Crab cakes are a delicious and indulgent main dish that is popular in coastal regions, especially Maryland and Virginia. Their sweet, tender crab meat blended with breadcrumbs and spices is simply heavenly. However, crab cakes on their own do not make a complete meal You need some tasty side dishes to complement these patties and transform them into a hearty dinner.
So what goes well with crab cakes? Here are some of the best side dishes to consider serving alongside your crab cakes
Salads
Crab cakes are rich, so you want something fresh and light to balance out the meal. Salads are a perfect choice. Some excellent options include:
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Green salad – Arugula, spinach, mixed greens, etc. with vinaigrette dressing. The tanginess complements the sweet crab.
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Cucumber tomato salad – Refreshing!
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Coleslaw – Crunchy texture contrasts the soft cakes.
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Corn salad – Brings out summer flavors.
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Fruit salads with greens – Peaches, berries, mango, etc. Sweet and colorful.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
The smoky char and caramelized flavors of grilled veggies pair wonderfully with crab cakes. Great options:
- Grilled asparagus
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Grilled zucchini and squash
- Grilled portobello mushrooms
- Grilled eggplant
Roasting also brings out delicious sweetness:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Roasted cauliflower
- Roasted broccoli
- Roasted carrots
- Roasted bell peppers
Grains and Legumes
Hearty grains and legumes provide texture contrast and help make the meal more filling:
- Quinoa
- Rice – try colorful varieties like red or black rice
- Couscous
- Barley
- Beans – chickpeas, black beans, etc.
- Lentils
Potatoes
Potatoes pair amazingly with seafood. Ways to prepare them:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes – cubed or wedge shapes
- Baked potatoes
- Fried potato wedges
Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad with vinaigrette is tasty with crab cakes. Great additions:
- Rotini
- Fusilli
- Wagon wheel pasta
- Ditalini
- Veggies – bell peppers, olives, tomatoes
- Cheese – feta, Parmesan, cheddar
- Fresh herbs
- Zesty dressing
Bread
Crab cakes pair well with slices of crusty bread or rolls:
- French baguette
- Ciabatta
- Focaccia
- Dinner rolls
- Corn bread
Soup or Chowder
A cup of hearty, creamy soup complements crab cakes sublimely. Consider:
- Cream of mushroom
- New England clam chowder
- Corn chowder
- Tomato bisque
- Crab bisque
- Gumbo
Sauces and Dips
Cool, tangy sauces liven up the flavors of crab cakes. Great options:
- Tartar sauce
- Cocktail sauce
- Remoulade
- Aioli
- Tzatziki
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Hummus
- Baba ganoush
- Yogurt dill dip
What to Drink
Crab cakes warrant something special to drink as well. Some beverage ideas:
- White wine – Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling wine
- Light or amber beer
- Whiskey sour
- Sea breeze cocktail
- Bloody Mary
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
With so many wonderful sides to choose from, you can create amazing crab cake meals perfect for any occasion. Try out different combinations and flavors to find your favorites! Crab cakes deserve only the best accompaniments.
#7: Grilled Creamed Corn
Grilled creamed corn adds a rich, smoky-sweet side to crab cakes that amplifies the dish’s Southern coastal charm. Grilling the corn before combining it with cream or butter enhances its natural sweetness and brings out subtle charred notes that pair well with the delicate, savory crab meat. Add a simple green salad or lime cilantro rice for a decadent yet approachable meal that adds comfort and depth to your crab cakes.
Light and fluffy hush puppies are a beloved Southern side that pair effortlessly with crab cakes, adding a warm, golden crunch and a hint of sweetness to the plate. Made from cornmeal batter and deep-fried until crisp on the outside and tender inside, hush puppies offer a comforting, hearty bite. They are a natural companion to seafood dishes—especially in Calabash-style seafood, where fried golden brown sides are a staple.
#5: Mango and Avocado Salad
Mango and avocado salad is a fresh, tropical-inspired, color salsa that brings a burst of flavor and creaminess to your crab cake. The sweetness of ripe mango salsa contrasts with the savory crab, while the creamy texture of avocado mirrors the richness in a subtle, buttery way. Often tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of red onion, this refreshing salad adds brightness and acidity that lifts the entire dish.
Rice pilaf is a light, flavorful side dish that provides a perfect base for crab cakes without overwhelming them. Its fluffy texture soaks up sauces like remoulade or lemon butter beautifully, enhancing each bite. Rice pilaf is especially great when you want a well-rounded, more substantial seafood meal that still feels elegant and provides the perfect balance.
Guy Fieri’s Baked Crabcakes with Old Bay Remoulade | Guy’s Big Bite | Food Network
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