What Goes With Crab Cakes in 2025? 9 Delicious Choices

Crab cakes are a savory dish that combines rich seafood flavor with a crispy, golden texture. The right pairings can take this dish from good to great, bringing out its natural taste without overpowering it.

Whether you’re serving crab cakes as an appetizer or main course, several sides and sauces complement the rich flavor. From fresh slaws to tangy dips, these pairings bring out the best in crab cakes and make for a well-rounded meal!

All the recipes on this page are carefully crafted by our team, including our in-house nutritionist, who also calculates the nutritional information provided. While we strive for accuracy, please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. 

1. Tangy, Crunchy, & Healthy Coleslaw

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Shred cabbage and carrots using a food processor or cheese grater.

2. Combine cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl.

3. Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

4. Toss dressing with vegetables.

5. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Overview 🔍

Coleslaw is an ideal side dish for crab cakes. The refreshing crunch and zesty dressing complement the rich flavors of crab cakes, balancing out the meal. Apple cider vinegar and olive oil add a light, tangy kick, and the carrots bring a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory crab.

I love this recipe because it’s quick and simple to make yet still packed with flavor. It’s also a low-calorie option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a great choice to balance out the richness of crab cakes without weighing you down.

2. Crab Cakes, Tartar Sauce, & Dijon Potato & Asparagus Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot until tender, then drain and mash.

2. Steam the asparagus until tender, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large bowl, combine crabmeat, mashed potatoes, asparagus, arugula, shallots, chives, breadcrumbs, pepper sofrito, and New England-style seasoning.

4. Add egg, mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, capers, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is combined.

5. Form the mixture into patties.

6. Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Fry the patties until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.

7. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

Overview 🔍

Enjoy crab cakes with tartar sauce for a health-packed, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy. The blend of wild-caught crab, tender potatoes, and fresh asparagus creates a savory, flavorful patty, while the homemade tartar sauce brings a zesty kick. The arugula adds a light, peppery crunch, making this dish a refreshing take on a classic.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. With a good dose of protein from the crab and healthy fats from the olive oil, it feels both hearty and wholesome. The tartar sauce adds the right amount of zing to keep every bite exciting.

3. Roasted Peaches & Cream Corn on the Cob

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven or barbecue to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the corn on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

3. Brush the corn with butter and season with salt and pepper.

4. Roast the corn for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and tender.

5. Serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

Corn on the cob goes really well with crab cakes. The natural sweetness of peaches and cream corn balances out the richness of the crab, providing a light and satisfying contrast. The slight caramelization from roasting adds depth to the flavor, and the butter adds a rich creaminess that feels indulgent while not too heavy on calories.

I like that this dish is quick and easy to prepare – it’s actually one of the easiest recipes I’ve ever made. The crunchy texture of the corn adds a refreshing element, making it an ideal side to balance out the meal.

4. Louisiana-Style Crab Cakes With Creole Remoulade

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Peel and boil the russet potatoes until tender, then mash them.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, crabmeat, diced red bell pepper, corn kernels, green onions, panko breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper.

3. Form the mixture into patties.

4. Heat olive oil in a medium non-stick pan and fry the patties until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side.

5. While the patties cook, prepare the Creole remoulade by combining the remoulade sauce and chipotle aioli.

6. Serve the crab cakes with a drizzle of remoulade and a squeeze of lemon.

Overview 🔍

Crab cakes with Creole-style remoulade is a spicy meal with bold flavors. The Cajun seasoning and chipotle aioli add a smoky, spicy kick, complementing the sweetness of the crabmeat. The crispy texture of the cakes provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy remoulade, making each bite flavorful and indulgent.

What I enjoy most about this recipe is how it layers zesty flavors that elevate the crab cakes. The combination of the crunchy texture and creamy remoulade creates a perfect balance of savory and spicy. At the same time, the addition of corn and red bell pepper brings natural sweetness and color to the dish.

5. Traditional Caprese Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds.

2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating them.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.

Overview 🔍

Crab cakes really get elevated with this fresh, tasty Caprese salad with basil. The fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil offer a refreshing contrast to the crab's richness. The drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil improves the tomatoes' natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

I love this recipe because it’s light, quick, and offers a burst of freshness. It’s the ideal complement to seafood, providing a refreshing and indulgent side that doesn’t overpower the main dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for a delicious, no-fuss meal.

6. Baked or Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cut the sweet potatoes into thin fries.

3. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray or in the air fryer basket.

5. Bake for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until crispy.

Overview 🔍

Sweet potato fries add a salty crunch to crab cakes. Their caramelized edges and soft centers contrast beautifully with the crispy, savory crab, making for a well-rounded meal.

This is a pretty versatile recipe, too. You can bake the fries for a deeper roasted flavor or air-fry them for extra crispiness in less time. They’re simple, nutritious, and bring just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness of seafood.

7. Glazed Parsnips With Thyme Butter

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss parsnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.

4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

5. Stir in honey, thyme leaves, and vegetable broth.

6. Add roasted parsnips, tossing to coat. Simmer until glazed and tender, about 5 minutes.

Overview 🔍

Parsnips have a rich, earthy taste that complements the delicate flavors of crab cakes. The buttery thyme glaze brings out their natural depth, adding a warm contrast to the crispy, savory seafood.

I like this recipe because it’s both comforting and elegant. The combination of roasted caramelization and a silky glaze makes it feel indulgent, yet it’s packed with nutrients. It’s an easy way to add variety to your lineup of side dishes

8. Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Chop tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.

2. Thinly slice the red onion.

3. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives (if using).

4. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then sprinkle with oregano, salt, and white pepper.

5. Gently toss, then top with feta cheese.

Overview 🔍

Greek village salad brings bright, briny flavors that cut through the richness of crab cakes. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta balance the seafood, keeping the meal fresh and satisfying.

I enjoy this dish because it’s simple yet packed with bold Mediterranean flavors. There’s no lettuce, just quality beans that speak for themselves. It’s light, refreshing, and requires almost no prep, making it an effortless yet flavorful side.

9. Chickpea & Red Kidney Bean Salad With Feta & Parsley

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Drain and rinse chickpeas and kidney beans.

2. Finely chop parsley and thinly slice red onion.

3. In a large bowl, combine beans, parsley, onion, and feta.

4. Add garlic (if using), vinegar, olive oil, cumin, and chili flakes (if using).

5. Toss gently and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Overview 🔍

This hearty bean salad adds a protein-packed, tangy contrast to crab cakes. The creamy feta and bold seasonings bring out the richness of the seafood, while the beans add substance without overpowering the dish.

I like this recipe because it’s fast, packed with fiber and protein, and delivers big flavors with minimal effort. The vinegar and cumin give it a satisfying depth. This salad is a great make-ahead side as it can be stored in the fridge for a few days.

FAQ

What goes well with crab cakes for dinner?

There are many side dishes you can eat with crab cakes. There's something for everyone, from fresh salads to roasted vegetables and hearty starches. A good side balances the crispy, savory seafood with complementary flavors and textures.

For example, Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki) is a great choice. The juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny feta contrast the richness of crab cakes. The light dressing keeps the meal balanced without overpowering the seafood.

What's a good dipping sauce for crab cakes?

Crab cakes pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, from creamy to tangy to spicy. Classic options include remoulade, tartar sauce, and aioli, which enhance the flavors of the crab without overshadowing them.

The Louisiana-Style Crab Cakes With Creole Remoulade already include a bold, flavorful sauce. The creamy remoulade, with its Cajun seasoning and chipotle aioli, adds a kick that complements the crispy crab cakes perfectly.

Do you eat crab cakes plain?

Crab cakes can be enjoyed on their own, but most people prefer them with a sauce or side dish. Adding a flavorful element enhances the dish and makes it more satisfying.

For instance, sweet potato fries make a simple yet tasty pairing. Their natural sweetness contrasts with the savory crab cakes, while their crispiness mirrors the golden crust of the seafood.