What to Serve with Maryland Crab Cakes: 12 Best Side Dishes for Seafood Dinner
You’ve made the perfect Maryland crab cakes—golden, crispy on the outside, and packed with sweet, tender lump crab meat. Now comes the million-dollar question: What do you serve with them?
Crab cakes are rich and buttery, so the best side dishes balance that heaviness with fresh, bright, and crunchy flavors. You don’t want anything that will overpower that delicate crab taste. Think of your sides as the backup singers that make the star performer shine even brighter.
Here are 12 fantastic side dishes that will turn your crab cake dinner into a meal to remember. Let’s dive in!
The 12 Best Side Dishes for Crab Cakes
1. Classic Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the undisputed champion of crab cake sides. The cool, crisp texture and tangy flavor create a perfect contrast to the warm, rich crab cakes. You can go with a creamy mayo-based version or a lighter vinegar-based one for extra brightness.
- Pro tip: A little cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, while lime and cilantro give it a fresh twist. The crunch cleanses your palate between bites, making each crab cake taste just as good as the first.
2. Garlic Roasted Asparagus
This one is simple, elegant, and cooks in about 12–15 minutes. Toss fresh asparagus spears with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast them at 425°F until the tips get slightly crispy.
The slightly smoky, earthy flavor of asparagus pairs beautifully with sweet crab meat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving takes it over the top.
3. Mango Salsa
Looking for something a little different? Mango salsa brings a sweet and slightly spicy kick that perfectly balances the richness of crab cakes.
- What you’ll need: Diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño for heat.
- Why it works: The sweetness of the mango contrasts with the savory seafood, while the acidity from the lime cuts through the butter and breadcrumbs.
4. Sweet Potato Fries
Who says you can’t have fries with seafood? Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, and their natural sweetness is a great match for crab cakes.
Bake them in the oven or use an air fryer for a crispy exterior and soft interior. For extra flavor, sprinkle them with Old Bay seasoning to tie everything together.
5. Cucumber Dill Salad
If you want something light and refreshing, this is your side dish. Thinly sliced cucumbers with fresh dill and a light vinaigrette create a cool, crisp contrast to the warm crab cakes.
This salad is super easy to make ahead of time and keeps well in the fridge. The fresh dill adds a brightness that won’t compete with the crab’s delicate taste.
6. Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are a classic vegetable side, and when you add garlic and lemon, they become the perfect partner for crab cakes.
Sauté fresh green beans in olive oil with minced garlic until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt before serving. The garlic adds savory depth, while the lemon brightens the whole dish.
7. Corn Salad
Fresh corn salad brings a touch of sweetness that balances the savory crab meat perfectly. Mix fresh corn kernels with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a simple lime vinaigrette.
This side is light, colorful, and works great in the summer when corn is at its peak. The bright, tangy notes from the lime cut through the richness of the crab cakes and make each bite more enjoyable.
8. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is an excellent, no-fuss side that works for any occasion. The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy, creamy dressing add a refreshing contrast to the buttery crab cakes.
The dressing complements the seafood without covering up its delicate flavor. For a twist, you can even serve your crab cakes right on top of a Caesar salad.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural nutty, caramelized flavor, which pairs wonderfully with sweet crab meat.
Cut the sprouts in half, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F until they’re golden brown around the edges. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar after roasting for extra tang.
10. Creamy Mac and Cheese
If you’re in the mood for comfort food, mac and cheese is a decadent choice that pairs surprisingly well with crab cakes. The creamy, cheesy texture creates a satisfying contrast to the crispy crab cake exterior.
Keep the portion modest so it doesn’t overpower the star of your meal. The richness of the cheese sauce balances the delicate seafood flavor beautifully.
11. Grilled Zucchini Ribbons
Grilled zucchini ribbons are a light, fresh side that won’t steal the show. Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips using a vegetable peeler, then grill them quickly until they get nice char marks.
Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and squeeze a little lemon juice on top before serving. Their mild flavor and tender texture complement the crab cakes without competing with them.
12. Herbed Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic for a reason. For crab cakes, go with an herbed version that uses fresh parsley, dill, or chives to keep it light and fresh.
Use a lighter dressing with olive oil and vinegar instead of heavy mayo to let the herbs shine. The herbs add brightness that works well with the rich, buttery crab cakes.
How to Choose the Perfect Side for Your Crab Cakes
Picking the right side dish doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple rules of thumb:
- Balance the richness: Crab cakes are rich and buttery, so choose sides that are light, fresh, or tangy to cut through that heaviness.
- Add crunch: The soft texture of crab cakes pairs beautifully with crispy or crunchy sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or fries.
- Keep it simple: Don’t overload your plate with heavy, creamy sides. One creamy side is plenty—the rest should be fresh and light.
- Consider the season: Summer calls for fresh salads and grilled vegetables, while cooler weather might make you crave roasted veggies or mac and cheese.
The Perfect Sauces to Serve Alongside
No crab cake is complete without a good sauce! While lemon wedges are a classic choice, here are some dipping sauces that will elevate your meal:
| Sauce | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Tartar Sauce | A classic pairing—creamy and tangy, it complements the mild sweetness of crab. |
| Remoulade | Spicy and tangy with a bit of kick, perfect for those who like some heat. |
| Lemon Garlic Aioli | Garlic adds depth while lemon brings brightness—a top choice for crab cakes. |
| Cocktail Sauce | Tangy and slightly spicy, it’s a lighter option that enhances the crab flavor. |
| Simple Lemon Wedges | Sometimes the simplest is best—a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most traditional side dish for crab cakes?
Coleslaw is the most classic and traditional side for crab cakes. The cool, crunchy texture and tangy flavor provide the perfect contrast to the rich, warm crab cakes.
2. What vegetables go well with crab cakes?
Asparagus, green beans, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and broccoli all pair wonderfully with crab cakes. Roasting them with garlic and lemon is a simple way to bring out their best flavors.
3. Should I serve a starch with crab cakes?
Yes! Starches like sweet potato fries, roasted potatoes, or lemon rice can make the meal more filling. Just keep the portion reasonable so the crab cakes remain the star.
4. What sauce goes best with crab cakes?
Tartar sauce, remoulade, and lemon garlic aioli are the top choices. Even plain lemon wedges work great if you want to keep things simple.
5. Can I serve crab cakes with soup?
Absolutely! Corn chowder is a popular choice, and chilled soups like gazpacho can also work well, especially in warmer weather.
6. What salad goes with crab cakes?
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, Caesar salad, or cucumber dill salad are all excellent choices. The key is to keep the dressing light and fresh so it doesn’t overpower the crab.
The beauty of crab cakes is that they’re versatile enough to pair with everything from crispy fries to elegant roasted vegetables. No matter which sides you choose, remember to let that sweet, tender crab meat be the star of the show. The best side dishes complement, not compete.
So go ahead—pick a few from this list, set the table, and get ready for a seafood dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
