Crabcakes are a delightful treat, and the right side dishes can make your meal extraordinary. Classic coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and zesty flavor, while roasted asparagus provides a touch of sophistication with its tender texture and earthy taste. For a comforting option, garlic mashed potatoes offer a buttery and garlicky complement. Corn on the cob, with its vibrant and juicy kernels, pairs perfectly in summer. An avocado salad, rich and creamy with a tangy twist, balances the meal beautifully. Each of these sides enhances the flavors of crabcakes, making your dining experience truly special. Discover more delectable pairing ideas ahead.
Classic Coleslaw
A classic coleslaw, with its crisp cabbage and tangy dressing, is an ideal accompaniment to crabcakes, providing an invigorating contrast to their rich flavor.
The crunchy texture of the cabbage pairs beautifully with the creamy, zesty dressing, creating a delightful balance.
This simple yet flavorful side dish enhances the overall dining experience, making each bite of crabcake more enjoyable and satisfying.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus, with its tender texture and subtle earthy flavor, serves as a sophisticated side dish that complements the richness of crabcakes.
This vegetable not only adds elegance but also offers numerous asparagus health benefits, including vitamins and antioxidants.
Mastering roasting techniques, such as tossing in olive oil and seasoning with salt, guarantees a delightful, crispy finish that perfectly balances the meal.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Following the elegance of roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes provide a comforting and flavorful addition to your crabcake meal. Their buttery texture complements the crispiness of the crabcakes, creating a delightful flavor pairing.
The richness of the potatoes, infused with the subtle warmth of garlic, adds a satisfying balance to the plate, making it a well-rounded and inviting dining experience.
Corn on the Cob
Frequently enjoyed during summer, corn on the cob makes a vibrant and sweet companion to crabcakes, enhancing the meal with its fresh and juicy kernels.
Try different butter options like garlic or herb butter to add a delightful richness. Seasoning variations such as paprika, chili powder, or simple salt and pepper can elevate the flavors, making the corn a perfect, tasty side dish.
Avocado Salad
An avocado salad offers a creamy and invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of crabcakes. The smooth texture of avocados, complemented by a tangy avocado dressing, brings a rejuvenating element to the plate.
Incorporating citrus avocado slices adds a zesty twist, enhancing the overall dining experience.
This side dish not only balances the meal but also introduces a vibrant, healthy option.
Lemon Herb Rice
Lemon herb rice offers a fragrant and complementary side dish that enhances the savory notes of crabcakes.
For cooking tips, use fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Serving suggestions include pairing this dish with a light green salad or a crisp white wine, creating a balanced and delightful meal that is sure to impress.
Grilled Vegetables
Complementing the zesty flavors of lemon herb rice, grilled vegetables offer a vibrant and nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with crabcakes.
Imagine charred zucchini, with its smoky taste, and balsamic mushrooms, rich and tangy, enhancing the savory notes of your crabcakes.
These grilled delights not only add color and texture to your plate but also elevate the overall dining experience.
Tomato Basil Salad
A crisp and invigorating tomato basil salad brings a burst of color and flavor to the table, perfectly balancing the rich, savory taste of crabcakes.
Using fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a hint of olive oil, this salad captures the essence of summer flavors.
It's light, revitalizing, and pairs wonderfully with the hearty texture of crabcakes, making your meal truly delightful.
Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta offers a smooth and comforting side dish that pairs excellently with the crispy exterior and tender interior of crabcakes.
Cheese polenta, with its rich and savory flavors, enhances the overall dining experience.
Alternatively, polenta cakes, pan-fried to a golden crisp, add a delightful texture contrast.
Both options complement the delicate taste of crabcakes, making for a memorable meal.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad provides a nutritious and vibrant side dish that pairs well with the flavors of crabcakes. Rich in protein and fiber, quinoa offers numerous nutritional benefits.
The salad can be customized with various flavor variations, such as fresh herbs, citrus dressings, and colorful vegetables. This makes it not only healthy but also appealing to the eye and palate, complementing crabcakes beautifully.
Garlic Bread
For a comforting and flavorful addition to your meal, consider serving garlic bread alongside your crabcakes. Cheesy garlic bread, with its rich, melty topping, enhances the savory notes of the crabcakes.
There are many bread variations to explore, from classic French baguettes to whole-grain options. This side dish adds a delightful crunch and complements the seafood beautifully, creating a memorable dining experience.
Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad, with its fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, provides a light and invigorating accompaniment to crabcakes. The juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella balls, paired with fragrant basil, create a revitalizing contrast to the rich crabcakes.
A balsamic drizzle adds a tangy sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. This simple yet elegant side dish is both visually appealing and delicious.
Cucumber Dill Salad
Complementing the Caprese salad's vibrant flavors, a Cucumber Dill Salad offers an invigorating and crisp counterpart to crabcakes.
The revitalizing crunch of fresh cucumbers, combined with a tangy yogurt dressing, creates a light and zesty side dish. The dill adds an aromatic touch, enhancing the overall taste experience.
This salad not only balances the richness of crabcakes but also adds a delightful freshness.
Steamed Green Beans
Steamed green beans provide a nutritious and subtly flavored side dish that pairs excellently with crabcakes. Rich in vitamins and minerals, green beans nutrition supports a healthy meal.
Seasoned lightly with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic, they enhance the crabcakes without overshadowing them. This simple yet elegant combination guarantees a delightful dining experience, balancing flavors and textures perfectly.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Both Crabcakes and Crabs?
Yes, the same side dishes can be served with both crabcakes and crabs. Classic pairings include coleslaw, corn on the cob, and potato salad. For a modern twist, consider trying one of the 15 best side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa salad, or sweet potato fries.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries present a deliciously crispy and slightly sweet accompaniment to crabcakes, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Their crispy texture pairs perfectly with the tender crabcakes, creating a satisfying bite.
Additionally, these fries are excellent for dipping sauces like aioli or ketchup, adding another layer of flavor to your meal.
This combination is sure to please any palate.