Crab cakes are a delicious treat that can shine on any dinner table. Whether you’re serving them for a casual lunch or a special occasion, choosing the right sides can take your meal to the next level. You want flavors and textures that complement the rich, savory taste of the crab without overpowering it.
From fresh salads to crispy fries, the perfect side dishes balance your crab cakes and create a satisfying plate. Knowing what sides go with crab cakes helps you craft a meal that’s both delicious and memorable. Let’s explore some tasty options that will pair beautifully with your crab cakes and impress your guests every time.
What Sides Go With Crab Cakes: A Flavorful Pairing Guide
Choose fresh, crisp salads like arugula, mixed greens, or coleslaw to cut through the richness of crab cakes. Serve roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a warm, earthy contrast. Include starches like garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or sweet corn to add comforting texture and mild flavor.
Pair tangy sauces like remoulade, tartar, or lemon aioli to enhance crab cakes without overpowering their delicate taste. Incorporate citrus elements like lemon wedges or orange segments for a bright, refreshing finish. Offer crusty bread or soft rolls to complete the meal and soak up any extra sauce.
| Side Category | Examples | Flavor Profile | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Salads | Arugula, mixed greens, coleslaw | Crisp, tangy | Cuts richness |
| Roasted Vegetables | Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans | Earthy, warm | Adds depth and balance |
| Starches | Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, sweet corn | Mild, comforting | Provides texture and fullness |
| Sauces | Remoulade, tartar, lemon aioli | Tangy, creamy | Complements and enhances flavor |
| Citrus & Bread | Lemon wedges, orange segments, crusty bread | Bright, fresh, soft | Adds brightness and texture |
Classic Side Dishes for Crab Cakes
Complement crab cakes with sides that enhance their delicate flavor and provide balance. Choose fresh, crisp, and flavorful options to create a well-rounded meal.
Fresh Garden Salads
Include fresh garden salads featuring arugula, mixed greens, or spinach for a light, peppery taste. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion for texture and color. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to avoid overpowering crab cakes.
Coleslaw Variations
Serve coleslaw made with shredded cabbage and carrots for crunch, paired with a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. Consider variations like a vinegar-based slaw or adding ingredients such as green apple slices or fresh herbs to complement the sweetness of crab meat.
Corn on the Cob and Other Vegetables
Offer corn on the cob, either steamed or grilled, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with sea salt for sweetness and moisture. Pair with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, seasoned simply with garlic and lemon zest to provide warmth and earthiness without masking crab flavor.
Starches and Carbs That Complement Crab Cakes
Starches provide a comforting balance to crab cakes’ rich texture. Choosing the right carbs enhances the meal without overpowering the crab’s delicate flavor.
Rice Pilaf and Wild Rice
Rice pilaf offers a mild, nutty flavor with fluffy grains that absorb sauces well. Wild rice adds a chewy texture and earthy taste, creating a contrast that highlights crab cakes. Pair rice pilaf seasoned with herbs like parsley or thyme with your crab cakes for a refined touch. Wild rice blends with a hint of lemon zest intensify freshness.
Roasted Potatoes and Fries
Roasted potatoes deliver a crispy exterior and soft interior, matching crab cakes’ texture. Season them with garlic, rosemary, or paprika for added depth. Hand-cut fries, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, provide a familiar, satisfying side. Sweet potato fries lend a subtle sweetness that complements the savory crab.
Artisan Breads and Rolls
Artisan breads, such as sourdough or ciabatta, offer a crusty bite perfect for soaking up sauces. Soft rolls provide a tender base for crab cakes served as sandwiches. Choose breads with a mild flavor so they support rather than compete with the crab. Warmed bread enhances the overall dining experience by adding texture variation.
Sauces and Dips to Enhance Crab Cake Meals
Sauces and dips add bold flavor contrasts that elevate crab cakes. Choosing the right accompaniment highlights the crab’s delicate taste without overpowering it.
Tangy Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce combines mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, lemon juice, and herbs to create a tangy, creamy dip. It refreshes the palate while complementing the buttery texture of crab cakes. You can adjust the tartness by adding more lemon juice or mustard, tailoring the sauce to your preference.
Spicy Remoulade
Remoulade, a classic Creole sauce, blends mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, paprika, and hot sauce for a zesty kick. It adds depth and heat, balancing the mild sweetness of crab meat. Using fresh parsley and green onions boosts the sauce’s herbal brightness, making it a lively companion to your crab cakes.
Creamy Aioli Options
Aioli, made from garlic, egg yolk, and olive oil, offers a rich, smooth texture that pairs well with crab cakes. Variations include lemon aioli, roasted red pepper aioli, or chipotle aioli, each contributing unique flavors—from citrus brightness to smoky spice. You can quickly prepare aioli at home or find high-quality versions in stores.
Beverage Pairings to Accompany Crab Cakes
Pairing the right beverages enhances the enjoyment of crab cakes by complementing their delicate flavor and rich texture. Selecting crisp, refreshing drinks balances the meal and elevates your dining experience.
White Wine Choices
Choose dry, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc offers bright citrus and herbal notes that cut through the richness of crab cakes. Pinot Grigio delivers a light, crisp profile with hints of green apple, balancing the dish without overpowering it. Unoaked Chardonnay provides creamy texture and subtle fruit flavors, harmonizing with the buttery crab meat. Serve these wines chilled between 45°F and 50°F to maximize freshness and aroma.
Light Beer and Cocktails
Opt for light beers such as pilsners, wheat ales, or blond ales, which offer crispness and mild bitterness that refresh the palate. These beers maintain the delicate taste of crab cakes without overshadowing it. For cocktails, consider gin and tonic or citrus-based drinks like lemon drop martinis. Gin’s botanical notes enhance the crab’s flavor, while lemon-based cocktails add bright acidity that contrasts the rich texture. Serve beers cold, around 38°F to 42°F, and cocktails freshly mixed with ice for optimal refreshment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sides can truly elevate your crab cake meal, turning it into a memorable dining experience. Whether you prefer fresh salads, roasted veggies, or comforting starches, the key is to balance flavors and textures without overpowering the delicate crab.
Don’t forget the finishing touches like tangy sauces and refreshing citrus to brighten every bite. Pairing your meal with the perfect beverage will also enhance those flavors and make your crab cakes shine even more.
With these options, you’re all set to create a delicious and well-rounded plate that highlights the best of what crab cakes have to offer. Enjoy crafting your perfect meal!
