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 delectable treat that combines the sweet flesh of crab with complementary herbs, spices, and binders to create patties that are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside However, coming up with the perfect side dishes to complement these savory seafood stars can be a challenge The key is finding sides that add color, texture, and flavor contrast to balance out the richness of the crab cakes. After scouring recipes and suggestions from top chefs and home cooks alike, I’ve compiled this list of the 10 best side dishes to pair with everyone’s favorite crabby entrée.
1. Fresh Corn Salad
When sweet corn is at the peak of ripeness, there’s no better way to showcase its natural sugary flavor than in a bright corn salad. The crunch of the raw corn kernels pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior of crab cakes. Add in cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs like cilantro, and tangy feta cheese crumbles for a light, colorful medley that adds just the right acidity and texture contrast. The salad can be made ahead of time and served chilled, making it an easy addition to your crab cake dinner.
2. Grilled Vegetables
Playing up seasonal grilled veggies is a foolproof way to complement crab cakes for a well-rounded meal. Get creative with your garden favorites like zucchini eggplant bell peppers and asparagus. A simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs is all you need to bring out the natural flavors. The char from the grill adds great smoky flavor and texture contrast to the crab. Grilled vegetables also pair nicely with a chilled white wine.
3. Bright Leafy Salad
A fresh garden salad is a classic crab cake accompaniment. Opt for lively greens like arugula, spinach, and watercress which hold up well to the heartiness of the crab. Toss in sweet ripe fruits like peach, mango, or berries for a pop of color and natural sweetness to balance the crab’s brininess. Tangy cheeses like goat cheese or feta add richness. Top with toasted nuts or seeds for crunch. Whisk up a simple vinaigrette, served on the side, for a light, healthy crab cake pairing.
4. Air Fried Okra
For those who aren’t okra fans, air frying is a game changer. The high heat of the air fryer quickly crisps up okra slices while sealing in moisture. No more slimy texture! Seasoned with salt, pepper, and cornmeal, these crunchy okra fries are addictive. The toasted corn flavor plays well with sweet crab. Give traditional fried okra a break and try this lighter spin.
5. Summer Corn Chowder
When fresh sweet corn is abundant, a corn-based soup or chowder makes for a winning crab cake complement. The natural sweetness of the corn balances the briny crab flavors. Chowders also add comforting creaminess from potatoes, cheese, or cream. Garnish with fresh herbs and corn kernels for texture and color. Pairing crab cakes with corn chowder makes a satisfying summer meal.
6. Cool Gazpacho
For hot summer nights, a chilled soup like gazpacho refreshes the palate between bites of rich crab cakes. Opt for zesty tomato gazpacho or get creative with fruit-based variations using juicy grapes, pineapple, or watermelon as the base. Peppers, cucumbers, onions, herbs, and a dash of olive oil or cream round out the flavors and textures. The vibrant colors of gazpacho also make for an eye-catching canvas for golden crab cakes.
7. Macaroni Salad
Chilled macaroni salad is a classic summer barbecue side that also complements crab cakes beautifully. The creaminess of the pasta absorbs any crab cake drippings on the plate while adding appealing texture contrast. Jazz it up with crunchy veggie add-ins like bell pepper, celery, radish, and red onion. Zippy mustard, vinegar, or lemon zest in the dressing cuts the richness. Take this traditional side up a notch with unique touches like herbs, cheeses, or spices.
8. Crunchy Slaw
No need for boring mayo-drenched coleslaws with crab cakes! For a lighter, tangier take on slaw try options like citrusy mango slaw, carrot slaw with Greek yogurt dressing, or zesty broccoli slaw made with apple cider vinegar. Thin julienned vegetables like cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, or kohlrabi work well to soak up crab cake drippings and their vibrant colors energize the plate. Toasted nuts or seeds add satisfying crunch to contrast the soft crab texture.
9. Roasted Vegetables
The rich flavors of roasted vegetables pair impeccably with sweet crab cakes. Favorites like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, parsnips, or beets become caramelized and sweet when roasted. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at a high temp until browned and tender. Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice brightens up the flavors. Roasted veggies add great color variety, texture, and heartiness to balance a crab cake dinner.
10. Savory Rice Dishes
Buttery, flavor-packed rice makes a satisfying base for absorbing luscious crab cake drippings. Herb-flecked rice pilaf, cheesy baked risotto, or coconut rice can hold their own next to crab cakes. For more contrast, try rice studded with veggies like peas, corn, or slivered carrots. Tangy citrus flavors from lime zest or juice help cut the richness. With so many ways to dress up rice, it makes for an easy and versatile crab cake accompaniment.
Crab cakes deserve side dishes with just as much vibrant flavor and textural interest. With this list of 10 complementary options, from fresh salads to roasted veggies and beyond, you’re sure create a well-rounded plate that keeps your guests coming back for more crab cake deliciousness. Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors and textures to design your ideal 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.
What do you eat with crab cakes?
FAQ
What side dishes go with crab cakes?
What do you eat on crab cakes?
What dessert to serve with crab cakes?
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 do you eat with crab pie?
When it comes to pairing food with crab pie, there are many options to choose from.According to **Southern Living**, it’s best to find something bright and flavorful yet simple enough not to outshine the
What vegetables go well with crab cakes?
Orange-glazed carrots are among the vegetable side dishes to serve if you want a pop of color and flavor to your veggies. They go perfectly with crab cakes since they’re sweet, tender, and infused with tangy orange juice and honey glaze. 39. Autumn Squash Soup
What to eat with brisket & crab cakes?
Crab cakes can take a lot of time and effort to make from scratch. So, it’s great to have a set-and-forget side dish like this one to round out the plate. Just dump the potatoes into the cooker and hit ‘start’! This is also a lovely side dish for brisket. 3. Loaded Ranch Potato Salad