Pairing steamed crabs with the right side dishes enhances their delicious flavors. Gruyère scalloped potatoes deliver a rich, creamy delight; curried okra fries add a flavorful crunch. Twice-baked potatoes provide a cheesy, savory complement, while grilled corn offers a sweet and smoky touch. For a zesty twist, try spicy pepper jelly coleslaw. Caesar salad brings a fresh bite, and grilled asparagus adds a light, crisp texture. Baked zucchini fries and succotash provide novel and nutritious options. These sides guarantee a well-rounded seafood feast, and exploring further will reveal even more delightful combinations.
Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes
Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes offer a rich, creamy accompaniment that perfectly complements the savory notes of steamed crabs.
This indulgent side dish features layers of thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a decadent Gruyère cheese sauce.
The cheese imparts a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, making it an ideal choice for special occasions and gatherings.
Truly, these potatoes elevate any seafood feast with their comforting and satisfying taste.
Curried Okra Fries
After savoring the creamy indulgence of Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes, curried okra fries provide a flavorful and crunchy counterpart to steamed crabs.
This unique Southern twist combines crispy okra with aromatic curry spices, offering a delightful side dish.
These fries are a creative way to enjoy okra, adding variety and a touch of spice to your seafood feast, making them a perfect addition.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Twice-baked potatoes, a classic and indulgent side dish, complement the succulent flavors of steamed crabs with their creamy texture and crispy skin.
These potatoes, baked twice for a cheesy and savory delight, balance the briny taste of the crabs.
The creamy filling, enriched with butter, cheese, and sour cream, creates a rich and satisfying accompaniment to a hearty seafood meal.
Grilled Corn
Grilled corn, with its sweet and smoky flavors, serves as a delightful complement to the succulence of steamed crabs. The charred kernels add a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the tender crab meat.
Seasoning options range from simple salt and butter to exciting blends like chili lime or parmesan. This versatile side dish introduces a summery vibe, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw
Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw offers a vibrant twist on traditional coleslaw, infusing each bite with a balanced mix of heat and sweetness.
This side dish pairs perfectly with steamed crabs, adding a zesty and invigorating element to the meal.
The spicy pepper jelly dressing enhances the crunchy slaw, creating a memorable and crowd-pleasing addition to any seafood feast.
Herbed Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Complementing the zesty Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw, Herbed Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes bring a rich and luxurious flavor profile that perfectly accompanies the delicate sweetness of steamed crabs.
These creamy mashed potatoes are infused with nutty brown butter and fragrant herbs, elevating the classic dish.
The combination of potatoes, herbs, and brown butter creates a comforting and delicious side, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Permanent Slaw
Permanent Slaw is a classic Southern side dish. It features shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing that pairs exquisitely with the delicate sweetness of steamed crabs. Enhanced with Vidalia onion and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, this crunchy and invigorating slaw balances sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.
It's perfect for preparing ahead, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful alongside your crab feast.
Southern Cornbread
Southern cornbread is a traditional favorite in the Southern United States. It is often served alongside steamed crabs, providing a savory and comforting accompaniment. This side dish is made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, eggs, and leavening agents, resulting in a dense and crumbly texture. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it offers a slightly sweet and buttery flavor, creating a classic and satisfying meal when paired with steamed crabs.
Fried Artichoke Hearts
Fried artichoke hearts, a delectable Southern-style side dish, are a perfect crispy complement to steamed crabs. These golden brown delights offer a flavorful twist, enhancing the succulent crab meat.
Pair them with a fresh salad featuring red onion or alongside crab cakes for a harmonious meal. With expert prop styling, they become an irresistible addition to any seafood feast.
Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon offer a savory and smoky side dish that perfectly complements the delicate flavors of steamed crabs.
Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall, this dish pairs well with a slaw recipe, adding a crispy and salty element to the meal.
The tender Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon create a balanced mix of textures, making it a satisfying choice.
Mac-and-Cheese
Mac-and-Cheese serves as a quintessential comfort food that harmonizes beautifully with the savory taste of steamed crabs. This creamy and cheesy dish complements the crabs' briny and sweet flavors, creating a delightful combination.
The rich texture and indulgent nature of mac-and-cheese balance the meal perfectly, making it a hearty, filling accompaniment that satisfies cravings for both comfort food and seafood.
Caesar Salad
A Caesar Salad offers an energizing, crisp counterpart to the savory richness of steamed crabs. Featuring fresh romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons, this classic side dish enhances the meal's overall flavor profile.
Its vibrant and revitalizing components balance the hearty nature of crabs, making it an excellent choice for a well-rounded dining experience.
Grilled Asparagus
Enhancing the natural sweetness of asparagus through grilling introduces a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the rich, savory taste of steamed crabs.
Prop Styling: Missie Neville recommends seasoning grilled asparagus with lemon zest or garlic butter.
This side dish not only adds a fresh, vibrant contrast but also provides a nutritious boost with its fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making your crab feast even more delightful.
Baked Zucchini Fries
Baked zucchini fries offer a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional fries, making them an excellent side dish for steamed crabs.
Prop Styling: Audrey Davis and Food Styling: Emily Nabors guarantee that these fries enhance the flavor with herbs, garlic, and Parmesan.
Baking retains moisture while achieving a crispy exterior, making them a delightful, versatile choice that complements the fresh taste of steamed crabs.
Can the Same Side Dishes for Crawfish Boil Also be Served with Steamed Crabs?
Yes, the best side dishes for crawfish boil, such as corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage, can also be served with steamed crabs. These classic sides perfectly complement the flavors of both seafood dishes and are a hit at any summer gathering.
Succotash
Succotash is a traditional Southern dish composed of corn and lima beans. It brings a delightful combination of flavors and textures to the table. This versatile side dish often includes corn on the cob, green beans, and red pepper, enhanced with a touch of Worcestershire sauce.
Whether served hot or cold, succotash adds a hearty and flavorful element to complement steamed crabs perfectly.