When it comes to deciding on the perfect accompaniments for crab cakes, I’m here to guide you through the options. For me, crab cakes evoke memories of sunny days spent by the ocean in Florida. There’s something special about enjoying a plate of these savory treats while taking in the sights and sounds of the coast. But, even if you’re not near the water, crab cakes can still be a showstopper at any gathering.
Crab cakes have a rich history that dates back to the 1930s, and their popularity has only continued to grow over time. They’ve become a staple in many seafood restaurants across the United States, and it’s easy to see why – the combination of sweet crab meat, crunchy breadcrumbs, and creamy sauce is hard to resist. While a single bite of crab cake may be enough to satisfy your cravings, it’s unlikely to fill you up completely. That’s where side dishes come in.
Typically, restaurants might serve them with lemon wedges, crackers, potato salad, or fries, but why settle for the same old combinations when you can mix things up? Whether you’re hosting a party, entertaining friends, or simply looking for a new family favorite, crab cakes are an excellent choice. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home. So, what are some fantastic side dishes that pair perfectly with crab cakes?
The options are endless, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites with you. Try them out and see which ones become new staples in your household.
Grilled Veggies
When indulging in the rich flavors of tender crab meat, it’s hard to beat the harmonious combination with smoky grilled vegetables. Grilled corn, eggplant, squash, asparagus, and onions create a delightful pairing that elevates the overall dining experience. Not only do these flavors meld together in perfect harmony, but the vibrant colors on your plate add an extra layer of visual appeal. A truly great meal should not only tantalize the taste buds, but also delight the eyes.
Roasted Veggies
Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and add depth of flavor. This cooking method not only caramelizes the natural sugars but also gives the veggies a tender, slightly crunchy texture that complements crab cakes nicely. To achieve this rustic yet elegant combination, simply toss your favorite vegetables with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, then pop them into the oven for a few minutes.
The result is a delicious contrast to the smokiness from grilling, adding variety to your dish.
Herbed Potatoes
When it comes to pairing side dishes with crab cakes, potatoes are a match made in heaven. Their soft, savory texture provides a delightful contrast to the crunchy, flavorful crust of the crab cakes. Roasting your potatoes takes them to the next level, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding a satisfying depth of flavor. To achieve this, choose hardy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet, which will yield a nice crunch when cooked.
To prepare your potatoes for roasting, start by thoroughly rinsing them to remove any dirt or debris. Then, slice them into small chunks and arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite herbs and spices. I’m particularly fond of combining turmeric, oregano, parsley, and cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Finally, pop your potato medley into the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown. With this simple recipe, you’ll have a delicious side dish that’s sure to complement your crab cakes perfectly.
Corn Salad
Imagine enhancing the summer essence of crab cakes with a revitalizing side dish that harmonizes perfectly. A refreshing corn salad, for instance, is an ideal match. To create this delightful accompaniment, simply combine corn kernels, basil, and scallions, then drizzle it with a zesty salt and vinegar dressing. The resulting sweet, crunchy, and tangy flavors will beautifully complement the soft and flaky crab cakes.
Alternatively, consider pairing your crab cakes with a succotash salad, where the combination of corn and lima beans creates a vibrant and flavorful dish that will perfectly round out your meal.
Green Salad
The classic combination of crab cakes and green salad is a match made in heaven. While arugula and radish may add a peppery kick, mustard greens bring a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the crab cakes perfectly. This pairing not only satisfies the palate but also provides numerous health benefits. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for a quick yet impressive meal.
Colorful Slaw
Elevate your slaw game by experimenting with a variety of colorful vegetables! Ditch the ordinary cabbage and carrots and add some excitement to this refreshing side dish. Start by combining a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix with sunflower seeds, creamy salad dressing, and a drizzle of white vinegar dressing for a tangy twist. For an added touch of sweetness, throw in some sugar.
The resulting flavor combination is not only delicious, but also visually appealing – the vibrant colors of the ingredients will make your plate look even more inviting, perfect for pairing with crab cakes or any other dish.
Grilled Avocados
The union of avocados and crab cakes is a match made in heaven, as both share a rich and creamy texture. To take this combination to new heights, try grilling the avocados! The subtle char it develops adds an incredible depth of flavor. To achieve this, place peeled and pitted avocado halves on a griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another minute. Once perfectly toasted, add them to a vibrant salad comprising lettuce, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and coriander.
The crowning glory is when you drizzle the salad with a dressing that combines chives, basil, avocado, lime juice, garlic, hot sauce, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. This harmonious blend elevates both the grilled avocados and the accompanying crab cakes.
Chickpea Salad
This vibrant salad is the perfect accompaniment to crab cakes, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The combination of chickpeas, parsley, and celery is elevated by a zesty lemon herb dressing that’s as refreshing as it is nutritious. With its satisfying crunch, filling presence, and impressive nutritional profile, this side dish truly has it all.
Gazpacho
Gazpacho’s harmonious union with fried foods is undeniable. The classic combination of crispy crab cakes and refreshing gazpacho is a match made in heaven. The velvety smoothness of the cold soup provides a delightful contrast to the crunchy, rich flavor of the crab cakes.
To craft this Andalusian-inspired delight, start by soaking stale bread in water.
Then, blend together an assortment of garden-fresh ingredients, including juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, pungent garlic, crisp celery stalks, refreshing cucumbers, bell peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt, sugar, and pepper.
But why stop at the classic recipe? Why not add some summer sweetness to elevate this gazpacho experience? Ripe mangoes blend seamlessly into the mix, creating an unexpected yet sublime synergy with the crab cakes.
Allow the sweet and tangy flavors to meld together, and you’ll be rewarded with a culinary symphony that will leave your taste buds singing.
Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is another culinary delight that warrants attention. This hearty soup boasts a rich, velvety texture, balancing notes of sweetness and savory depth reminiscent of a well-crafted crab cake. The harmonious combination of flavors makes for a satisfying pairing with the refreshing, slightly sweet crab cakes.
Mango Salsa
Imagine a salsa that defies the conventional wisdom, one that incorporates the sweetness of summer’s star fruit: mangoes. This unique blend not only complements crunchy chips, but also pairs exquisitely with crab cakes, elevating their tender texture and rich flavor profile. The experience is nothing short of revelatory when you dip those delicate cakes into a bowl of this vibrant sauce.
What’s more, the mango salsa’s versatility knows no bounds – it can be savored in its pure, unadulterated form or given a bold twist with the addition of a jalapeno pepper, allowing you to tailor its heat and flavor to your personal preference.
Remoulade
While crab cakes are already a delicious treat, they’re elevated to a whole new level when paired with a tasty dipping sauce. Remoulade is arguably the most popular choice for crab cake enthusiasts, but what’s behind its allure? This French condiment has an aioli or mayo base, similar to tartar sauce but with a distinct yellow hue.
Flavor profiles can vary, with some recipes incorporating curry and paprika for added depth, while others may include capers, horseradish, anchovies, and other seasonings. Originally designed as a meat accompaniment, remoulade has since become a staple for fish cakes like crab cakes.
To craft your own remoulade sauce, combine the essential ingredients: mayo, ketchup, mustard, shredded horseradish, capers, parsley, onion, and lemon juice.
Feel free to customize with Cajun seasoning and pepper if you prefer a bolder flavor profile.
Asparagus and Tomatoes
For an additional nutritious accompaniment to your crab cakes, consider incorporating green jalapeños into the mix. This will not only add flavor but also provide a satisfying spicy kick that complements the dish nicely.
Bread Rolls
While the resemblance between crab cakes and burger patties is undeniable, there’s no reason why they can’t be enjoyed with a similarly rustic accompaniment – namely, freshly baked bread rolls. Rather than purchasing these from a bakery, consider taking matters into your own hands by baking them yourself. Not only will this add an extra layer of excitement to the experience, but it’ll also allow you to tailor the flavor and texture to your liking.
Cocktails
A perfect pairing for crab cakes can be found in two classic cocktails: Bloody Mary and citrus-based drinks like mojitos and gimlets. The tangy flavors of tomatoes, peppers, and vodka in a Bloody Mary expertly complement the rich, savory taste of crab cakes, creating a harmonious combination. Meanwhile, a refreshing glass of mojito or gimlet adds a light and airy feel to your meal, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings.
With these two options, you’ll be sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Wine
When it comes to pairing wine with crab cakes, you’ll want to opt for something that can cut through the richness of the dish. Champagne is an excellent choice here, offering a crisp acidity that complements the heartiness of the crab cakes nicely. Other white wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are also great options, as they tend to have medium to full-bodied flavors that won’t overpower the delicate taste of the seafood.
