tomatoes are halved.