Soft shell crab, a delectable seafood treat, shines even brighter with the right side dishes. Try an arugula and watermelon salad for a revitalizing start, or an orzo pasta salad, customizable with fresh herbs and veggies. Grilled asparagus adds a smoky crunch, while creamy mashed potatoes offer a rich, velvety texture. Buttery corn on the cob, grilled to perfection, balances the meal with its natural sweetness. These sides create a delightful dining experience, perfect for summer gatherings. Explore these pairings to elevate your soft shell crab feast and discover a world of complementary flavors.
Arugula and Watermelon Salad
One excellent side dish to serve with soft shell crab is an arugula and watermelon salad, which offers an invigorating and light complement to the main course. The peppery arugula and sweet watermelon create a balanced flavor profile.
Dressed with a citrusy vinaigrette, this salad brings a slight bitterness from the arugula, enhancing the sweetness of the watermelon for a dynamic taste experience.
Orzo Pasta Salad
Orzo pasta salad offers a versatile and revitalizing accompaniment to soft shell crab, enhancing the meal with its light and customizable nature.
This dish can be easily tailored with fresh herbs, vegetables, and vinaigrettes, providing a rejuvenating contrast to the crispy texture of the crabs.
It's also a practical make-ahead option, making it ideal for both entertaining and quick, delicious meals.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus serves as a vibrant and nutritious complement to soft shell crab, enhancing the meal with its smoky charred flavor and crisp texture.
Blanching the asparagus before grilling helps maintain its color and crunch.
A light citrusy dressing with lemon zest or a balsamic glaze elevates the flavors, making this green vegetable a versatile and delightful addition to any summer seafood dish.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes offer a rich and velvety side dish that perfectly complements the crispy texture of soft shell crab. Made with butter, cream, and fluffy potatoes, they provide a smooth consistency that enhances the crab's flavors without overpowering them.
This indulgent side adds a touch of elegance to the meal, making it a delightful pairing for soft shell crab.
Buttery Corn on the Cob
Buttery corn on the cob is a quintessential accompaniment that enhances the flavors of soft shell crab with its rich, creamy taste and subtle sweetness.
Grilling the sweet corn adds a smoky touch, elevating the overall dining experience.
The natural sweetness of the corn beautifully balances the savory flavors of the crab, making it a comforting and beloved summer dish.
Tangy Coleslaw
Tangy coleslaw is an ideal side dish that enhances the dining experience when served with soft shell crab. The coleslaw's invigorating flavor, derived from vinegar and seasonings, perfectly complements the crispy texture of the crab.
Its ingredients, like cabbage and carrots, add a revitalizing crunch, while the acidity cuts through the crab's richness, offering a balanced and delightful contrast.
Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes
Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes, with their layers of thinly sliced potatoes, rich Gruyère cheese, and creamy sauce, offer a luxurious side dish that pairs exquisitely with soft-shell crabs.
Baked until bubbly and golden brown, this dish boasts a nutty, slightly sweet flavor profile. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness provide a comforting and satisfying element, making it an ideal partner for soft-shell crabs.
Curried Okra Fries
Curried Okra Fries bring a delightful Southern twist to the table, combining the crispiness of baked okra with the aromatic warmth of curry seasoning.
This unique side dish offers a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fried okra.
The curry adds a flavorful depth, making Curried Okra Fries a delicious and creative accompaniment to soft shell crab or any seafood dish.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Twice-Baked Potatoes are a versatile and comforting side dish that pairs exceptionally well with soft shell crab. They feature crispy skin and a creamy, indulgent filling that can be customized with toppings like cheese, bacon, chives, and sour cream.
The process of making these side dishes involves baking the potatoes, scooping out the flesh, mixing it with ingredients, and baking again. This adds a rich and satisfying element to your meal.
Southern Skillet Cornbread
Southern Skillet Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine. It offers a savory and slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with soft shell crab. Cooked in a cast-iron skillet, it boasts a crispy exterior and moist interior.
Its lack of sugar balances the rich taste of soft shell crabs, creating a harmonious and comforting meal that highlights the best of Southern cooking.
Fried Artichoke Hearts
Fried artichoke hearts provide a delightful blend of crispiness and savory flavors, making them an excellent accompaniment to soft shell crab. This Southern-style delicacy adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the tender crab.
Enhancing the experience, dip these fried delights in roasted red pepper aioli for a flavorful kick. Consider variations like spicy pickle hush puppies for an additional zesty twist.
Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Switching from the crispy delight of fried artichoke hearts, Brussels sprouts with bacon offer a savory and smoky side dish that complements soft shell crab beautifully.
The crispy Brussels sprouts and rich, umami flavor of bacon provide a balanced texture and taste.
This nutritious combination enriches your dining experience, making it a perfect match for the delicate flavors of soft shell crab.
Caesar Salad
A modern Caesar salad, complete with garlicky croutons, offers an invigorating and light accompaniment to soft shell crab, enhancing the meal with its citrusy dressing and grilled ingredients.
This classic dish, with a twist of added crunch, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors and crispy texture of the crab.
Together, they create a unique surf and turf combination that is both satisfying and delicious.
Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
Complementing the invigorating Caesar salad, grilled sweet potato fries provide a nutritious and flavorful side dish that enhances the overall dining experience with soft shell crab. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional options.
The smoky flavor from grilling, combined with a crispy texture and seasoned herbs, makes them a delightful match for the delicate taste of soft shell crab.
Can the same side dishes be served with both soft shell crab and crab soup?
Soft shell crab and crab soup can both be paired with the best side dishes for crab soup such as garlic butter roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, or a simple garden salad. These versatile sides complement the flavors of both dishes while adding variety to the meal.
Succotash
Renowned for its vibrant mix of sweet corn and lima beans, succotash offers a colorful and flavorful side dish that pairs excellently with soft shell crab. Enhancements like bacon, bell peppers, and onions add depth, while squash, tomatoes, and okra contribute to a hearty texture.
This versatile side balances textures and flavors, making it a perfect complement to soft shell crabs.