8 Best Side Dishes for Your Stone Crab Feast
Stone crab season is in full swing and that means it’s time to break out the feast! This year, why not mix things up a bit and try some new side dishes?
Now get this, I never realized how important side dishes could be until the time I invited my family over for a backyard cookout and seafood feast. My uncle was in charge of the stone crabs, and I was in charge of the side dishes. I quickly realized that my side dish wasn’t going to be nearly as popular as the stone crabs.
Admittedly, I’m very competitive so I wanted to prepare some sides that would really ‘wow’ everyone. I scoured the internet, talked to some experts, and finally came up with a list of side dishes that are perfect for any stone crab feast.
Bear with me, because I’m going to show you how to wow your guest just the same as I did.
Here are my top side dishes for a stone crab feast:
Side Dishes for Stone Crabs
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Creamy Pepper and Tomato Soup
- Classic Caesar Salad
- Brandy Mayonnaise Sauce
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Homemade Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Classic Peruvian Ceviche
- Cottage-Cut French Fries
Grilled Corn on the Cob
My first pick is Grilled Corn on the Cob as a side for Stone Crab Feast. I think it goes well with this side dish because corn is a classic picnic food and it’s easy to grill. Also, the sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with savory crab meat.
Besides, it’s a nice change from the usual mayo-based salads,
Did I mention, that it’s super easy to make?
Just shuck the corn, brush on some butter and seasoning, and throw it on the grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes, until it’s tender and slightly charred. Serve warm or at room temperature. This dish would also be great as a side for grilled chicken or fish.
Creamy Pepper and Tomato Soup
My next pick is a creamy pepper and tomato soup. This particular soup has a unique flavor that will go so well with the crab feast.
The best part is the soup is very easy to prepare, and only requires a few ingredients plus you can make this soup in advance and then just reheat it when you are ready to serve.
From my experience, this soup can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Lastly, the soup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great option for leftovers.
So, if you are having a party, you can make a big batch of this soup and then keep it in the refrigerator for your enjoyment.
Classic Caesar Salad
Following the soup, I would suggest a classic Caesar salad. This salad is full of flavor and goes great with stone crab. Plus, the salad is also very easy to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
All you need for this dish are some Romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and anchovies.
If you don’t like anchovies, you can leave them out or substitute them with another ingredient. For example, you could use capers or olives.
Brandy Mayonnaise Sauce
My next side dish is a brandy mayonnaise sauce. This specific sauce is perfect for dipping crab meat and personally, I’m a sucker for the hint of booze in it.
Now, to make the sauce, you will need mayonnaise, brandy, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simply mix all of the ingredients together and then refrigerate for at least an hour so that the flavors can meld together. After that, you can dip, dip and dip away!
Shrimp Cocktail
We all know that shrimp and crab go together like, well, shrimp and crab. But what you may not know is that a shrimp cocktail is an amazing side dish for a stone crab feast.
The cool, refreshing flavors of the shrimp complement the rich, decadent flavors of the crab, and the acidity of the cocktail sauce helps to balance out the heaviness of the crab meat.
Plus, it’s super easy to prepare. Just cook some shrimp, then serve chilled with some cocktail sauce, and voila! You’ve got a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning seafood lover.
Serve it alongside your crabby feast with a crusty baguette and a chilled white wine, and you’re good to go!
Homemade Egg Salad Sandwiches
Perhaps unsurprisingly, for my stone crab feast, I like to serve up a big ol’ batch of homemade egg salad sandwiches. They’re easy to make and always go down a treat with my guests.
Plus, they go really well with the crab. The salty, briny flavors of the crab meat go perfectly with the creamy, tangy egg salad.
And here’s how ridiculously easy it is to make the sandwiches!
Start by making a simple egg salad. Hard boil some eggs, then mash them up with some mayonnaise, mustard, diced celery, and a little bit of salt and pepper.
Once you’ve got your egg salad mixture sorted, start assembling your sandwiches. Slather some egg salad on a slice of bread, then top with another slice of bread. Afterward, simply cut the sandwiches into quarters and you’re all set!
In addition, these egg salad sandwiches are great as a quick lunch or snack. So if you’ve got any leftover egg salad, just pop it in a sandwich bag and store it in the fridge, it’ll last for a few days.
Classic Peruvian Ceviche
I am so excited to share this next wonderful side dish with you and it’s none other than Peruvian ceviche. While this dish makes a great side for a stone crab feast, it’s not for the faint of heart.
Nevertheless, the acidity of the citrus juice in the ceviche helps to cut through the richness of the crab meat, and the crispy onions provide a lovely contrast in texture.
Plus, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. Simply combine freshly-caught fish or seafood with lime juice, red onions, and cilantro, and let it marinate for a few hours. The acid in the lime juice will help to ‘cook’ the fish, while the onions and chili peppers add a touch of sweetness and spice.
Best of all, this dish can be prepared in advance, so you can enjoy your stone crab feast worry-free! Serve chilled, with plenty of cold beer. Trust me, your guests will crown you king or queen of the feast!
Cottage-Cut French Fries
Finally, who doesn’t love french fries? They’re one of the most popular side dishes around and for good reason. They’re delicious, versatile, and easy to prepare.
But why are they the perfect side dish for a stone crab feast?
First, they’re a great way to soak up all that delicious crab gravy. Second, they’ve got a nice crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the tenderness of the crab meat. And third, they’re just damn good.
So how do you prepare this tasty side dish?
First, you’ll need some potatoes (preferably Russets), a few tablespoons of vegetable oil, and a little salt and pepper. Cut the potatoes into thin strips, then heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. So easy, even I could do it!
Of course, this dish isn’t just limited to stone crab feasts. Serve it up with any seafood meal or as a tasty snack on its own.
FAQ
What side dish goes with the crab feast?
There are a few different side dishes that go well with the crab feast. One option is to make egg salad sandwiches. Another is to prepare Peruvian ceviche. You could also make cottage-cut French fries. All of these side dishes are easy to prepare and will complement the other ingredients in your meal.
What vegetable goes with crab legs?
Perfectly roasted vegetables make the perfect side to any crab dish. You could roast some potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts. Season them with a little bit of salt and pepper, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with crab legs.
What do you drink with crabs?
There are a few different drinks that go well with crab legs. A nice, cold beer is always a good choice. You could also serve white wine or sparkling wine. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something refreshing to balance out the richness of the crab meat.
Conclusion
So it all adds up to this, side dishes are essential to the perfect stone crab feast!
But don’t just take my word for it, try out these awesome sides for yourself and see how your guests react. I guarantee they’ll be impressed. And if not, well… at least you had a good meal!
The choice is yours, so pick your side and enjoy!