When it comes to serving crab cakes, deciding on the perfect accompaniments can be a daunting task. However, with so many delicious options available, you’re spoiled for choice. From classic combinations like macaroni salad and grilled veggies to more unexpected pairings such as mango salsa and roasted veggies, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for inspiration, think about your favorite fried foods – what do you normally serve alongside fried fish or shrimp? Perhaps a refreshing coleslaw, crispy French fries, a simple green salad, or even a hearty potato salad. These familiar flavors can also be applied to crab cakes, elevating the dish from good to great.
Macaroni Salad
When combining macaroni salad with fresh cakes, the harmonious flavors create a refreshing experience. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to substitute mayonnaise with mustard for a tangy twist. To achieve the perfect balance, serve the salad chilled alongside your warm cakes.
Grilled Veggies
This delectable recipe for grilled vegetables offers an effortless and flavorful side dish, ideal for pairing with seafood delicacies like crab meat or lobster. To prepare, simply slice your veggies into thin strips, allowing them to cook quickly over the grill. The resulting smoky flavor adds a rich depth to the dish, making it an excellent accompaniment to your next seafood dinner.
Wine
When it comes to enjoying a sophisticated dinner, wine is often the perfect accompaniment. For a seafood-inspired meal like crab cakes, white wine is an excellent choice. Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are popular options that pair well with lighter flavors, making them ideal for balancing out the heartiness of the dish. Champagne can also be a fantastic choice, offering a medium to full-bodied flavor profile that complements the crab cake recipe nicely.
Roasted Veggies
While roasted vegetables are undoubtedly flavorful, they often lack the deep smokiness that grilled options provide. This difference in flavor profile can be a blessing for those who find strong savory tastes overpowering. To add an extra layer of complexity to your veggies, combine complementary spices to create a unique flavor profile. For instance, you could pair roasted vegetables with crab cakes for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Furthermore, creating a homemade sauce to dip your veggies in can elevate the overall culinary experience.
Cocktails
When it comes to crafting cocktails to pair with lump crab meat, Bloody Mary is an excellent choice. The harmonious blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, and vodka creates a perfect synergy that complements the seafood’s delicate flavors.
Herbed Potatoes
Harmonize the flavors and textures of your crab cakes by pairing them with a delectable potato side dish. Use your preferred type of potato, such as Yukon gold or sweet potatoes, to create herbed potatoes that are sure to become an instant favorite. To give it an added depth, consider incorporating Cajun seasoning for a subtle spicy kick. For efficiency’s sake, you can also cut the potatoes into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time. Once cooked, top these flavorful spuds with a dollop of creamy remoulade or plain sour cream for a delightful contrast that will elevate your meal to new heights.
Bread Rolls
Indulge in the rich flavors of your homemade crab cakes by transforming them into delectable sandwiches. The key lies in placing these succulent treats between a freshly baked dinner roll, allowing the buttery aroma to meld with the savory sweetness of the crab. This tried-and-true method yields a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Corn Salad
When it comes to pairing with crab cakes, this refreshing corn salad is the perfect accompaniment. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste, as it’s all about experimentation and finding what works best for you.
To elevate the dish, consider chilling the salad before serving it alongside your crab cakes. This temperature contrast adds a delightful dimension to the overall experience.
Corn salad has a unique ability to complement an array of dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser during the summertime when corn is at its peak. By incorporating cucumbers, peppers, or other desired ingredients, you can easily make this dish healthier and more exciting.
This recipe’s versatility extends beyond mealtime – it’s equally suitable for lunch, dinner, or even as a party favorite to feed a large group. With its adaptability and flavor, the corn salad is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Asparagus and Tomatoes
One of the most iconic pairings with crab cakes is a simple yet flavorful asparagus and tomatoes dish that’s been a crowd-pleaser for years. To elevate this combination, roast the asparagus and tomatoes in the oven for 15-20 minutes to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. The longer they roast, the more complex the flavors become, so feel free to add extra time if you have it. For an added burst of citrusy freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the top before serving.
Green Salad
When it comes to pairing green salad with crab cakes, the combination is a match made in heaven. The vibrant colors of the lettuce provide a striking visual appeal, while its crunchy texture offers a delightful contrast to the softness of the crab cakes. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – choose your favorite type of lettuce and let personal preference guide your selection. For added sweetness and depth, consider incorporating fruit into the salad. Alternatively, top it off with crumbly feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. The key to success is finding a harmony between textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Remoulade
Remoulade sauce is an unparalleled match for seafood, particularly crab cakes. This versatile condiment pairs remarkably well with not only crab cakes but also scallops, oysters, or even crispy fried cod. The versatility of remoulade sauce lies in its ability to adapt to various flavor profiles – a dash of horseradish adds a tangy kick, while a drizzle of honey provides a touch of sweetness. Its simplicity is both its charm and convenience, as it can be prepared in two ways depending on time constraints and the number of guests being served. This sauce serves as an excellent alternative to ketchup and tartar sauce for seafood lovers. In fact, a lemon aioli sauce offers a comparable experience, making remoulade sauce a must-have addition to any seafood spread.
Tri-Color Slaw
Ditch the mundane slaw that usually accompanies crab cakes and level up with a vibrant tri-color slaw instead! Your taste buds will do the happy dance. To make this recipe shine, use a food processor with the slicing blade to whip it up quickly and efficiently. Freshness is key here, so be sure to opt for high-quality ingredients to bring out the best flavors. This refreshing side dish is perfect for warm weather, whether you’re in the midst of summer or enjoying the lighter vibes of spring.
Mango Salsa
Looking for a flavor boost in your crab mixture? Consider adding a sweet and tangy twist with this amazing mango salsa recipe! Not only is it perfect as a snack or appetizer, but you can also use it as a topping for cakes or enjoy it on its own. The key to achieving the best flavors is using ripe ingredients, so be sure to select the freshest options available. And don’t be limited – feel free to experiment with other fruits like [insert other fruits here] and see how they enhance the dish. For inspiration, check out tastemade.com.
Grilled Avocados Salad
Take your salads to the next level by grilling avocados instead of using regular ones. This adds a rich, smoky flavor that will elevate your dish. Despite its sophisticated appearance, this salad is surprisingly easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests when you serve it at dinner time. For an added twist, consider topping it with grilled shrimp to turn it into a main course or keeping it as a side dish. To bring out the best flavors, be sure to include chopped pepper, onion, fresh cilantro, and garlic in your salad. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and make it truly unique.
Corn Chowder
While cakes are always a delightful treat, they’re often made more satisfying by pairing them with a warm and comforting bowl of chowder. This corn-based delight is particularly filling and flavorful, making it an excellent match for your favorite desserts. But what truly sets this recipe apart is its ease of preparation. With just a food processor, some fresh ingredients, and 20 minutes of your time, you can have a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table in no time. And while chowder is certainly enjoyed throughout the year, there’s something special about savoring it during the colder winter months when its hearty warmth is especially welcome.
Chickpea Salad
When it comes to serving crabmeat, a vibrant and refreshing salad is an excellent choice. This particular recipe requires only 20 minutes of preparation time and uses straightforward ingredients, allowing you to focus on bonding with loved ones or guests rather than slaving away in the kitchen. To streamline the process, utilize a food processor to efficiently chop the necessary components, which would be a tedious task to accomplish manually. As a bonus, this chickpea salad recipe beautifully complements the fresh seafood flavors found in your crab cakes.
Gazpacho
Transform your leftover crab cakes into a warm and satisfying experience by pairing them with a delicious gazpacho soup. This recipe requires minimal effort, as all it needs is a food processor or blender and some fresh ingredients to bring it together. What’s more, this dish checks all the flavor boxes, offering a little bit of everything in each spoonful.To truly elevate the taste, be sure to use only the freshest and ripest ingredients available. The beauty of gazpacho lies in its versatility, making it an excellent option for any time of year. Plus, its simplicity allows you to whip up a big batch that can be enjoyed whenever you need something light and satisfying.
Final Words
Indulge in these mouth-watering recipes with your loved ones. From the comfort of your own home, gather your family and friends to savor each delicious bite. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these tasty treats!
