Best Side For Crab Cakes

Let’s be honest: crab cakes are the divas of the seafood world. They’re flaky, buttery, and just a little bit picky about who they hang out with. You wouldn’t put a $50 steak next to a sad pile of canned corn, so why would you do that to a perfect crab cake?

The right side dish is like the best wingman at a party. It makes your crab cake look good, taste better, and feel complete. Mess it up, and you’ll be left picking crab flakes out of a puddle of coleslaw juice, wondering where it all went wrong.

I’ve seen people serve crab cakes with french fries. Listen, I love fries more than most people love their pets, but that’s like wearing sneakers with a tuxedo. It’s comfortable, but it’s not a good look.

The Trusty Classics That Always Deliver

First up: coleslaw. I know, I know—coleslaw gets a bad rap for being that watery, sad stuff at picnics. But a fresh, crunchy slaw—think cabbage, a little apple, maybe some fennel—is the yin to the crab cake’s yang.

The cool, tangy crunch cuts through the rich, buttery crab like a friend who tells you you’ve got spinach in your teeth. It saves the day every single time. Plus, you can make it a day ahead and feel like a meal-prep genius.

Another all-star is remoulade sauce on the side, not as a side dish but as an essential partner. Dipping a hot crab cake into a spicy, creamy remoulade is like giving your taste buds a standing ovation.

You don’t need much else—just the cake, the sauce, and a fork. That’s a three-second commute to happiness.

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The Sides That Feel Like a Warm Hug

If you’re eating crab cakes on a rainy Tuesday (no judgment), a side of creamy grits is your best friend. It’s the comfort-food equivalent of wearing sweatpants to a meeting—nobody’s mad about it.

Stir in a little sharp cheddar and a pat of butter, and suddenly your kitchen table feels like a coastal bed and breakfast. The grits catch the crabby juices, and every spoonful is a little ocean kiss.

Don’t sleep on roasted asparagus either. Hear me out—it’s not boring if you char it properly with olive oil and salt. The crisp, slightly bitter spear is the perfect wake-up call for a rich crab cake that’s been sleeping on a bed of butter.

It’s like pairing a heavy sweater with a light scarf. Textures that fight, but in a good way.

The Salad That Doesn’t Make You Sad

Listen, I’m not saying you have to eat a salad. But a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is the side dish that acts like it’s not even trying. It’s the friend who shows up with a six-pack and says, “I don’t need anything.”

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The peppery arugula and sharp lemon cut through the crab cake’s richness like a hot knife through butter—literally. Throw in some shaved Parmesan, and you’ve got a plate that looks like it belongs on a cooking show, not your kitchen counter covered in mail.

I once served this to my mom, and she said, “This is fancy, but I didn’t have to change out of my bathrobe.” That’s the energy you want.

The Veggie That Tries a Little Too Hard

Now, a word of caution: corn on the cob is a trap. It sounds great, right? Summer vibes! But you’ll be using your butter-drenched hands to hold a slippery cob while trying to dab delicate crab cake crumbs onto your fork.

It’s a logistical nightmare that ends with butter on your chin and crab on your shirt. Save the corn for a barbecue where nobody cares about appearances.

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Also, sweet potato fries are a gamble. When they’re crispy, they’re a masterpiece. When they’re sad and floppy, they’re just a reminder that you should have ordered the regular fries. And regular fries, as we discussed, are sneakers with a tuxedo.

The Drinks Count, Too

Let’s not forget the unsung hero: a cold, crisp white wine or a light beer. Yes, it’s not a “side,” but it’s the chair your side dish sits in. A Sauvignon Blanc or a pilsner wipes your palate clean like a tiny, alcoholic janitor.

Trying to eat crab cakes with red wine is like listening to heavy metal during a yoga class. It’s possible, but everyone in the room is uncomfortable.

My rule? If the side dish makes you close your eyes on the first bite, you’ve won. If it makes you reach for a napkin to clean up the mess, you’ve got a story for later.

So next time you’re staring at a plate of golden, gorgeous crab cakes, remember: the side dish isn’t a supporting actor—it’s the co-star. Pick well, and every meal feels like a vacation.