Stone crab season in Florida brings epicurean delight as these sweet, briny claws make their annual return to menus While stone crab shines on its own, the right side dishes transform the meal into a feast
I’ve compiled 15 sensational pairings to try with stone crab this season From classic accompaniments to creative flavors, these sides complement the natural sweetness of stone crab claws. Let’s crack some shells and dig in!
Traditional Sides for Stone Crab
Mustard Sauce
This creamy, tangy dipping sauce is a stone crab classic. Yellow mustard and mayonnaise or sour cream make a simple blend that lets the crab shine. Mustard sauce appears frequently with stone crab.
Melted Butter
Don’t forget the melted butter! Butter enhances stone crab’s sweetness and adds richness when dipped. It’s a simple, indispensable pairing. Melted butter is a common companion for stone crab.
Lemons
Fresh lemon wedges complete the stone crab experience. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the crab. Lemons frequently garnish stone crab servings.
Cocktail Sauce
For an invigorating dipping sauce, combine ketchup, horseradish and lemon juice. The spicy kick balances stone crab’s sweet profile. Cocktail sauce occasionally joins mustard sauce on the table.
Crisp, Fresh Salads
Arugula and Citrus
Peppery arugula and sweet orange or grapefruit segments liven up the plate. Toss with a light citrus vinaigrette and enjoy the fresh flavors.
Fennel and Apple Slaw
Thinly sliced fennel and apple offer crunch and sweetness to balance stone crab. Toss in lemon juice and oil.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, dressed with oil and vinegar, makes a cooling salad.
Warm Vegetable Sides
Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus roasted with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest adds elegance. Its crisp-tender texture accents the crab’s richness.
Broccoli and Carrots
Quick-steaming broccoli and carrots makes a fast, healthy side. Toss with lemon juice or garlic butter.
Oven-Roasted Vegetables
A medley of vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and carrots caramelizes beautifully when oven-roasted. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Satisfying Starches
Cuban Tostones
Fried green plantains called tostones offer tropical flavor. Press them flat and fry again until crispy and golden.
Herbed Potato Salad
A mayo-free potato salad with a vinaigrette keeps things light. Toss tiny potatoes with fresh dill, chives, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes are perfect. Blend in roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Corn on the Cob
Boil, grill, or steam corn cobs and slather with butter, lime juice, spices, or cheese for an easy side.
Seafood and Pasta
Shrimp Cocktail
Chilled shrimp, peeled and deveined, served with cocktail sauce, complement stone crab’s brininess.
Crab Cakes
Pan-fried crab cakes made with fresh lump crabmeat are a treat. Keep the seasoning light to let the crab shine.
Linguine and Clam Sauce
Toss linguine with white wine, garlic, olive oil, and clams for a seafood-centric meal.
Seafood Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta with shrimp, crab, and veggies in a zesty vinaigrette blends flavors and textures.
Simple Green Salads
Classic Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese tossed in a lemony Caesar dressing provides a tangy crunch.
Kale and Apple Salad
Thinly sliced kale and apples with toasted walnuts in a cider vinaigrette balances stone crab’s richness.
Spinach Salad
Baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, boiled egg, and bacon bits make a well-rounded salad.
More Creative Pairings
Coleslaw
For crunch, make coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. Add apples or raisins for sweetness.
Cheesy Grits
Rich, cheesy grits are comfort food bliss. Mix in roasted garlic or jalapeños for extra dimension.
Tomato and Mozzarella
Alternating slices of ripe tomato and fresh mozzarella makes an easy Italian-inspired salad. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Risotto Cakes
Make risotto, chill it, then pan-fry into crispy cakes. The contrast of textures is fantastic with stone crab.
Sweet Endings
Key Lime Pie
Cool, creamy Key lime pie decorated with whipped cream concludes a Florida stone crab meal.
Fruit Salad
A medley of tropical fruit like mango, pineapple, and kiwi provides a refreshing, lighter dessert.
Citrus Sorbet
For a palate cleanser, scoop tangy citrus sorbets like lemon, lime, or pink grapefruit.
With endless options, from classics like coleslaw to creative pairings like risotto cakes, you can craft a stone crab feast to remember. I hope these suggestions inspire your next claw-cracking gathering. Now let’s get crackin’!
Fresh Corn on the Cob
If you spent much of your time in the Midwest, like me, you know that fresh corn is the best part of summer. Corn on the cob is a good option when serving a picnic-style crab claw. Bring them to the table with a stick of butter and watch the crowd go wild. And if you have any leftover corn, use them in Mexican Street Corn Casserole tomorrow!
Gazpacho is the taste of summer in Southern Europe. And for me, cucumber gazpacho salad is the best way to bring that cool, refreshing flavor of the famous Spanish chilled soup in a crunchy salad – no immersion blender required! The fresh basil leaves, sweet bell peppers and pumpkin seeds all add the perfect balancing flavors and crunch, making it a great light side for a healthy and colorful crab dinner.
Marinated and grilled asparagus is a simple and elegant side dish that pairs well with so many crab-themed dishes. To make this easy recipe, marinate the spears in a simple vinaigrette, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill them over medium-high heat until they are tender-crisp and charred. Top with the rest of the vinaigrette and a warm egg. This grilled asparagus recipe is a delicious and healthy side dish and the perfect answer to what to serve with stone crab claws.
Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are one of the most popular (and low carb) side dishes to serve with fresh seafood. The garlic, lemon and parmesan cheese in this green bean recipe add beautiful richness to this classic side dish and the toasted almonds top the whole thing off with a rich, nutty flavor. They are buttery and herbaceous and all the best things you look for in a memorable vegetable dish to go with your crab dinner.
How to Eat Stone Crab
FAQ
What is a good side dish for stone crabs?
- Crispy Skillet Fried Potatoes
- French Fries
- Creamed Spinach
- Lemony Steamed Asparagus
- Cheddar Chive Popovers
- Classic Wedge Salad
What pairs well with crab for dinner?
My favorite accompaniments to crab include crusty sourdough bread and a fresh green salad or steamed vegetable. Other great side dish options include macaroni and cheese, steamed rice, angel hair pasta or even roasted potatoes.
What to make with stone crab?
- Stone Crab With Mustard Sauce. …
- Stone Crab Bisque. …
- Lobster and Stone Crab Enchilada. …
- Stone Crab With Orange Horseradish Sauce. …
- Stone Crab Claw With Melted Butter.
What to serve with stone crab?
Since most stone crabs are served with a sauce, use the sauce and the crab temperature to guide your side dish choices. For stone crab served warm with melted butter, warm vegetables are an ideal pairing. Grilled, steamed, or roasted vegetables with seasoning provide a filling and hearty meal, especially if you add potatoes or sweet potatoes.
What to eat with stone crab claws?
Pairing your stone crab claws with vegetables is one of the best ways to balance a dish. Side salads with acidic undertones, such as one with a vinaigrette dressing, can balance out the crab meat richness. Since most stone crabs are served with a sauce, use the sauce and the crab temperature to guide your side dish choices.
What to eat at Stone Crab?
Most guests recommend trying good fruitcake, sticky toffee pudding and crème brûlée. You will appreciate delicious beer, Sauvignon blanc or coffee martini at The Stone Crab. A selection of great espresso or good tea is offered to guests. This place is great to сelebrate your wedding. The nice staff welcomes people all year round.
What sauce goes with stone crab?
When you order stone crab in a restaurant, especially in Florida, you may receive it paired with a traditional mustard sauce. The exact recipe for mustard sauce differs among establishments, but generally includes dry mustard, mayonnaise, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cream, lemon, and salt. This sauce is usually chilled before serving.
How do you eat Stone Crab with mustard sauce?
Traditionally, stone crab with mustard sauce is prepared as an appetizer before a meal in a restaurant. Once you crack the claws and remove the meat, you can dip it into the sauce. Alternatively, you can crack the claws and knuckles, remove the meat, and pour some of the mustard sauce over the pile.
What is stone crab?
Stone crab is a popular Florida dish with unique features that make many people consider it a delicacy. The harvesting methods are different from other types of crab. Stone crab can be prepared as a main dish or appetizer. Side dishes are used to perfectly balance the rich, savory stone crab meat.