what to serve with crab cakes

7 Best Sides to Serve with Crab Cakes

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As autumn arrives, many look forward to enjoying crab cakes. These seafood delights bring back memories of family and festive meals. They remind us of the sea and comfort food. When enjoying these, people often wonder what sides go best with crab cakes. The right accompaniments can make their sweet taste even better, feeling like a hug from home. Plus, with crab season at its best, picking the perfect sides is key for cooks and food lovers.

This guide will show you seven sides that pair wonderfully with crab cakes. We’ll offer ideas that appeal to various tastes and preferences. You’ll learn about fresh salads that brighten your meal and cozy starches that add warmth. Whether for a dinner party or a simple meal, these sides will make your crab cakes a feast to remember. Let’s explore the best companions for crab cakes that make every bite a celebration!

Introduction to Crab Cakes and Their Popularity

Crab cakes are delicious treats that come from areas famous for fresh seafood, especially in places like Maryland. Many people love them because they’re part of a shift towards eating sustainably caught fish. This eco-friendly choice has helped crab cakes become very popular in homes everywhere.

There are many kinds of crab cake recipes, each with its own special flavors. You can find recipes from the classic Maryland style to ones influenced by various global cuisines. And for those eating healthy, there’s even a crab cake recipe that fits the whole 30 diet. With so many options, crab cakes cater to all tastes, making them a beloved meal across the country.

what to serve with crab cakes

Figuring out what goes with crab cakes means thinking about flavors that improve the dish. Crab meat is sweet and rich. It works well with sides that are a bit tart or citrusy. Things like fresh herbs and zesty sauces make great additions. These choices bring out the best in each crab cake bite.

Understanding Flavor Pairings

When picking sides for crab cakes, look for ones that match the crab’s taste. You might like:

  • Mustard or aioli for a creamy texture
  • Pineapple salsa for a tropical sweetness
  • Lemon-dill sauce to enhance the seafood flavors

These picks show how crab cakes can pair with many flavors. Choosing the right mix can make your meal stand out.

Regional Preferences and Traditions

Where you are can affect what you serve with crab cakes. In the South, people enjoy bold spices and thick sauces. Up North, the focus is on fresh herbs and light touches. For example:

RegionCommon Flavor Pairings
SouthernCreamy remoulade, spicy toppings
NortheasternHerbed sauces, citrus-infused sides
WesternSalsa variations, fresh vegetable medleys

Knowing these regional tastes helps in choosing great crab cake sides. It ensures a tasty and memorable meal.

Refreshing Salads as a Side Dish

Light salads are great with crab cakes. They add a pop of flavor and texture. These sides make your meal even better.

Coleslaw Variations

New coleslaw recipes use apples, carrots, and tangy dressings instead of mayo. They’re crunchy and go great with crab cakes. Adding fruits and veggies brings more color and taste to your dish.

Cucumber and Avocado Salad

This salad mixes avocado, cucumber, and lime juice. It’s fresh and simple to make. It makes crab cakes taste even better and looks good too. Great for making an impression at parties.

Check out this delivery service for many menu options. Adding tasty sides like coleslaw and cucumber salads makes your crab cake meal more appealing.

Classic Starches to Complement Crab Cakes

Looking to make your crab cake meal better? Adding classic starches can do just that. These options not only make the meal more enjoyable but also go great with crab cakes. Try these favorites next time you’re planning dinner.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are creamy and rich. They support the subtle crab cake flavors well. Adding olive oil makes them lighter and tastier. The garlic flavor works well with seafood, making it perfect for crab cakes.

Roasted Potatoes with Herbs

Roasted potatoes with herbs are both earthy and crunchy. They are an excellent choice. Herbs like rosemary and thyme add a nice aroma. They don’t overpower the seafood flavor. These potatoes make your meal even better.

classic starches to complement crab cakes

Vegetable Sides to Enhance Your Meal

Vegetables add vibrant colors and key nutrients to your meal. They balance the rich flavors of crab cakes well. Including veggie sides not only makes the dish look better but also adds to the taste of crab dishes. Below are two tasty options to make your meal even better.

Sautéed Asparagus with Lemon

Sautéed asparagus brings a bright and tangy taste. It matches the heaviness of crab cakes perfectly. Quick sautéing keeps the asparagus crispy, and lemon juice adds freshness. This side dish goes well with any crab cake sauce, making a perfect mix on your plate.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a summer favorite. It brings sweetness and texture to your crab cake dinner. The slightly charred kernels offer a pleasant contrast and boost the overall taste. Alongside crab cakes, this dish is a hit at family events or relaxed dinners.

Vegetable Side DishFlavor ProfileBest Paired With
Sautéed Asparagus with LemonBright and zestyCrab Cake Sauce
Grilled Corn on the CobSweet and smokyClassic Crab Cakes

Delicious Crab Cake Companions: Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces make eating crab cakes even better. These sides boost flavors and make your meal more fun. Here are two popular sauces that go great with crab cakes.

Creamy Crab Cake Remoulade

This tasty sauce adds a rich and creamy touch. It’s perfect with the crab cake’s crispy shell. Made with mayo, mustard, and spices, it highlights the crab’s sweetness.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Homemade tartar sauce is always a hit. It has mayo, diced pickles, and capers. This mix adds a fresh tang that matches the crab meat well. Its acid cuts through the crab cake’s richness, making every bite better.

crab cake remoulade

Looking at different crab cake pairings shows what makes this dish stand out. In the USA, each place has its own sides that go great with crab cakes.

In Maryland, crab cakes come with crispy fries and tangy coleslaw. This mix fits the local love for filling, cozy sides. It also balances the crab’s rich taste. In New England, crab cakes are often served with baked beans. This choice reflects the area’s food history and its fondness for beans.

So, you can go with Maryland’s popular fries or New England’s filling beans. Getting to know these crab cake sides lets you tailor your meal. By adding local flavors, you can make your dish extra tasty and unique.

Easy Crab Cake Sides for a Quick Meal

Need a quick meal? Easy crab cake sides are perfect. They add flavor and nutrition with little prep time.

Microwaveable Vegetables

Microwaveable vegetables are a colorful, nutritious choice. Steamed broccoli, carrots, and green beans keep nutrients and look great. They’re easy and complement crab cakes well.

Ready-Made Quinoa Salads

Try ready-made quinoa salads for another easy option. They’re full of protein with feta, olives, and cherry tomatoes. They boost nutrition and make your meal look good. For a quick pair to your crab cakes, grab a ready-made quinoa salad. Check out a tasty recipe here.

Wine and Beverage Pairings with Crab Cakes

Choosing the right drink can make your crab cake meal even better. White wines are great with crab cakes because they’re refreshing. Some of the top picks are:

  • Sauvignon Blanc: This wine’s bright acidity and citrus taste pair well with crab dishes.
  • Chardonnay: A light Chardonnay brings out the crab cakes’ richness with its buttery flavor.
  • Riesling: A German Riesling, with its balance of sweetness, is great with crab’s taste.
  • Pinot Grigio: It’s light and crisp, enhancing the crab’s subtle sweetness and briny flavor.

If you like something sparkling, Champagne and sparkling wines are fantastic. They add a fancy touch. Their bubbles help clean your taste buds between bites, which is perfect for rich dishes like crab bisque or crab pasta.

Light beers, including lagers or pilsners, also match well with crab cakes. Their refreshing taste offers a nice contrast, ideal for relaxed meals. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. It’s really refreshing.

Keep these tips in mind to enjoy your crab cakes more. Picking the right drink helps bring out the flavors of your meal.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sides for crab cakes makes your meal better. From salads to starches, many options are there. You can find a perfect balance for your meal.

Think about the occasion when picking what to serve. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fancy party, make sure the sides match the main dish.

Picking the right flavors is important to make crab cakes stand out. Also, don’t forget about sauces and drinks. They can make each bite even better. By trying different options, you’ll impress everyone with your meal.

The variety of sides for crab cakes shows your personal taste. It also celebrates this dish’s rich culture. Every meal is a chance to try new things. You’ll find amazing combinations for you and your friends, making every crab cake meal special.

FAQ

What are the best sides to serve with crab cakes?

Great sides for crab cakes include refreshing salads like coleslaw. You might also enjoy cucumber- avocado salad. For starches, try garlic mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes with herbs. Sautéed vegetables such as asparagus work well. Don’t forget dipping sauces like creamy crab cake remoulade or homemade tartar sauce to enhance the flavors.

What sauces pair well with crab cakes?

Creamy crab cake remoulade and homemade tartar sauce are top picks. The remoulade boosts the crab’s taste, while tartar sauce adds a zesty touch. It’s perfect for the crab’s sweetness.

Are there Whole30-approved sides for crab cakes?

Yes! Whole30-approved sides include fresh salads and steamed vegetables. Also, consider tasty starch alternatives like roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash. They complement crab cakes beautifully.

How can I keep my crab cake meal simple and quick?

Choose easy sides like microwaveable vegetables or ready-made quinoa salads. These choices are healthy, quick to prepare, and pair nicely with crab cakes.

Which beverages are recommended with crab cakes?

Light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pair well. Lagers or pilsners are also good choices. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. It’s very refreshing.

What makes a good crab cake pairing idea?

A good pairing idea brings out the crab’s flavors. Include light and zesty salads, robust starches, and tasty sauces. This creates a meal that’s rich in taste and texture.

Can I add a regional twist to my crab cake meal?

Definitely! Add a local flavor by pairing crab cakes with regional sides. In Maryland, fries and coleslaw are common. In New England, try baked beans for a popular choice.