36 Best Side Dishes to Serve With Crab Cakes [2024 Trends]

Crab cakes are a culinary delight that many seafood lovers can't resist. Known for their rich, succulent flavor, crab cakes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own or partnered with an array of side dishes. Yet the question that often arises is, "what to serve with crab cakes?" The answer to this question is as diverse as culinary tastes vary. Whether you prefer your crab cakes with a light salad or a hearty soup or a tangy salsa, the possibilities are endless.

In this post, I'll delve into the art of pairing crab cakes with the perfect side dishes to enhance your dining experience beyond ordinary. With choices ranging from simple to sophisticated, there's something to satisfy every palette. So let's embark on this mouth-watering journey together to explore the world of delicious pairings for crab cakes.

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36 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Crab Cakes in 2024

Every great culinary delight must be accompanied by equally fabulous side dishes. When it comes to crab cakes, this rule is no exception. The best sides for crab cakes don't just complement them perfectly but also enhance their flavors. Let's explore some of the tastiest pairings to make your meal an unforgettable experience.

1. Fresh Corn Salad

Fresh Corn Salad is an excellent side dish to serve with your crab cakes. Crisp, sweet corn kernels tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, and mixed with your favorite summer veggies is nothing short of delicious. When you combine the tenderness of crab cakes with the crunch of a fresh salad, you get an unmatched feast for your palate. Add a bit of avocado or some fresh herbs to really bring out the sweetness of the corn against the crab. Be sure to use fresh basil and some freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the flavors!

2. Eggplant Mixed Grill

When it comes to seafood, eggplant is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But once you incorporate it as part of your crab cake meal, you will never see eggplant, or your crab cakes, the same way again. Grilling eggplants brings out a unique, smoky flavor that skillfully complements the creamy texture of crab cakes. You can marinate your eggplants with some garlic, olive oil, salt, and add a dash of thyme or oregano on top. Got leftovers? They make a fantastic lunch the following day.

3. Mad Hatter Salad

This Mad Hatter Salad is a wonderfully whimsical mix of greens that pairs beautifully with crab cakes. Named after the famed character in Alice in Wonderland, it will take you on a culinary journey to wonderland. The crunchy greens, mixed with your favorite veggies and a well-balanced vinaigrette offers the perfect contrast to the succulence of crab cakes. Finish it with some roasted pine nuts and crumbles of feta cheese for an entirely new level of complexity.

4. Air Fryer Roasted Okra

Okra might be a controversial vegetable because of its massive texture, but you can't deny the flavor it can add to a meal. Especially, when it is air-fried and served alongside crab cakes, it becomes a crunchy, caramelized delight that you can’t resist. Season your okra with some simple salt and black pepper, throw it in the air fryer and watch the magic happen. The slight bitterness of okra strikes a harmonious balance with the richness of the crab cakes.

5. Cranked Up Corn Chowder

If you're a fan of comfort food, then the Cranked Up Corn Chowder would be a delightful accompaniment to your crab cakes. Corn, potatoes, carrots, and celery simmered in a creamy broth, the chowder's sweet and savory notes perfectly complement the saltiness of crab cakes. Sprinkle in some caramelized bacon or fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor. It adds a heart-warming feel to your crab cake dish that will indeed make it a crowd favorite.

6. Vinagrete (Brazilian Tomato Slaw)

Vinagrete, commonly known as Brazilian Tomato Slaw, adds a fresh and tangy twist when served alongside crab cakes. An invigorating symphony of tomatoes, onions, vinegar, and parsley, the bright acidity of Vinagrete cuts through the richness of crab cakes, thereby balancing the overall flavors. Trust me, this Brazilian tomato slaw and crab cakes combo is nothing short of a culinary revelation.

7. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a classic side dish and is wonderfully versatile. The slightly charred, smoky flavor of the asparagus goes superbly with the melt-in-the-mouth texture of crab cakes. Add a squeeze of lemon, a little garlic, and some sea salt, and you have a side dish that not only enhances the crab cakes but also holds its own on the plate.

8. Chef John's White Gazpacho

Elevate your crab cakes dinner by pairing it with Chef John's White Gazpacho. This chilled Spanish soup is an awesome summer treat and its unique blend of flavors amazes with the crab cakes. The soup is made with cucumber, green grapes, and almond—resulting in a creamy rich flavor that truly stands out when served with crab cakes. A sprinkle of chopped almonds as garnish adds just the right amount of crunch. This is certainly a pairing that will surprise and delight.

9. Remoulade Sauce a la New Orleans

Jazz up your crab cake feast with the zesty Remoulade Sauce a la New Orleans. This fancy condiment, full of chopped capers, pickles, and herbs, not only enhances the robust flavors of crab cakes but also adds a punch of color to the plate. Known for its tangy, and slightly spicy profile, it makes a great pairing to serve with crab cakes – a real taste of New Orleans in every bite.

10. Red Pepper Soup

For an elegant complement to crab cakes, try serving them with Red Pepper Soup. This sharp, slightly sweet soup, made from fresh red peppers and spices, provides a beautiful contrast to the savory crab cakes. With its striking color and creamy texture, this pairing is as visually appealing as it is delicious. The combination of the smooth red pepper soup and crispy crab cakes offers a medley of flavors that are sure to impress any food lover.

11. Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad

If you're looking for a healthy pairing, the Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad is a superb choice. The tart cranberries, fresh cilantro, fluffy quinoa, and sweet honey-lime dressing create a vibrant and refreshing side dish that stands up to the robustness of crab cakes. The salad's vibrant color and crisp texture add a satisfying contrast that boosts the whole dining experience.

12. Air-Fried Roasted Sweet Peppers and Onions

Let's talk about a side dish bursting with colors and flavors – Air-Fried Roasted Sweet Peppers and Onions. This simple yet delicious side enlivens the crab cakes with its sweet and smoky notes. Tossed in olive oil and seasonings, the air-fried peppers and onions provide a smoky sweetness that balances the crab cake's richness. Plus, it's quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice when you want a gourmet meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

13. Spinach Salad with Peaches and Pecans

It's delightful to pair your crab cakes with something refreshing and a bit sweet. That's where the Spinach Salad with Peaches and Pecans comes in — a dreamy mix of ripe peaches, crisp spinach, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette. This bright and light salad offers a pleasing contrast to the savory seafood flavor of your crab cakes. The sweet, juicy peaches pair perfectly with the crab, while the pecans add a nice crunchy texture to every bite.

14. Avocado Soup

For a side dish that is just as rich and creamy as your crab cakes, look no further than Avocado Soup. This cool, velvety soup is packed with the creamy goodness of ripe avocados, yogurt and a hint of lime, offering a balance of decadence and lightness that goes perfectly well with your crab cakes. Adding a hint of spiciness with some freshly ground black pepper makes this pairing an unforgettable treat.

15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Vegetable sides are a go-to when it comes to pairing with crab cakes. And Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan stand out as an excellent choice. The sprouts are roasted till they're golden brown and crispy, then sprinkled with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese for that scrumptious umami flavor. The crunchy texture and flavorsome coating of these Brussels sprouts make them a fantastic accompaniment to the soft and flavorful crab cakes.

16. Avocado, Tomato and Mango Salsa

When you want to add a tropical twist to your crab cakes, pairing them with an Avocado, Tomato and Mango Salsa is a great idea. The tropical sweetness of mangoes, the creaminess of avocados, the tanginess of tomatoes, and the pop of bright cilantro create a refreshing and vibrant salsa that complements the richness of crab cakes flawlessly. This combination hits all the right notes of tangy, sweet, creamy and savory, providing a feast of flavors to your palate.

17. Kristen's Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

There is an undeniable magic that is brought about combining soft, tender, crispy potatoes with a robust, rich crab cake. Kristen's Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are delightfully simple. These roasted potatoes, painted with a generous layer of Parmesan, provide a round, solid flavor that pairs well with crab cakes like a dream.

18. Chef John's Succotash

Crab cakes and succotash are two dishes that herald the arrival of summertime when our diets lean towards fresher, lighter fare. A traditional Southern favorite, Chef John's Succotash, features an array of colorful veggies cooked in a flavorful broth, yielding a side that is both delicious and visually appetizing. With the sweetness of corn and lima beans, the earthiness of bell pepper, and that luscious hit of cream, succotash serves both as complement and contrast to crab cakes.

19. Glazed Carrots

A side of Glazed Carrots provides a perfect, sweet counterpoint to the savory crab cakes. The carrots are cooked to tender perfection, glazed with a sweet and buttery sauce that accentuates the natural sweetness of the carrots. The result is a bright, cheerful side dish that pairs beautifully with the rich, savory goodness of crab cakes.

20. Watermelon and Feta Salad with Arugula and Spinach

For a fresh and delightful take on a side salad, consider pairing your crab cakes with a Watermelon and Feta Salad with Arugula and Spinach. The refreshing watermelon cubes, creamy feta cheese, and peppery arugula and spinach leaves are tossed in a zesty dressing, making for a lively, refreshing salad that has plenty of color and texture to keep your palate excited. The mix of sweet, salty, and peppery flavors in this salad makes it an alluring partner for the crab cakes.

21. Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

Salty, tangy, with just the right amount of creaminess - Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect accompaniment to a perfectly fried crab cake. The tender noodles, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing harmoniously blend together to make a side salad that won't steal the show from your main star but perfectly play its supporting role.

22. Zucchini Gratin Casserole

If you're looking for another nutritious yet hearty side, try the Zucchini Gratin Casserole. The creaminess of the cheese and the slight crunch from the baked zucchini add varied textures that go well with crab cakes. Unleashing an alluring aroma of thick, molten cheese with hints of earthy zucchini, this side is a wonderful, creamy creation that beautifully balances crab cakes' tender, flaky goodness.

23. Dill Sauce

A side doesn't always have to be an elaborate dish. Sometimes, a simple yet flavorful Dill Sauce can make a world of difference in complementing the seafood richness of crab cakes. This tangy, herby, and slightly creamy sauce enhances the natural flavors of seafood, making it a match made in culinary heaven with crab cakes.

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24. Lime Cilantro Rice

Lime Cilantro Rice is a light side dish that can balance the richness of the crab cakes. The refreshing, zesty taste of the limes paired with the subtle flavor of cilantro adds an extra dimension to the rice that brings out the complexity of flavors in the crab cakes. Enjoy the light, fluffy, and utterly flavorful rice with your savory crab cakes for a dining experience you won't soon forget.

25. Simple Broccolini

A green side to freshen your plate, Simple Broccolini is another great option to serve with your crab cakes. The slightly crisp texture and the subtle, earthy flavor of broccolini makes it a healthy and tasty companion to the rich crab cakes. Whether you steam it, saute it or grill it, broccolini offers a great way to add a touch of green on your plate without overpowering the star of the show - the crab cakes.

26. Mexican Bean Salad

Add some spiciness to your meal with a Mexican Bean Salad. This vibrant salad combines the heartiness of beans with the freshness of tomatoes and bell peppers, the tanginess of lime and a kick from jalapeños. The salad's bold flavors can hold their own against the savory crab cakes, creating a jazzy harmony that dances on your palate with every bite.

27. Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries

For those who want a bit of crunch with their crab cakes, why not try Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries? They are a healthier alternative to regular fries, offering a slightly sweet taste that pairs remarkably well with the salty, savoury crab cakes. Each crisp, golden fry is an adventure of flavor that echoes the delightful taste of crab cakes. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully crisp, these sweet potato fries will bring a delightful contrast to your plate.

28. Tartar Sauce

No list of sides for crab cakes will be complete without Tartar Sauce. This silky, creamy and tangy sauce is a traditional pair for any seafood and it never fails. Its cool tanginess goes perfectly with the warm, rich crab cakes enhancing their taste without overpowering it. A spoonful of homemade tartar sauce can turns your crab cake experience into a fancy restaurant-like dining moment. You can't go wrong with a classic!

29. Oven Roasted Parmesan Corn on the Cob

When you're looking to offset the sumptuousness of crab cakes with something light yet flavorful, Oven Roasted Parmesan Corn on the Cob can be a delightful addition to your serving plate. This dish features fresh corn on the cob, roasted to perfection and then sprinkled with salty Parmesan cheese and herbs, embodying a mélange of taste and texture. The sweet crunchiness of the corn, combined with the savory flavors of Parmesan, harmonizes wonderfully with the flavorsome profile of crab cakes.

30. Potato Salad With Dijon And Scallions

Another timeless side that seems to have a historic match with crab cakes is Potato Salad With Dijon And Scallions. This delicacy is a stellar blend of tender potatoes, zesty Dijon, and fresh scallions, which lends a creamy and slightly piquant flavor. This salad's texture and flavor interplay remarkably with the lushness of crab cakes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

31. Three-Bean Pasta Salad

If the classic salads seem a tad common, venture out to try a Three-Bean Pasta Salad. Combining the heartiness of three different beans with the comforting taste of pasta, this salad is an explosion of flavors and textures. Its robust nature stands up just right to the meaty taste of crab cakes, ensuring a flavorful interplay in every bite.

32. Baked Zucchini Fries

For a healthier, yet equally delicious alternative to traditional potato fries, Baked Zucchini Fries are your go-to option. Coated in crispy golden breadcrumbs and parmesan, these zucchini fries are a perfect blend of crisp and tender. The subtly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth inner perfectly compliments the crunch of their exterior. Served alongside crab cakes, these fries create a delightful contrast of texture and a brilliantly balanced flavor combination that is sure to please.

33. Quick Pickled Slaw

Seeking something tangy to cut through the rich succulence of crab cakes? Then Quick Pickled Slaw might just be the culinary companion you're looking for. With its vibrant punch of vinegar juxtaposed against the gentler, sweet-and-sour crunch of mixed vegetables, it's a delight to the senses. Its refreshing qualities cleanse the palette between bites of indulgent crab cakes, ensuring your taste buds relish the full spectrum of seafood flavors.

34. Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad

If you gravitate towards sweeter accompaniments, a Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad might strike your fancy. This unique mix of ripe, juicy watermelon and tangy tomato, bathed in a light marinade, creates a surprisingly tantalizing side. The interplay of sweet and tangy refreshes your palette, harmonizing with the rich, savory crab cakes to create a symphony of flavors that dance delightfully on your tongue.

35. Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad With Field Peas

For a refreshing yet hearty side option, look no further than Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad With Field Peas. This side integrates al dente pasta, garden-fresh field peas, and zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing into a hearty, satisfying salad. The tart lemon dressing aids in cutting through the richness of crab cakes, while the pasta and peas bring a grounding, earthy element to your meal.

36. Carrot Soup With Pea Pesto

Last but certainly not least, let's not forget a warm, comforting side like Carrot Soup With Pea Pesto. This delicate soup offers a delightful sweetness from the carrots, coupled with a flourishing green pea pesto that adds a complexity of taste. Its smooth, creamy consistency complements the lusciousness of crab cakes, completing your seafood experience with a comforting note. The difference in temperatures between the hot soup and cold crab cake also adds an appealing dimension to your dining experience.

Also Read: Best French Side Dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

After all is said and done, what truly matters is finding the perfect side dish to complement your crab cakes. It isn't just about what matches well with crab cakes, but also about what you as an individual or your guests prefer. Whether you're enticing your palette with the freshness of a corn salad or elevating your taste buds with savory roasted potatoes, every side dish brings its own unique experience to the table.

Remember, every great meal is a symphony, and crab cakes, partnered with the right side dishes can serve as a beautiful orchestra on a plate. Embark upon this culinary adventure and discover all the creative, delicious options at hand. Enjoy your crab cakes and dine divinely!