Side dishes to serve with crab legs are essential in creating a well-rounded and satisfying seafood feast. This selection of the best side dishes beautifully enhances the flavors of succulent crab legs.
Crab legs are a delicious and luxurious seafood treat that deserves an equally special array of side dishes. Whether enjoying snow crab king crab or Dungeness crab, the sweet, succulent meat of crab legs pairs fabulously with a variety of flavors and textures.
As self-proclaimed crab leg aficionados we’ve experimented with all kinds of side dishes over the years to find the absolute best accompaniments to this shellfish delicacy. Here are our top recommendations for side dishes that complement tender crab legs flawlessly.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a no-brainer pairing with crab legs. Roasted potatoes, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, fried potato wedges – you really can’t go wrong. The starchiness of potatoes provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the crab meat. Potatoes are also filling, which helps balance out a crab leg meal since picking crab meat off the shell can be time-consuming.
Some of our favorite potato pairings include:
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Garlic mashed potatoes – Rich and buttery with roasted garlic, these are indulgent and comforting.
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Scalloped potatoes – Thin slices baked with cream, cheese, and herbs for ultimate creaminess.
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Roasted baby potatoes – Crispy roasted nuggets, especially delicious tossed in herbs like rosemary.
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Twice baked potatoes – Baked potato skins stuffed with a fluffy filling for the best texture contrast.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet summer corn on the cob just seems to go hand-in-hand with crab legs. The natural sweetness of the corn complements the sweet crab, while the crispy kernels provide a nice textural counterpart to the rich crab meat.
We love grilling or roasting corn cobs before serving for extra smoky, charred flavor. Brushing the hot corn with melted butter or mayo adds even more richness.
Coleslaw
Cool, crisp coleslaw is a refreshing change of pace with rich crab. The bright tanginess of the cabbage pairs well with crab’s sweetness. Coleslaw comes in all different styles – vinegary, creamy, spicy, fruity – so you can customize it to your tastes. We’re especially partial to coleslaw with poppyseed dressing or a little kick of heat.
Cornbread
Warm, buttery cornbread may seem like an odd pairing with seafood, but it’s a classic combination in the American South. The mildly sweet, crumbly cornbread soaks up all the delicious butter that comes with your crab legs. We prefer Southern-style cornbread without sugar for pairing with crab. Bake it in a cast iron skillet for those coveted crispy edges.
Steamed Artichokes
Steamed whole artichokes require some work to eat, but they’re a fun interactive side dish for a special meal. The tender leaves and heart have a delicate flavor that lets the crab shine. Serve with melted butter, mayo, or vinaigrette for dipping. Just be careful not to fill up too much on the ‘chokes before getting to the crab!
Salad
A fresh, light salad balances the richness of crab legs. The vegetables add nutrition and crunch, while tangy dressings cut through the fat. Bright, acidic flavors from citrus, vinegar or yogurt are ideal for pairing with crab. We especially like crab with spinach salads, broccoli slaw, or mixed greens with avocado.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, squash and carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven. Their concentrated sweetness is a perfect complement for crab’s sweetness. Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs before roasting. Sprinkle with lemon juice afterward.
Steak
For the ultimate surf and turf indulgence, serve your crab with seared steak. Fillet mignon, ribeye, strip steak or hanger steak all pair tremendously. The char and richness of the beef provides delicious contrast to the sweet crab. Squeeze fresh lemon over both for extra enhancement.
Other Excellent Pairings
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Rice or risotto – We love crab with arborio rice risottos, Carolina Gold rice, dirty rice, coconut rice, or Thai sticky rice.
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Pasta – Crab Alfredo, crab mac & cheese, or pasta with garlic, oil, herbs, and crab.
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Bread – Crusty bread, rolls, or biscuits for soaking up butter.
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Soup/chowder – She-crab soup, Manhattan clam chowder, seafood bisque.
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Veggie kebabs – Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, etc.
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Fried okra or zucchini – Crispy veggies pair well with the richness.
How to Choose the Best Crab for Your Meal
Not all crab is created equal when it comes to taste, texture and preparation. Here’s a quick guide to the most common varieties:
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King crab: The largest and meatiest legs come from the prized king crab, including the giant red Alaskan king crab. Top choice for many.
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Snow crab: Legs are smaller and take more effort to crack, but the sweet meat is worth it. More affordable option.
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Dungeness: Signature from the Pacific Northwest. Smaller legs but very tasty meat. Good value.
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Blue crab: Found on the East and Gulf Coasts. Usually served as whole crabs or lump crab meat.
No matter which type of crab legs you select, pairing them with the right complementary sides makes for an extraordinary meal. We hope these side dish recommendations inspire your next memorable crab feast! Let us know your favorite crab leg pairings.
Best Side Dishes To Serve With Crab Legs
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a savory and cheesy bread roll that has become famous for its irresistible taste. They are incredibly soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden-brown, buttery crust on the outside. Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and herbs are used to flavor these biscuits, giving them a rich and savory taste.
You can enjoy a fun and interactive meal with steamed artichokes because you can slowly savor each leaf and reach the tasty center. It’s tasty and good for you, and artichoke fans and people who have never tried them before will both like it.
There is a rich, velvety texture to the mayo-based dressing, and the vinegar and mustard add just the right amount of sweetness and sourness to make a flavor profile that goes well with any meal. Coleslaw is a great side dish for summer parties or cozy meals inside because of its bright colors and satisfying crunch.
The starchy nature of mashed potatoes provides a satisfying and filling element to the meal. Even though crab legs are tasty, they might not be as filling when eaten by themselves. Adding mashed potatoes to them makes the meal more substantial and satisfying.
Adds a touch of richness and indulgence to each bite, elevating the flavor of the crab legs. The mild flavor and smooth texture of the butter let the sweetness of the crab meat shine through while adding a light layer of richness.
The recipe gives a moist and tender cornbread, ensuring a delightful mouthfeel. The moistness comes from the buttermilk, butter, and oil mixed together, and the exact amounts of each ingredient make sure the texture is light and fluffy. I wont tell if you drizzle a bit of clarified butter over it!.
Maryland crab soup is a vegetable-based crab soup recipe instead of a cream-based crab soup.
Orange fluff salad is a dessert-like salad that is easy to make and tastes great. It is made with mandarin orange segments, whipped topping, orange gelatin powder, cottage cheese, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows.
This creamy and crunchy recipe is straight from the streets of Mexico. You can’t go wrong with corn and crab. It tastes great because it has corn, chipotle pepper, cotija cheese, lime, and hot sauce in it.
This fresh Italian green salad is comfort food on a plate. It has a simple but hearty amount of healthy vegetables, like romaine lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers, that are great for you and taste great.
Ohana noodles have a savory sauce with a hint of pineapple. The sauteed purple and white cabbage, bok choy, and bell pepper complement the chewy yakisoba noodles. It is a great dish on its own but suitable to pair with others too.
These fried Jalapeño Hushpuppies balance the soft texture of the crab with its spicy kick. Not into spicy flavors? You may leave out the jalapeno for a milder taste.
Tropical mangoes are sweet and more than just for desserts. Experience a mouthwatering new combination with this salsa side dish containing mangoes, cilantro, and onions.
There’s no guilt in eating too much deep-fried food when you eat zucchini fries. They’re just as crunchy as regular french fries. Try this great healthy alternative coated with parmesan cheese and dipped with pesto sauce.
It only takes ten minutes to cook this delicious mix of butter and garlic that melts easily with the soft button mushrooms.
It is a counterpart of the Japanese dish “Kakiage /ka-ki-AH-ge/ or Vegetable Tempura. ” Lettuce, cucumber, and apple fritters are lightly battered and paired with tangy and creamy lemon dressing. It is as good as it looks!.
Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and toasted pecans are all mixed together in this tasty coleslaw. It is a lavish treat at every bite.
Corn on the cob with a twist! Corns are naturally sweet. But they could be even more flavorful when boiled with milk and butter. It will bring sweet and soft corn fresh to your dining table.
With its rich mix of paprika, tomato sauce, cumin, and a hint of chili powder, Spanish rice is not your average rice dish. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with every entree.
Potato Salad is a staple summer dish loved by many for its refreshing taste. Adding fresh dill along with the tangy, creamy sauce would be a blend you wouldn’t want to miss.
You can make cold sesame noodles with just white noodles, scallions that have been boiled, cucumber, carrots, and bean sprouts. You can top it with a special peanut butter sauce. This tasty dish is best served when cold to beat the heat of summer.
To make these Brussels sprouts extra tasty, chili garlic paste, soy sauce, honey, and hoisin sauce are mixed together in a sweet and sour sauce. You can expect it to be toasted to perfection!.
When you put this mix of Mozzarella cheese and Panko breadcrumbs on top of these buttered white mushrooms, you will WOW yourself. It is a delicious side dish or starter that everyone would surely enjoy.
This large bowl of salad is full of fresh vegetables, cheese, and pasta that go well with a simple but tasty homemade dill ranch dressing.
The earthy taste of tahini and the sweet taste of maple syrup work perfectly together to dress the kale and Brussels sprouts. Topping it with toasted almonds will give it a simple but desirable crunch.
Cauliflower, jalapeño, and creamy mac and cheese sauce make this Keto-friendly side dish. The spicy kick is balanced by the cheese. It is a healthier version of the classic one everyone loves.
This refreshing combination of cucumber and onion brings out the best in each other. It is a simple but satisfying side dish easily paired with your next crab leg meal.
Potato Wedges are a fun, thicker version of thin french fries that are deliciously crunchy. It’s a great finger food for kids and adults alike because it’s baked and lower in calories.
Miso is made from fermented soybeans and has the taste of deep savory flavor. When you eat it with freshly steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes, you’ll experience a new, refreshing meal.
Think of butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley spread on any fresh bread you like. The air fryer oven would make it crispy. Hands down, the best side dish you could ever have.
That’s right, this recipe is fun, creative, and tasty! The creamy filling of mustard, mayonnaise, and vinegar will make everyone happy at parties and family dinners.
This colorful tropical salad is a mixture of grilled pineapple, peppers, and creamy avocado. You can plate this tasty salad in the fruit skin instead of throwing it away, which will also make your table look better.
Classic Caesar salad contains romaine lettuce with rich parmesan garlic dressing and croutons. Drizzling lemon on top would bring a tangy depth to its flavor. This recipe is the easiest choice to pair with your next meal.
Golden brown Calamari made from scratch is not as difficult as it looks. These delicious pieces are marinated in buttermilk, coated with seasoned flour, and fried till they are crispy. It is a go-to choice for both young and adults.
These Chinese Garlic Green Beans are sauteed to perfection. A light garlic kick goes well with them. They are healthy and easy to make. A crisp side dish for any tender meat.
Who says you can’t have it all? These roasted potatoes have rosemary, thyme, garlic, and parmesan. They are addicting for their combination of crunchy and soft texture. You would find yourself eating piece after piece.
A quick and healthy way to make dinner would be to drizzle fresh asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. These are just effortlessly delicious.
With layers of zucchini and squash and a creamy and cheesy mixture on top, this casserole looks great when it’s baked. It is a classic with a taste that never gets old.
Set up a designated area where guests can crack and enjoy their crab legs. Cover the serving area with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to make cleanup easier. Place nutcrackers or crab crackers at each seat, along with small forks or seafood picks. These tools will help guests crack open the crab legs and extract the meat. Offer a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor of the crab meat. Popular options include melted butter, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or garlic aioli. Offer spoons or small ladles for guests to use as they please and put the sauces in small bowls or ramekins. Arrange the crab legs on large platters or trays, making sure they are easily accessible for guests. You can present them as whole legs or you can cut them into smaller portions beforehand. Crab legs can get messy, so make sure you have lots of napkins and wet wipes on hand for your guests to use to clean their hands.
By making partial cuts, you can help guests get started without completely separating the leg into individual pieces. They can still enjoy the process of cracking the legs and extracting the meat. Keep in mind that cutting the crab legs in advance may cause the meat to dry out faster. If you decide to cut them, it’s best to do it right before serving so the crab meat stays fresh and juicy. Whole legs: Serve the crab legs as they are, without cutting them. This allows guests to crack open the legs themselves and extract the meat. Whole legs are often preferred for a more interactive dining experience. Partial cuts: You can make partial cuts on the crab legs to make it easier for your guests to get to the meat. Kitchen shears or a sharp knife can be used to cut the shell along the inside of each leg of the shell. Make sure not to cut too deeply into the meat. This allows guests to peel back the shell and remove the meat more easily.
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These tasty sides will take your meal to a whole new level, from buttery corn on the cob to salads with zingy citrus flavors and everything in between. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
The best side dishes for seafood
FAQ
What to eat with Maryland blue crabs?
What to serve with crab boil?
What are the best side dishes for crab legs?
Crab legs need a tasty side dish to round out the meal. The best side dishes for crab legs will compliment the delicate crab meat of king or Maryland blue crab. There is more to a recipe than just the recipe card.
Are coconut crabs healthy to eat?
Crabs are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins like riboflavin and minerals like selenium, copper, phosphorus. Coconut crabs are not known to be poisonous. The fat in the abdomen and the egg inside the female are the delicious edible parts. It is prepared by steaming or boiling them in coconut milk. Consuming coconut crab along with sea mango, cerbera manghas may make the coconut crab toxic due to the presence of cardiac cardenolides(cardiac active steroids). This causes electrolyte imbalance that affects the electrical conductivity of the heart.
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.
How do you serve crab legs with cajun spice?
To fully enjoy the flavors, here are three ways to serve crab legs with Cajun spice: Cajun Boil: Boil the crab legs in a pot of water seasoned with Cajun spice. The heat from the spices will infuse into the crab meat, giving it an irresistible spiciness.