10 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Crab Legs

Crab legs make for a delicious and impressive main course. But to really round out the meal, you need some tasty side dishes to accompany those tender, succulent crab legs. The right sides can enhance the sweet flavor of the crab meat perfectly.

In this article, I’ll suggest 10 sensational side dish ideas to serve with crab legs. I’ll include options that complement crab legs wonderfully in terms of flavors, textures, colors, and ease of preparation. With these crab leg side pairing ideas, your whole meal is sure to be a big hit!

1. Steamed Artichokes

Buttery, tender artichoke hearts are a classic partner for crab legs. To prepare:

• Trim the stem and top off each artichoke
• Slice in half lengthwise
• Use a spoon to remove the fuzzy choke
• Place in steamer basket and steam 30 minutes until fork tender
• Serve with lemon garlic aioli or melted butter for dipping

The delicate flavor of the artichoke leaves balances the sweetness of the crab meat sublimely

2. Cottage-Cut French Fries

For a simple starchy accompaniment, twice-fried cottage fries are perfect.

• Cut russet potatoes into 1/2 inch sticks
• Rinse in cold water until starch released
• Fry at 325°F for 5 minutes to precook
• Fry again at 375°F until golden brown
• Toss with salt and malt vinegar or lemon pepper seasoning

Crunchy, salty fries offer a tasty contrast to the richness of crab legs.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully when roasted.

• Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway
• Sprinkle with lemon juice and shredded Parmesan before serving

The nutty, slightly charred sprouts balance the sweetness of the crab.

4. Lemon Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce

No crab leg meal is complete without a decadent dipping sauce!

• Melt 1 stick butter over low heat
• Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Simmer 2 minutes then stir in 1 tbsp parsley
• Season with salt and pepper

Drizzle this lemony garlic butter over crab legs or use for dipping.

5. Brandy-Infused Mayonnaise Dip

For an upscale twist on crab dipping sauce:

• Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup brandy, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne
• Fold in 1 tbsp each minced shallot, parsley, tarragon and lemon zest
• Chill at least 30 minutes before serving

Swirl a spoonful of this smooth, creamy dip into your crab meat.

6. Twice-Baked Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Rich, garlicky mashed potatoes make the ultimate crab leg side.

• Bake potatoes, then scoop out flesh and mash with butter, cream, and roasted garlic
• Pipe or spoon mixture back into potato skins
• Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes to brown tops

These flavorful potatoes pair perfectly with sweet crab.

7. Zucchini, Corn, and Onion Hash

For a lighter, veggie-packed accompaniment, try this hash.

• Sauté diced zucchini, corn kernels, and onion in olive oil
• Season with cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper
• Cook over medium heat until veggies are tender
• Top with lime juice and cilantro

The brightness of the hash balances the richness of crab legs.

8. Almond Caesar Salad

A light salad offers a refreshing contrast to hot crab legs.

• Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing, croutons, and shredded Parmesan
• Top with sliced almonds and black pepper

Crunchy, savory Caesar salad complements sweet crab meat beautifully.

9. Cheesy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

For an indulgent appetizer-style side:

• Mix crab meat, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and Parmesan
• Stuff large mushroom caps and bake at 400°F until hot and bubbly

These luxurious crab-topped mushrooms make a perfect pairing.

10. Roasted Red Pepper Orzo

Orzo cooked in crab leg broth is an easy veggie-based side.

• Sauté orzo in olive oil until toasted
• Deglaze pan with crab cooking liquid
• Add diced roasted red peppers and cook until orzo is al dente
• Finish with fresh basil and feta cheese

The bright flavors of this orzo salad complement rich crab legs wonderfully.

With any of these sensational side dish pairings, your crab leg dinner will be supremely savory, satisfying, and delicious. Mix and match the options depending on your menu and preferences. Most importantly, have fun cooking up these crab-tastic meals!

Handy Tips for Preparing and Serving Crab Legs

Before cooking up your crab legs and stellar sides, keep these preparation tips in mind:

• Start with high-quality, fresh crab legs, ideally with the shell intact to hold in moisture.

• Store legs in the coldest part of your fridge and use within 2 days for best flavor.

• Rinse legs just before cooking and use kitchen shears to snip any sharp points along the shell.

• Cut slits along the top shell to allow steam to escape during cooking.

• Discard any gills, innards, or mustard found where the legs and body connect. Only consume leg meat.

• Cook legs 4-5 minutes by steaming, 8-10 minutes boiling, or 8-12 minutes baking at 375°F.

• Check that meat is opaque throughout when cooked. Overcooking makes crab rubbery.

• Serve crab legs immediately for maximum tenderness and flavor. Accompany with lemon wedges, shell crackers, and cocktail forks.

• Offer an array of dipping sauces like drawn butter, aioli, mustard sauce.

Follow these tips and your crab leg dinner with luscious sides will be sublime. Now get ready to crack open those legs and dive in!

3 Tantalizing Crab Leg Recipes to Try

Ready to put your crab leg cooking skills to work? Here are 3 drool-worthy crab leg recipes to attempt:

Old Bay and Lemon Steamed Crab Legs

• Bring 2” water and Old Bay seasoning to a boil
• Steam crab legs 5 minutes
• Drain, rinse with lemon juice, and sprinkle with dill

Parmesan Baked Crab Legs

• Brush legs with melted butter and bake at 400°F 8-10 minutes
• Remove from oven and roll in Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and parsley
• Bake 2-3 more minutes until cheese melts

Crab Leg and Shrimp Boil

• Boil small potatoes, corn on the cob, andouille sausage 10 minutes
• Add crab legs and shrimp and cook 4 more minutes
• Drain and serve with drawn butter for dipping