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.
Elevating Your Crab Cakes: The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Sides
Crab cakes are a delicious meal on their own with their tender lumps of crab meat delicately held together by crumbs and seasonings But the right side dishes can truly bring the flavors of your crab cakes to life Whether you want to complement, contrast, or accentuate the sweet taste of crab meat, we’ve got you covered.
In this ultimate guide we’ll explore 30 sensational side dishes to serve with crab cakes. From bright salads to hearty soups and everything in between you’ll find plenty of inspiration to create a spectacular crab cake dinner.
Vibrant Salads
Salads are a classic pairing with seafood. The freshness and crunch of greens, vegetables, and fruits make an ideal contrast to the rich flaky texture of crab cakes.
For summer nights, try pairing your crab cakes with Fresh Corn Salad featuring sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, feta, and herbs. The pops of color and flavor are so festive.
Or wow your guests with a Mad Hatter Salad mixing broccoli, ramen noodles, almonds, mandarin oranges, and green onion in a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s as fun to eat as it is to say!
If you want to highlight peak seasonal produce, a simple Spinach Salad with Peaches and Pecans lets the sweetness of the fruit shine. And Watermelon Feta Salad with arugula and spinach combines salty feta with juicy watermelon and peppery greens.
No matter which salad you choose, the variety of flavors and textures will perfectly accent your crab cakes.
Sensational Soups
A bowl of soup may not seem like an obvious pairing with crab cakes, but it can be incredibly delicious! Soups with bright, acidic flavors work especially well to cut the richness.
For a cool soup on a hot day, Chef John’s White Gazpacho made with cucumbers and grapes is refreshing with crab. Or try a Red Pepper Soup blended into a creamy, vibrant puree.
If you want something warm and comforting, a Cranked Up Corn Chowder with sweet roasted corn and smoky bacon is ideal. The natural sweetness of the corn matches the subtle sweetness of crab.
And don’t forget a small ramekin of Remoulade Sauce for dipping your crab cakes. The pungent blend of mustard, capers, and herbs suits seafood perfectly.
Satisfying Starches
From potatoes to grains to pasta, starchy sides are crab cake classics. They provide a neutral foundation that allows the flavor of the crab to take center stage.
For potatoes, you can’t go wrong with simple Roasted Potatoes tossed in olive oil, salt, and rosemary. Or kick things up with Parmesan Roasted Potatoes—the sharp Parmesan pairs wonderfully.
Chef John’s Classic Macaroni Salad is another picnic-perfect potato salad with tangy vinegar dressing. Serve it chilled for a cool, creamy bite alongside hot crab cakes.
If you want to highlight grains, a Lime Cilantro Rice or Cranberry Quinoa Salad brings texture and subtle flavor. And don’t forget a basket of bread and softened butter for dipping those crispy crab cakes!
Spotlighting Veggies
Crab cakes pair well with just about any vegetable thanks to veggies’ range of flavors, colors, and textures.
For ultimate convenience, you can’t beat a Grilled Vegetable Platter. Choose your favorites like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers then grill until tender. Brush with olive oil and balsamic glaze for irresistible flavor.
Cooking your veggies in the oven is just as easy. Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, Air Fryer Roasted Okra, and Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries will give you crispy, crunchy veggies with rich flavor.
On the other end of the spectrum, sides like Glazed Carrots and Simple Broccolini highlight the natural sweetness of vegetables. A quick sauté or roasting concentrates their flavor beautifully.
And don’t forget fresh veggie sides like Brazilian Tomato Slaw or the classic pairing of Asparagus with lemon. Keeping preparation minimal allows the crab cakes to take center stage while the veggies play a perfect supporting role.
Finishing Touches
A few small touches can put your crab cake dinner over the top. Fresh herbs, zesty sauces, and tangy condiments enhance the meal without overshadowing the main dish.
A sprinkling of chopped flat-leaf parsley or dill adds freshness as well as visual appeal. Lemon wedges for squeezing bright juice over the crab cakes can help cut richness.
Specialty sauces like a spicy Cocktail Sauce, creamy Tartar Sauce, or zingy Remoulade Sauce are ideal for dipping those hot crab cakes. They lend flavor without covering up the crab flavor you worked hard to create.
Finally, a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc are safe wine pairings that won’t overpower the meal. The brighter notes of these varietals work with a wide range of side dishes. The same goes for a hoppy pale ale or pilsner style beer.
One Final Tip
Resist the urge to overcomplicate the sides and allow your crab cakes to be the star of the show. Simple preparations like roasting, grilling, or quick sautés are all you need to let fresh ingredients shine.
Follow our recommendations here and you’re guaranteed to create a memorable crab cake dinner that feels effortless yet totally elegant. Soon your friends and family will be requesting your famous crab cakes with all the sensational sides.
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 kind of potatoes go with crab cakes for dinner?
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 is the best side dish for Maryland crab cakes?
However, the best side dish for Maryland crab cakes is a nice coleslaw. You can opt to make a grilled one or keep it fresh with freshly cut ingredients. The mild taste of the coleslaw helps to balance out the spiciness of the crab cakes and is refreshing at the same time. 1. Avocado Pasta