What to Serve with Crab Cakes: Irresistible Sides and Sauces

I love crab cakes and have enjoyed them many times. But the best part is pairing them with the right sides. Zesty sauces and refreshing salads can make your crab cakes even better.

Whether it’s a summer party or a family dinner, we’ve got you covered. This guide will show you the best sides for your crab cakes. From classic tartar sauce to fresh salads, we’ll explore flavors that will make your taste buds happy. Let’s find the perfect sides for your crab cakes.

Essential Sauces to Elevate Your Crab Cakes

Take your crab cake experience to the next level with the perfect sauce. Choose from tartar, remoulade, or cocktail sauce. These condiments bring out the best in your seafood feast.

Classic Tartar Sauce

A crab cake feast isn’t complete without tartar sauce. It’s creamy and tangy and pairs well with crab meat. Made with mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon, and Dijon mustard, it adds a refreshing touch.

Zesty Remoulade

Looking for something bolder? Try the French remoulade sauce. It’s a mix of mayonnaise, garlic, chives, and spices. Tangy, zippy, and spicy make crab cakes even better.

Spicy Cocktail Sauce

Want a little kick? Cocktail sauce is the way to go. It’s zesty and has a hint of horseradish. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it perfect.

“The right sauce can transform a good crab cake into an exceptional one, adding depth, balance, and a touch of elegance to the dish.”

Fresh and Crispy Salad Accompaniments

Crab cakes are a delightful treat, but they can be pretty rich. That’s why pairing them with crab cake salads, fresh side dishes, and crispy salad is essential. These options balance flavors and textures, making the crab cakes even better.

For a sweet contrast, try a berry-laden salad. A quick tomato and cucumber salad adds a cool, crisp touch. A pineapple-pepper slaw with honey dressing is perfect for a bit of sweetness and spice.

These fresh side dishes and crispy salads balance the crab cakes well, creating a wonderful dining experience.

“The key to a perfect crab cake meal is finding the right balance of flavors and textures. These salad accompaniments do just that, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory crab cakes.”

What to Serve with Crab Cakes: Vegetable Side Dishes

Looking for the perfect sides for your crab cakes? Don’t skip the veggies. They add color and flavor, making your dish even better.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus with Parmesan and breadcrumbs is a to parmesan. Its bright taste goes well with the crab cakes’ savory flavor.

Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a simple yet tasty side. It keeps its green color and firm texture, contrasting nicely with the crab cakes.

Grilled Summer Vegetables

Try mixing grilled summer vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers. Their smoky taste complements the crab cakes’ sweetness.

Adding these vegetable side dishes makes your meal balanced and delicious. It highlights the best of both the land and sea.

Refreshing Coleslaw Variations

Coleslaw is a classic side dish for crab cakes. It can be made with vinegar, cabbage, carrots, radishes, pineapple, and peppers. Use toasted sesame oil, peanuts, and apples for a lighter option.

Vinegar-Based Slaw

A vinegar-based cabbage slaw is a tasty alternative. It contains shredded angel hair cabbage, grated carrots, and radishes. The tangy dressing complements the veggies, making it a refreshing side dish for crab cakes.

Pineapple-Pepper Slaw

A pineapple-pepper slaw adds a tropical flavor to crab cakes or pulled pork. Its bright, fruity taste and crunchy texture make it a great choice.

Veggie-Focused Coleslaw

A light coleslaw recipe focuses on vegetables, not mayonnaise. It includes toasted sesame oil, peanuts, and apples. This refreshing side option lets the vegetables’ natural flavors stand out.

Choose from tangy vinegar slaw, tropical pineapple pepper, or a veggie-focused coleslaw. There are many refreshing sides to enjoy with your crab cakes.

Potato-Based Side Dishes

Potato-based sides are a classic choice with crab cakes. They range from creamy potato salad to crispy french fries. These dishes can make your crab cake meal even better.

Classic Potato Salad

A classic potato salad with lemony dill vinaigrette is refreshing. This tangy and creamy side dish contrasts nicely with crab cakes. It’s a favorite among many, adding a zesty touch to the meal.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Roasted baby potatoes are a simple yet tasty option. They’re tossed with herbs and seasonings, making them tender and crispy. These potatoes complement crab cakes well, offering a comforting side dish.

French Fries

French fries are great for those who want something more indulgent. They’re crispy, golden, and seasoned just right. Served with crab cakes, they add a satisfying crunch and a tasty dipping option.

“Potato-based sides are the perfect canvas to showcase the delicate flavors of crab cakes, allowing them to shine while providing a comforting and satisfying base to the overall meal.”

Corn-Based Accompaniments

When serving crab cakes, why not pair them with corn? Corn sides are perfect, adding a sweet contrast to the crab’s savory flavor.

Corn on the cob is a classic choice. Grilled or oven-roasted, it’s tender and juicy. Its sweetness balances the crab’s briny taste.

For something more elaborate, try Best-Ever Succotash. It mixes fresh corn with cherry tomatoes, basil, and butter, creating a flavorful dish that enhances the meal.

These corn sides add sweetness and texture to your crab cake feast for a memorable dining experience.

Light and Fresh Summer Salads

Light and flavorful summer salads are perfect with crab cakes. They offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Try a simple tomato and cucumber salad or a mixed green salad with a zesty dressing.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

A tomato and cucumber salad is a quick and easy side dish that takes 10 minutes to prepare. Slice juicy tomatoes and crisp onions, then add cool cucumber slices.

Dress it with a tangy vinaigrette. This salad complements the savory crab cakes beautifully.

Mixed Green Salad

A mixed green salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Start with a bed of fresh greens like romaine, arugula, and spinach. Add crunchy croutons, shaved parmesan, and a light dressing.

Parmesanad provides a perfect contrast to the richness of crab cakes.

Fruit-Based Summer Salads

Try a fruit-based summer salad for a touch of sweetness. Mix sweet corn, juicy peaches, and beefsteak tomatoes. Drizzle with honey vinaigrette for a surprising combination.

Or, create a salad with watermelon, feta, and fresh basil. This salad is a delightful play of flavors.

These light and fresh summer salads are a delightful complement to crab cakes. They offer a refreshing and balanced meal. Whether you choose a classic tomato and cucumber salad, a mixed green salad, or a fruit-forward creation, these salads will elevate your crab cake dining experience.

Perfect Wine and Beverage Pairings

Finding the right drink with crab cakes can elevate the taste. While wines vary, some general tips can help.

Light and crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pair well. Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus notes cut through the crab’s richness. Chardonnay’s fuller body complements the dish’s heartiness.

For those who don’t drink alcohol, lemonade or iced tea are great alternatives. They offer a refreshing contrast to the savory crab, and their acidity and sweetness balance the flavors and clean the palate.

For a unique twist, try pairing crab cakes with cocktails. Gin-based drinks like dirty martinis or gin and tonics offer a flavorful contrast. Bloody Marys or Moscow Mules also pair well.

The best drink for crab cakes is what you enjoy most. Choose something that enhances the crab cake’s flavors, such as crisp white wine, a refreshing drink, or a creative cocktail.

Conclusion

Finding the right flavors and textures is key to creating the perfect crab cake meal. You can choose from zesty sauces, crisp salads, comforting potato sides, and refreshing drinks. The goal is to pick sides that bring out the crab’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Exploring different side dishes and sauces can make your crab cake meal unforgettable. You might choose a classic tartar sauce, a tangy remoulade, or a cool summer salad. The choices regarding crab cake meal ideas and perfect crab cake pairings are endless.

Making a crab cake meal with top-notch ingredients and creative flavor is fun. Try these versatile options to make your crab cake experience even better. This way, you can enjoy the real taste of this West Coast seafood treasure.