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What to Serve With Crabs: 15 Best Side Dishes

When enjoying a crab feast, the right side dishes make all the difference. Try corn on the cob for a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness or creamy coleslaw with a tangy twist. Garlic Parmesan fries add a savory touch, while mango salsa brings vibrant, tropical flavors. Roasted vegetables and quinoa salad offer nutritious variety. Caprese salad, with its fresh Italian flair, pairs beautifully, and French baguettes provide a perfect crusty bite. Sweet potato fries add a sweet and savory balance. These sides will delight your taste buds and complement the crab perfectly, making your meal truly memorable. Find out more delightful pairings ahead!

Corn on the Cob

summer barbeque staple

Corn on the cob, with its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, serves as an ideal accompaniment to a crab feast.

Whether enjoyed with simple butter dipping or enhanced with various seasoning variations, this side dish elevates the overall dining experience.

The combination of buttery richness and a touch of spice perfectly complements the succulent flavors of the crabs, creating a delightful balance.

Creamy Coleslaw

refreshing summer side dish

In addition, coleslaw, with its invigorating crunch and tangy dressing, offers a perfect contrast to the rich, savory flavors of crab dishes. Its balanced flavor profile, combining sweetness and acidity, complements the crabs beautifully.

Additionally, coleslaw provides health benefits, as it's packed with fiber and vitamins from fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots. This side dish is both delicious and nutritious.

Garlic Parmesan Fries

delicious and savory fries

Garlic Parmesan fries, with their crispy texture and savory seasoning, make an excellent accompaniment to crab dishes. The flavor profile combines the sharpness of garlic and the rich taste of Parmesan, creating a mouth-watering experience.

For preparation tips, bake or fry the potatoes until golden, then toss them with minced garlic and grated Parmesan for a deliciously satisfying side dish.

Mango Salsa

sweet and tangy flavor

For an invigorating contrast to the savory flavors of garlic Parmesan fries, mango salsa offers a vibrant and tangy complement to crab dishes. This tropical pairing brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood, creating a delightful balance.

The combination of juicy mangoes, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro adds a revitalizing burst of flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy and tasty option

Roasted vegetables serve as a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements the rich taste of crab.

A vegetable medley, including carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, can be roasted to perfection with a touch of olive oil and herb seasoning.

The combination of crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs enhances the overall dining experience, making it a delightful addition to your crab feast.

Potato Salad

perfect picnic side dish

A classic potato salad provides a creamy and tangy counterpoint to the delicate sweetness of crab. Classic recipe variations can include ingredients like dill, mustard, and hard-boiled eggs, each adding its own unique flavor.

Besides being delicious, potato salad offers nutritional benefits such as being a good source of vitamins C and B6. This makes it a delightful, balanced addition to your crab feast.

Grilled Asparagus

delicious summer barbecue side

Grilled asparagus, with its charred and smoky notes, provides an elegant and flavorful complement to crab dishes.

Employing simple grilling techniques, such as tossing asparagus spears in olive oil and a dash of asparagus seasoning, guarantees a delightful side dish.

The crisp texture and subtle taste of grilled asparagus enhance the rich flavors of crab, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Caesar Salad

julius caesar s favorite salad

Incorporating a classic Caesar salad as a side dish elevates the dining experience by adding a revitalizing, tangy contrast to the succulent flavors of crab. With various dressing options, from traditional creamy Caesar to lighter vinaigrettes, and crouton variations like garlic, herb, or even gluten-free, this salad offers customizable elements that enhance the meal.

It's a fresh, crunchy companion to your seafood feast.

Hush Puppies

comfortable loafers for all

Hush puppies, with their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, are a quintessential Southern side dish that complements the savory taste of crab.

For the best results, use fresh cornmeal and fry until golden brown.

As for serving suggestions, pair them with a tangy dipping sauce, like remoulade or tartar, to enhance the overall dining experience.

Lemon Butter Broccoli

tasty broccoli side dish

Complementing the rich taste of crabs, lemon butter broccoli offers a revitalizing and vibrant side that balances the meal with its zesty and buttery notes.

Packed with health benefits, broccoli is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

For preparation tips, simply steam the broccoli, then drizzle with a mixture of melted butter and fresh lemon juice.

This combination guarantees a delightful and nutritious accompaniment.

Baked Mac and Cheese

delicious comfort food choice

Baked mac and cheese provides a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs remarkably well with the succulent flavors of crab. By blending various cheese varieties like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan, and choosing pasta types such as elbow macaroni or shells, you create a rich, creamy dish.

This combination enhances the experience, making each bite of crab even more enjoyable and satisfying.

Quinoa Salad

healthy grain and veggies

Quinoa salad offers a light and nutritious side dish that complements the rich flavors of crab. Packed with protein and fiber, quinoa provides substantial nutritional benefits.

For preparation tips, cook the quinoa until fluffy, then toss with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette.

This salad's vibrant colors and invigorating taste make it an ideal pairing with the savory richness of crab.

Caprese Salad

fresh tomatoes and mozzarella

A Caprese salad offers a fresh and flavorful accompaniment to crab, highlighting the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. Made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella slices, and fragrant basil leaves, it provides a delicious contrast to the rich taste of crab.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added sweetness and tang, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that enhances your seafood experience.

French Baguettes

crusty french bread loaves

French baguettes, with their crisp crust and airy interior, serve as an ideal side dish to complement the delicate flavors of crab.

This versatile bread pairs beautifully with a variety of wines, enhancing the dining experience.

Whether dipped in garlic butter or enjoyed plain, French baguettes offer a delightful contrast to the sweetness of crab, making them a favored choice among bread varieties.

Can the Same Side Dishes for Cold Shrimp Be Served with Crabs?

Yes, the best side dishes for shrimp can also be served with crabs. Classic options like garlic bread, coleslaw, and corn on the cob are perfect accompaniments for both cold shrimp and crabs. Their flavors complement each other, making for a delicious seafood feast.

Sweet Potato Fries

tasty oven baked side dish

Sweet potato fries provide a deliciously sweet and savory contrast to the rich and delicate flavors of crab, making them an excellent side dish choice.

Enhance their appeal with various seasoning blends, such as garlic or paprika, to create unique flavor profiles.

Pair them with tangy or spicy dipping sauces like aioli or sriracha mayo, which complement the fries and the crabs wonderfully.