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What to Serve With Crab Cakes as a Meal: 15 Best Side Dishes

Crab cakes are a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Coleslaw offers a crunchy, revitalizing balance, while roasted asparagus elevates the meal with its sophisticated flavors. Corn on the cob brings a touch of summertime sweetness, and Caesar salad provides a crisp, invigorating contrast with its vibrant ingredients. For those craving something heartier, garlic mashed potatoes are a creamy, flavorful addition. Each of these sides enhances the savory taste of crab cakes, creating a harmonious dining experience. To explore more delicious pairings, consider adding these sides to your next meal.

Coleslaw

fresh cabbage salad dish

A classic accompaniment to crab cakes, coleslaw offers an invigorating and crunchy contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.

Coleslaw variations abound, from tangy vinegar-based slaws to creamy, rich ones. The coleslaw dressing can be customized to suit personal preferences, whether you favor a sweet, spicy, or tangy profile.

This versatile side dish not only complements crab cakes but also adds a revitalizing balance.

Roasted Asparagus

roasted asparagus dish served

Why not elevate your crab cake meal with the sophisticated flavor of roasted asparagus?

Asparagus benefits include being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Using simple roasting techniques, toss the asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake until tender and slightly crispy.

This method enhances its natural sweetness, creating a perfect, light side dish that complements the savory richness of crab cakes.

Corn on the Cob

summer bbq favorite food

For a touch of summertime sweetness, corn on the cob pairs beautifully with crab cakes. Grilling techniques elevate the flavor, adding a smoky essence that complements the savory crab.

A simple butter topping enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, making it an irresistible side dish. Whether you opt for traditional boiling or char it on the grill, corn on the cob delights every palate.

Caesar Salad

healthy green salad choice

Combining crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons, Caesar salad offers an invigorating and balanced companion to crab cakes.

The rich anchovy dressing adds depth, complementing the delicate flavors of the crab.

This classic salad's fresh, vibrant ingredients provide a rejuvenating contrast, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a harmonious and satisfying meal pairing.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

perfect side dish choice

Garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with the savory taste of crab cakes. The creamy texture of the potatoes enhances the overall dining experience, making each bite more satisfying.

Infused with garlic, this dish adds a delightful depth of flavor, creating a harmonious balance that complements the rich, savory notes of the crab cakes perfectly.

Mango Salsa

tropical fruit salsa recipe

Mango salsa introduces an invigorating and vibrant contrast to the richness of crab cakes, elevating the meal with its sweet and tangy flavors.

The tropical flavors from ripe mangoes, combined with salsa variations such as red onions, cilantro, and lime juice, create a rejuvenating and colorful side dish.

This pairing not only adds brightness to the plate but also enhances the overall dining experience.

Steamed Broccoli

healthy green vegetable side

Steamed broccoli serves as a nutritious and complementary side dish to crab cakes, offering a light yet satisfying contrast with its crisp texture and subtle flavor.

The health benefits of broccoli are plentiful, including essential vitamins and minerals.

Cooking techniques for steaming broccoli are simple: just steam until tender but still vibrant green, ensuring a delicious and healthy accompaniment to your meal.

Lemon Rice

zesty lemon flavored rice

Lemon rice provides a zesty and aromatic complement to crab cakes, enhancing the overall dining experience with its citrus-infused flavors.

This delightful rice pilaf incorporates lemon zest, creating a bright and invigorating side dish.

The subtle tanginess of the lemon perfectly balances the savory richness of the crab cakes, making for a harmonious and satisfying meal that is both flavorful and memorable.

Green Bean Almondine

delicious green beans recipe

Green Bean Almondine offers a sophisticated and crunchy side dish that pairs exceptionally well with crab cakes, enhancing the meal with its nutty and buttery flavors.

The green beans are cooked until tender-crisp and then tossed with toasted almonds, adding a delightful crunch.

This combination creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to the savory richness of crab cakes.

Avocado Salad

delicious and nutritious salad

Complementing the crispness of Green Bean Almondine, an Avocado Salad brings a fresh and creamy element to the meal, perfectly balancing the flavors of crab cakes.

The creamy avocado dressing enhances the salad's texture, making each bite delightful.

For added variety, consider adding avocado toast on the side, offering a deliciously rich and satisfying experience that pairs wonderfully with the main course.

Sweet Potato Fries

tasty and crispy snack

Sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast to crab cakes with their natural sweetness and crispy texture. These fries are not just tasty; they also come with numerous health benefits, such as being rich in vitamins A and C.

When it comes to cooking techniques, you can bake or fry them to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor, enhancing your meal experience.

Quinoa Salad

healthy and colorful dish

Quinoa salad provides a nutritious and versatile side dish that pairs excellently with the flavors of crab cakes. Rich in protein and fiber, quinoa offers significant nutritional benefits.

The light, fluffy texture of quinoa blends well with various flavor combinations, including fresh vegetables and tangy dressings. This pairing enhances the meal, adding both vibrant colors and a satisfying crunch to your dining experience.

Tartar Sauce

saucy seafood condiment delight

Enhancing the flavor profile of crab cakes, tartar sauce serves as a classic and indispensable accompaniment. A homemade recipe allows for personalized flavor variations, from adding capers for a tangy twist to incorporating dill for a fresh note.

This creamy, tangy sauce complements the rich taste of crab cakes, making it a delightful addition that elevates the overall dining experience.

Grilled Zucchini

delicious summer barbecue option

Grilled zucchini provides a light and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of crab cakes. Offering nutrition benefits like vitamins A and C, it complements the meal healthily.

For perfect grilling, slice zucchini evenly, brush with olive oil, and season lightly. Grill over medium heat until tender, creating a delicious, nutritious side that enhances your dining experience.

Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Crab Cakes and Crab Boil?

When it comes to serving crab cakes and crab boil, the best side dishes for crab boil include corn on the cob, coleslaw, and potato salad. These traditional accompaniments complement the rich flavors of the crab dishes and add a delightful variety to the meal.

Baked Beans

vegan barbecue side dish

Adding a hearty element to your crab cake meal, baked beans offer a sweet and savory contrast that complements the dish beautifully. Their smoky flavor pairs well with the delicate taste of crab cakes.

As a vegetarian option, baked beans are perfect for those looking to avoid meat but still wanting a filling side. This classic dish adds warmth and richness to your plate.