Top 16 Sides to Serve with Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a standout dish, but choosing the right sides can elevate the entire meal.
Pairing them with fresh, vibrant salads, creamy dips, or crispy roasted vegetables brings out the delicate flavors of the crab.
These side dishes balance the richness of crab cakes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
Let these ideas inspire your next crab cake meal with complementary flavors.
Macaroni Salad
Serving macaroni salad alongside fresh cakes creates a delightful contrast of flavors.
Cold salad pairs wonderfully with warm cakes, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Mayonnaise serves as a key ingredient, though mustard can be an exciting alternative for those seeking something different.
The refreshing taste of the salad complements the sweetness of the cakes.
Grilled Veggies
Grilling veggies brings a wonderful smoky flavor that enhances any meal.
This side dish pairs beautifully with crab meat, lobster, or shrimp for your next seafood dinner.
Slicing the vegetables thinly ensures they cook quickly and evenly on the grill.
Preparing this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Enjoying fresh grilled vegetables adds a delicious touch to your dining experience.
Wine
Choosing wine for a refined dinner enhances the experience.
Champagne serves as an excellent option, thanks to its lighter flavors that harmonize beautifully with hearty dishes like crab cakes.
For fish, white wine is often the go-to choice; Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc can elevate this pairing perfectly.
Selecting a medium to full-bodied white wine adds depth and richness to your meal.
Roasted Veggies
Roasted veggies provide a tasty alternative to grilled ones, especially for those who prefer milder flavors.
The absence of a strong smoky taste makes them appealing to many.
A mix of spices can enhance their flavor, adding an exciting twist that pairs well with crab cakes.
Dipping roasted vegetables in a homemade sauce elevates the experience even further.
Cocktails
When preparing cocktails for lump crab meat, Bloody Mary stands out as an excellent choice.
The mix of tomatoes and bell pepper pairs wonderfully with seafood flavors.
Adding vodka enhances the overall taste, creating a refreshing drink that balances well with the sweetness of crab.
This cocktail not only satisfies but also elevates any dining experience featuring seafood.
Herbed Potatoes
Delicious potatoes pair wonderfully with crab cakes, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Using your favorite variety will make these herbed potatoes irresistible.
Smaller cuts speed up cooking time, making preparation easier.
A hint of Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick to the dish.
Topping them with spicy remoulade or simple sour cream elevates the experience.
Mango Salsa
Ripe ingredients play a crucial role in bringing out the best flavors in this mango salsa.
A delightful mix of fruits can elevate your crab mixture, adding an exciting twist.
Tortilla chips make a great pairing, while the salsa also enhances crab cakes or serves as a refreshing snack before dinner.
Gazpacho
Serving soup offers a wonderful way to enjoy a light meal any time of year.
Gazpacho shines with its blend of fresh, ripe ingredients that create an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Using a food processor or blender makes preparation quick and straightforward, allowing anyone to whip it up effortlessly.
Leftover crab cakes pair beautifully with this dish, adding an extra layer of taste that enhances the experience.
Corn Chowder
Winter brings out the best in chowder, making it a cozy choice for chilly days.
A bowl of this corn chowder pairs wonderfully with cakes, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Preparing this dish requires just a food processor and fresh ingredients, taking only 20 minutes to complete.
Bread Rolls
Crab cakes shine when placed inside a warm dinner roll, creating a satisfying sandwich.
Freshly baked recipes enhance the flavor and texture, making every bite enjoyable.
Homemade crab cakes bring comfort and taste to any meal.
This combination elevates simple ingredients into something special for your dining experience.
Grilled Avocados Salad
Grilled avocados can elevate a salad, adding a rich flavor that surprises the palate.
This dish appears elegant but is simple to prepare, making it an impressive choice for gatherings.
Fresh ingredients like chopped peppers, onions, cilantro, and garlic enhance the taste beautifully.
For those seeking a heartier meal, grilled shrimp serves as an excellent topping option.
Flexibility allows for personal touches; feel free to include any ingredients you love in this delightful mix.
Remoulade
A remoulade sauce shines as the best choice for crab cakes and other seafood dishes.
This sauce pairs wonderfully with scallops, oysters, or fried cod, providing a delightful twist to your meal.
For those who enjoy a kick of heat, adding horseradish brings an exciting flavor; on the other hand, honey introduces a pleasant sweetness.
Preparing this sauce can be quick or leisurely based on your time and guest count.
Asparagus And Tomatoes
Roasting asparagus and tomatoes enhances their flavors, making them a delicious side dish for crab cakes.
A 15-20 minute stint in the oven works wonders, but allowing them to cook longer can deepen the taste even further.
Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens up the dish nicely.
This combination not only complements seafood but also brings freshness to any meal.
Chickpea Salad
Bright and colorful salads pair wonderfully with crabmeat.
This chickpea salad recipe enhances the fresh flavors of seafood, making it a delightful choice for any gathering.
Preparing the dish takes only about 20 minutes, allowing more time to enjoy with family or friends.
Using a food processor simplifies the process significantly, cutting down on chopping time and effort.
With easy ingredients and quick preparation, this salad becomes an effortless addition to your meal.
Green Salad
A green salad pairs wonderfully with crab cakes.
Crunchy lettuce adds a delightful texture that balances the softness of the cakes.
Personal preference plays a big role in choosing the type of lettuce, so feel free to select your favorite.
Adding fruit can introduce an extra layer of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Topping off the salad with feta cheese creates a flavorful finish that many enjoy.
Corn Salad
Corn salad pairs wonderfully with crab cakes, making it a great choice for your meal.
This dish shines in summer when fresh corn is available, appealing to many tastes.
Chilling the salad before serving enhances the contrast between warm crab cakes and cool corn.
Feel free to customize it with spices or add ingredients like cucumbers and peppers for extra flavor.