What To Serve With Crab Cakes In Winter (25 Yummy Dishes)

It’s wintertime, and that means it’s the perfect time to enjoy some delicious crab cakes! Crab cakes are a great dish to make for any occasion, but what do you serve as their side dish?

As a lover of crab cakes, I have tried many different side dishes over the years. I have done tons of research on what goes well with crab cakes and compiled a list of my favorites.

So, whether you want something to serve at a casual get-together or a formal dinner party, these recipes will impress your guests!

What To Serve With Crab Cakes In Winter

Sauteed Broccoli
Steamed Veggies
French Fries
Potato Wedges
Clam Chowder
Coleslaw
Greek Salad
Fried Rice
Mashed Potatoes
Steamed Broccoli

Sauteed Broccoli

Sauteed Broccoli is a great winter side dish for Crab Cakes. It’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, it pairs well with the richness of crab cakes.

They are also very easy to make! Here are the steps that you can follow to prepare them:

Start by heating some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Then add a minced garlic clove and cook until fragrant.
Next, add the broccoli florets and a pinch of salt.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
Finally, squeeze lemon juice over the top and serve warm.

One of the great things about sauteed broccoli is that it’s so versatile. You can easily customize the flavor to suit your taste. For example, if you want a bit more of a kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the pan when you’re cooking the garlic. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, you can top the broccoli with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Quick Recipe: Sautéed Broccoli with Garlic and Almonds

Ingredients: Broccoli, garlic, almonds, olive oil, salt, pepper
Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
1. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add broccoli florets and sauté until tender.
3. Top with toasted almonds, salt, and pepper.

Steamed Veggies

Steamed veggies are the perfect side dish for winter crab cakes! They’re healthy, tasty, and easy to make. Plus, they pair well with the rich, flavorful crab cakes.

But there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing and preparing your steamed veggies:

Select vegetables that will complement the crab cake’s flavors.
Season the vegetables lightly so they don’t overwhelm the taste of the crab cake.
Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.

Quick Recipe: Steamed Veggies with Herb Butter

Ingredients: Mixed vegetables, butter, mixed herbs, lemon zest
Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. Steam mixed vegetables until tender.
2. Toss with herb-infused butter and lemon zest.

French Fries

French Fries are the perfect side dish for Crab Cakes In Winter. They are crispy, salty, and full of flavor. They pair well with the richness of the crab cakes and the sweetness of the winter vegetables.

French Fries can be made in advance and reheated, making them a great option for busy weeknights. However, they can also be a bit greasy and messy to eat.

To avoid this, be sure to use high-quality olive oil or avocado oil. You can also bake your French Fries instead of frying them. This will give them a crispy exterior without all the grease.

Quick Recipe: French Fries with Salt

Ingredients: Potatoes, oil, salt
Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Cut potatoes into fries.
2. Place the cut fries into a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch and prevent browning.
3. Dry and Refrigerate for 30 mins
4. Blanch by frying in oil for 2 mins
5. Remove and re-Fry in oil until golden.
6. Sprinkle with salt.

Potato Wedges

Who doesn’t love potatoes? They’re creamy, delicious, and versatile. But when it comes to pairing them with other foods, things can get a little tricky. That’s why I always like to keep things simple with potato wedges. They’re easy to make and go great with lots of different dishes. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies at mealtime.

When it comes to making potato wedges, the key is to cut them evenly. That way they’ll all cook at the same rate and you won’t end up with any burnt or undercooked pieces. Another tip is to add a little bit of oil to the pan before cooking. This will help to prevent the wedges from sticking and will make them nice and crispy on the outside.

Quick Recipe: Potato Wedges with Parmesan and Rosemary

Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, Parmesan, rosemary, salt, pepper
Average Cook Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. Cut potatoes into wedges.
2. Place the cut fries into a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch and prevent browning.
3. Dry and Refrigerate for 30 mins
4. Toss with olive oil, grated Parmesan, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.

Clam Chowder

Clam chowder makes the perfect side dish for crab cakes! This creamy soup is packed with flavor and its richness pairs well with the delicate taste of crab. Plus, the soup’s warm temperature can help to offset the chill of winter weather.

When making clam chowder, be sure to use fresh clams for the best flavor. canned clams can be used in a pinch, but their flavor will be more muted. For a truly decadent dish, top each serving of chowder with a dollop of sour cream or crème Fraiche.

Clam chowder can also be made in advance and reheated before serving. Simply prepare the soup according to recipe instructions, then transfer it to a covered container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stove until it is steaming hot.

Quick Recipe: Clam Chowder with Bacon Bits

Ingredients: Clams, potatoes, onions, bacon, milk, salt, pepper
Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Sauté bacon and onions.
2. Add clams and potatoes.
3. Pour in milk and simmer until thickened.

Coleslaw

One of the most popular side dishes to serve with crab cakes is coleslaw. This is a salad made from shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed in vinegar or mayonnaise-based dressing. It is crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

The acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the richness of the crab cakes, while the sweetness complements the savory flavors of the dish. Additionally, the crunchy texture of the cabbage provides a nice contrast to the soft crab cakes.

When making coleslaw to serve with crab cakes, be sure to use a light hand with the dressing. Too much dressing will make the salad soggy and can overwhelm the delicate flavor of the crab.

Instead, opt for a vinegar-based dressing and add additional mayonnaise sparingly. For an extra bit of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning to the dressing. This will give the coleslaw a subtle hint of heat and spice that pairs nicely with crab cakes.

Quick Recipe: Coleslaw with Apple and Walnuts

Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, apple, walnuts, mayonnaise, vinegar
Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and diced apple.
2. Add walnuts.
3. Toss with mayonnaise and a splash of vinegar.

Greek Salad

Greek salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with crab cakes. The salad is made with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a light dressing. It is perfect for summertime meals, but can also be enjoyed year-round.

Greek salad is a healthy option that is low in calories and fat. Additionally, the salad is versatile and can be customized to your liking. For example, you can add chicken or shrimp to the salad if you are looking for a heartier option. You can also switch out the dressing for a vinaigrette if you are looking for a lighter option.

Quick Recipe: Greek Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

Ingredients: Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, olive oil, oregano, lemon juice
Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
2. Drizzle with a vinaigrette made of olive oil, oregano, and lemon juice.

Fried Rice

Fried rice is a delicious and easy option that will leave your guests satisfied. It is a classic Chinese dish that is typically made with rice, vegetables, and meat. It can be seasoned to taste and is often served with soy sauce or chili sauce.

The best part about fried rice is that it can be customized to your liking. You can add whatever vegetables you have on hand, or even swap out the rice for noodles.

Plus, it is also a great way to use up the leftover cooked rice. Simply sauté the rice in a bit of oil until it is crispy, then add your desired seasonings. For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of sesame oil to the pan. If you’re looking for a heartier side dish, you can add diced chicken or shrimp to the fried rice.

Crab cakes are rich and flavorful, so they pair well with lighter side dishes like fried rice. The savory flavors of the crab cakes are complemented by the subtle taste of the rice. Fried rice is also a budget-friendly option that is sure to please your guests.

Quick Recipe: Fried Rice with Pineapple and Cashews

Ingredients: Rice, pineapple, cashews, soy sauce, green onions
Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
1. Fry cooked rice in a pan.
2. Add pineapple chunks and cashews.
3. Stir in soy sauce and top with sliced green onions.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for crab cakes in winter. They’re flavorful and filling, and they go great with the savory flavors of crab cakes. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. Just add some butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.

Of course, there still are some notes you need to remember when preparing your mashed potatoes:

Make sure the potatoes are well-cooked before mashing them. Otherwise, they’ll be difficult to mash and won’t have a smooth texture.
Be careful not to over-mix the potatoes. Over-mixing will make them gluey and dense.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and add-ins. Garlic, cheese, and herbs can all transform plain mashed potatoes into a delicious side dish.

Quick Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives

Ingredients: Potatoes, garlic, butter, milk, chives, salt, pepper
Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes and garlic until tender.
2. Mash with butter and milk.
3. Stir in chopped chives, salt, and pepper.

Steamed Broccoli

My personal favorite side dish for crab cakes is steamed broccoli. It’s light and fresh, and it doesn’t compete with the crab cake’s delicate flavor. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients.

However, there are a few factors to consider while steaming broccoli:

Don’t overcook it. Broccoli should be bright green and slightly firm to the touch.
Add a little acidity to balance out the sweetness of the crab cake. A squeeze of lemon juice does the trick.
Don’t forget the seasoning! A little salt and pepper will bring out the best in both the broccoli and the crab cake.
Quick Recipe: Steamed Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan
- Ingredients: Broccoli, lemon juice, Parmesan, olive oil, salt, pepper
- Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Instructions:
  1. Steam broccoli until tender.
  2. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Conclusion

There you have it! These are just a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with crab cakes in winter.

Be sure to keep these tips in mind when choosing what to serve with your next batch of crab cakes.

And most importantly, have fun and get creative in the kitchen! I’m sure your guests will love whatever you come up with.