What to Serve with Crab Cakes – 15 Tasty Sides

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Crab cakes are delicious, easy to make, and always a huge hit at the dinner table. But deciding what to serve with crab cakes is really what takes your crab cake dinner to the next level. Read on for 15 of our favorite sides for crab cakes.

These golden crab patties bring a perfect blend of flavors and textures. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and they’re versatile, so they can be served with variety of sides and sauces.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a fancy-feeling weeknight meal, I’ve got a list of the best side dishes for crab cakes that will make your main dish shine.

1. Green Salad

A classic green salad with crisp, fresh lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes adds a light and crunchy element and lighter flavors to pair with the savory flavors of tender crab meat. This is the perfect dish to keep your meal on the lighter side and make it a bit healthier. 

2. Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with a tangy dressing can be a comforting and hearty side dish. This is the best simple side dish that can be made ahead of time to pair with fresh crab cakes. 

3. Green Beans

Whether steamed, sautéed, or roasted green beans bring a vibrant and crisp bite to the table that gives you a nice texture contrast to the soft crab cakes. We highly recommend trying our Southern style green beans or green beans almondine pictured above.

4. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a classic seafood side dish perfect for serving alongside crab cakes. Serve them with a little melted butter and your meal is complete!

5. Cucumber Corn Salad

A corn salad with fresh kernels, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs brings a burst of sweetness and color to your plate.

6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the savory notes of crab cakes while adding a filling and nutritious element to the meal.

7. Chickpea Salad

A light and protein-packed chickpea salad with a lemony vinaigrette gives you a refreshing contrast, making it a perfect companion to the richness of crab cakes.

8. Corn Chowder

A warm and hearty corn chowder can serve as the perfect accompaniment to fresh Maryland crab cakes! This great side dish is filling and comforting, perfect for a winter meal.

9. Avocado Salsa

Wake up your taste buds with this perfect addition to delicious crab cakes! Creamy avocado meets tangy salsa in a match made in flavor heaven. This side not only adds a refreshing element but also contributes a hint of spice.

10. Grilled Asparagus

The smokiness of grilled asparagus complements the sweetness of rich crab cakes. This is a great way to add some green vegetables to the meal.

11. Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Fresh corn and black bean salsa (cowboy caviar) not only adds color to your plate but also brings a Southwestern flair that pairs wonderfully with the mild sweetness of crab.

12. Creamy Coleslaw

The creamy, crunchy goodness of coleslaw is a tasty contrast to the crispy exterior of the crab cakes. Opt for a classic cabbage slaw or get creative with apple or jicama additions. This is a classic favorite to serve alongside seafood meals. 

13. Coconut Jasmine Rice

A fragrant and fluffy coconut jasmine rice serves as a perfect neutral canvas for your crab cakes. The subtle coconut aroma adds a tropical touch, creating a delightful pairing that complements the seafood flavors. The white rice makes the meal more filling and satisfying.

14. Mango Salsa

Elevate your crab cake experience with a tropical twist. A mango salsa brings a burst of sweetness and creaminess to the crab cakes.

15. French Fries

Sometimes you just want to keep it simple and french fries (or sweet potato fries) are a classic pairing for any seafood dish. Sprinkle a little fresh parsley and parmesan cheese on top for a ton of added flavor and the perfect balance with your crispy crab cakes.

16. (Bonus!) Sauces

While technically not a side dish, a great dipping sauce is a must-have with homemade crab cakes. A tangy remoulade sauce, copycat Zax sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, dijon mustard, hot sauce, or a classic tartar sauce are all great flavors to add. These sauces not only enhance the crab cakes but also add an extra layer of flavor.