I love crab cakes and have enjoyed them many times. But, the best part is when you pair 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.
Table of Contents
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, 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. This sauce is tangy, zippy, and spicy, making your 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 for you.
“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 quite rich. That’s why it’s important to pair them with crab cake salads, fresh side dishes, and crispy salads. These options balance flavors and textures, making the crab cakes even better.
Try a berry-laden salad for a sweet contrast. Or, a quick tomato and cucumber salad adds a cool, crisp touch. For a bit of sweetness and spice, a pineapple-pepper slaw with honey dressing is perfect.
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Berry Salad | 15 minutes | Easy |
| Tomato Cucumber Salad | 10 minutes | Easy |
| Pineapple-Pepper Slaw | 20 minutes | Medium |
These fresh side dishes and crispy salads add a nice balance to crab cakes. They make for 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 top pick. 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 a mix of grilled summer vegetables like 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. You can make it with vinegar, cabbage, carrots, and radishes. Or, try a twist with pineapple and peppers. For a lighter option, use toasted sesame oil, peanuts, and apples.
Vinegar-Based Slaw
A vinegar-based cabbage slaw is a tasty alternative. It has shredded angel hair cabbage, grated carrots, and radishes. The tangy dressing pairs well with the veggies, making it a refreshing side 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 veggies, not mayonnaise. It includes toasted sesame oil, peanuts, and apples. This refreshing sides option lets the veggies’ natural flavors stand out.
| Coleslaw Variation | Key Ingredients | Calorie Count | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai-Style Coleslaw | Savoy cabbage, carrot, kohlrabi, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, green onions, black sesame seeds | 150 calories | 1 serving |
| Creamy Coleslaw | Green cabbage, carrots, parsley | 183 calories | 1 serving (out of 10) |
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. It’s a tangy and creamy side that contrasts well 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. This creates a flavorful dish that enhances the meal.
| Corn-Based Side | Description | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Corn on the Cob | Grilled or oven-roasted, this classic summer side offers a tender, juicy texture. | Sweet and satisfying |
| Best-Ever Succotash | A vibrant dish combining fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, basil, and salted butter. | Sweet, savory, and fragrant |
These corn sides add sweetness and texture to your crab cake feast. They make 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. It takes just 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.
This salad 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 to go with crab cakes can really 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. They offer a refreshing contrast to the savory crab. Their acidity and sweetness balance the flavors and clean the palate.
| Beverage | Pairing Recommendation | Average Price | Vintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riesling | Excellent choice for crab cakes | $32 | 2021 |
| Vouvray | Pairs beautifully with the richness of crab cakes | $48 | 2022 |
| Godello | Crisp and refreshing complement to crab cakes | $27 | 2022 |
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. Whether it’s a crisp white wine, a refreshing drink, or a creative cocktail, choose something that enhances the crab cake’s flavors.
Conclusion
Making the perfect crab cake meal is all about finding the right mix of flavors and textures. 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 go for a classic tartar sauce, a tangy remoulade, or a cool summer salad. The choices are endless when it comes to crab cake meal ideas and perfect crab cake pairings.
The fun of making the ultimate crab cake meal is in using top-notch ingredients and creative flavors. By trying out these versatile options, you can make your crab cake experience even better. This way, you get to enjoy the real taste of this West Coast seafood treasure.