Crab legs are a delicious seafood delicacy that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you like them boiled, steamed, or grilled, crab legs are a perfect addition to any meal.
What should you serve with them, though? In this post, we’ll look at 15 side dishes that go great with crab legs.
You can serve grilled vegetables, roasted root vegetables, corn on the cob, coleslaw, cucumber salad, grilled pineapple, garlic butter noodles, risotto, lemon garlic green beans, roasted garlic, mashed cauliflower, roasted beets, sweet potato fries, fennel and orange salad, and quinoa and edamame salad 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:
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Start with high-quality, fresh crab legs, ideally with the shell intact to hold in moisture.
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Store legs in the coldest part of your fridge and use within 2 days for best flavor.
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Rinse legs just before cooking and use kitchen shears to snip any sharp points along the shell.
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Cut slits along the top shell to allow steam to escape during cooking.
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Discard any gills, innards, or mustard found where the legs and body connect. Only consume leg meat.
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Cook legs 4-5 minutes by steaming, 8-10 minutes boiling, or 8-12 minutes baking at 375°F.
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Check that meat is opaque throughout when cooked. Overcooking makes crab rubbery.
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Serve crab legs immediately for maximum tenderness and flavor. Accompany with lemon wedges, shell crackers, and cocktail forks.
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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
Avocado and Tomato Salad
A lemon vinaigrette-dressed salad of ripe avocado and juicy tomatoes makes your crab legs taste tangy and crunchy. Avocado and tomato salad is full of fiber and healthy fats, so it’s a great way to balance out the rich crab meat.
Mashing roasted garlic cloves into steamed cauliflower creates a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower is a healthy side dish that goes well with crab legs because it is full of fiber and vitamins.
Grilled Pineapple
You can add a tropical touch to the meal by grilling fresh pineapple. Its natural sweetness goes well with crab legs. When you grill pineapple, the natural sugars turn into caramel, and the smokey flavor goes well with the mild flavor of crab meat.
The best side dishes for seafood
What are the best side dishes for crab legs?
If you’re in the heat of summer and hoping to prepare a light, refreshing meal, stick with our Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw or the Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta. Sometimes the best side dishes for crab legs also happen to be the best side dishes for crab cakes. That certainly sounds like a way to satisfy all audiences.
What to eat with crab legs?
Bacon and fresh basil heighten the wonderful flavor. This salad is the ideal pairing for crab legs because it can be prepared right beside your grill. Ripe summer peaches receive a delicious char before they’re tossed in a honey and Dijon vinaigrette with bitter arugula, nutty pistachios and tangy feta cheese. Was this page helpful?
What to eat with crab legs & aioli?
Best Side Dishes: Pair your crab legs with a refreshing side salad, such as a citrus arugula salad or a cucumber and dill salad. The crispness and acidity of the salad will balance out the richness of the crab legs and Spicy Aioli. Grilled Vegetables: Serve grilled vegetables alongside your crab legs and Spicy Aioli for a well-rounded meal.
What is a good side dish to serve with seafood?
This side includes a trio of creamy cheeses: Cheddar, Velveeta, and whole-milk ricotta. This Southern side dish from Charleston Chef Mike Lata pairs well with any seafood main course. Bay leaves, butter, and toasted sesame seeds make this anything but plain-Jane white rice.