What To Serve With Soft Shell Crab ( 20+ Amazing Side Dishes )
I was flipping through my cookbook, trying to decide what to make for dinner. I had just picked up a few soft shell crabs from the grocery store and wanted to make something special with them.
I scanned through the pages, looking for inspiration when I came across a recipe for my soft shell crabs. I had all of the ingredients on hand, so I decided to give it a try and it turned out fantastic.
However, I wanted some side dishes to go along with it. I didn’t want to just serve a salad or some steamed vegetables. I wanted something that would compliment the dish and be just as impressive as the main course.
After doing some research, I found a few recipes that would be perfect for my dinner party. Here they are!
What To Serve With Soft Shell Crab
- Crunchy Fresh Salad
- Roasted Tomatoes
- Chilled Lemon Pie
- Freshly Chopped Coleslaw
- Steamed Fresh Greens
- Cheesy Cheddar Bag Biscuits
- Corn On The Cob With Lime And Butter
- Sauteed Spinach With Bacon
- Roasted Butternut Squash With Pecans
- Tomato, Avocado, And Basil Salad
Crunchy Fresh Salad
There are several reasons why a crunchy fresh salad makes an excellent side dish for soft shell crab. First, the crispness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the delicate texture of the crab.
Second, the healthy ingredients in the salad help to offset the richness of the crab. And finally, the bright flavors in the salad can help to bring out the sweetness of the crab.
When selecting a salad for soft shell crab, it is important to choose one that has a good balance of textures and flavors. For example, a spinach salad with bacon and goat cheese would be a good choice, as the bacon and cheese add both creamy and crunchy elements.
Alternatively, a simple green salad with a light dressing would also be a good option. The important thing is to choose a salad that you think will complement the flavors of the crab.
In terms of other side dishes, a crunchy fresh salad is one of the healthier options. It is also relatively easy to prepare, which is always a bonus. And finally, it is very versatile – it can be paired with almost any type of the main dish.
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main courses. One of my favorite recipes is to pair roasted tomatoes with soft shell crab.
The sweetness of the tomatoes compliments the delicate flavor of the crab, and the two ingredients complement each other perfectly. Roasted tomatoes are also a healthy side dish, as they are packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
They are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, roasted tomatoes are suitable for a variety of diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
Chilled Lemon Pie
A chilled lemon pie can be a delicious and refreshing side dish for a variety of recipes. Paired with light and flaky soft shell crab, the citrusy sweetness of the lemon filling can complement the delicate flavors of the seafood.
The pie also provides a lovely contrast in texture, with its smooth and creamy filling offset by the crispy crust. Best of all, this side dish is relatively easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy cooks.
Freshly Chopped Coleslaw
Freshly chopped coleslaw is a great side dish for soft shell crab. It is light and refreshing, and it pairs well with the rich, fatty flavors of the crab. In addition, coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the soft, delicate texture of the crabmeat.
Moreover, coleslaw is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a healthier choice than some other side dishes such as fried potatoes or creamy sauces.
Finally, coleslaw is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.
Steamed Fresh Greens
Steamed fresh greens are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of recipes. Soft shell crab is a popular seafood dish that is often cooked with a light seasoning and served with a dipping sauce.
The delicate flavor of the crab meat pairs well with the vibrant taste of steamed greens. This side dish can also be enjoyed with other seafood recipes, such as shrimp or lobster.
The benefits of using steamed greens as a side dish are many. In addition to being low in calories and fat, greens are packed with nutrients that can help to boost your health. Steaming is also a gentle cooking method that helps to preserve the nutrients in the greens.
Cheesy Cheddar Bag Biscuits
Many recipes can be used as a side dish for soft shell crab. One of the most popular recipes is cheesy cheddar bag biscuits. This recipe is easy to make and can be made in advance. It is also a very versatile recipe that can be used with other seafood dishes.
The benefits of using this side dish are that it is high in protein and low in fat. It is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus. This recipe is suitable for people who are on a diet or who have allergies to shellfish.
It is also a good choice for those who do not eat meat. The recipe can be adjusted to fit any dietary needs. The changes that this side dish may make in the recipe are that it will add more flavor and make the dish more filling.
It will also make the dish moister. This side dish is a good choice for people who want to try something new and different.
Corn On The Cob With Lime And Butter
Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish, and it’s the perfect pairing for soft shell crab. The sweetness of the corn complements the richness of the crab, and the lime and butter add a touch of acidity and creaminess.
This dish is also easy to make ahead of time, so it’s great for entertaining. To prepare the corn, simply shuck the ears and boil them in water for about 5 minutes. Then, remove them from the water and brush them with butter.
Next, sprinkle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other herbs or spices if you like. Finally, grill the corn on a preheated grill for about 10 minutes, turning frequently so that it doesn’t burn.
Sauteed Spinach With Bacon
Sauteed spinach with bacon is a fantastic option as a side dish for soft shell crab. While the crab is the star of the show, the spinach provides a nice contrast in terms of texture and flavor.
The bacon adds a bit of salty goodness to the mix, and the overall result is simply delicious. Plus, there’s no need to worry about this dish being too heavy or greasy – the spinach is sauteed in olive oil, so it’s quite healthy.
Roasted Butternut Squash With Pecans
There are many different ways to prepare butternut squash, but roasting it with pecans is a great way to bring out its natural sweetness. This makes it a perfect side dish for soft shell crab, which can be a bit bland on its own.
The squash will add some needed sweetness and creaminess to the dish, while the pecans will provide some crunch and heart-healthy fats.
This dish is also relatively easy to prepare, and can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
If you’re looking for something a little different, you could also try serving the squash with grilled shrimp or chicken.
Tomato, Avocado, And Basil Salad
In addition to being a delicious and healthy option on its own, this tomato, avocado, and basil salad make a perfect side dish for soft shell crab.
The bright colors and flavors of the salad complement the crab perfectly, while the creamy avocado helps to balance out the crunch of the shells.
Best of all, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a decadent seafood dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Soft Shell Crab
What are other options when choosing what to serve with soft shell crab?
- Garlic Green Beans With Almonds
- Cashew Brown Butter Sauce
- Light Lemon Butter With Fresh Parsley
- Creamy Polenta Ranch
- Grilled Asparagus With Balsamic Glaze
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Corn Succotash
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Braised Chard
- Napa Cabbage
What are some tips when choosing what to serve with soft shell crab?
There are some general tips to keep in mind when choosing what to serve with soft shell crab.
First, think about what flavors will complement the crab. For example, if you’re using a sweet or spicy marinade, you’ll want to choose sides that will balance out the flavors.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the overall texture of the dish. You don’t want everything to be too soft or too crunchy, so a mix of textures is ideal.
Finally, think about what you already have on hand and what would be easy to prepare. There’s no need to make things complicated – simple sides are often the best.
Do you eat all the organs in a soft shell crab?
Yes, you can eat all the organs in a soft shell crab. This includes the gills, which are located under the Crab’s “apron.” These organs can be removed before cooking, but many people choose to leave them in. They are edible and generally considered to be delicious.
Additionally, the “mustard” is also edible and is often considered to be the best part of the crab. It is located in the Crab’s “head” and can be eaten as is or used as a condiment.
Finally, the “liver” is also edible and is located in the Crab’s “tail.” This organ is often considered to be quite flavorful and makes a great addition to any seafood dish.
Conclusion
When it comes to what to serve with soft shell crab, the options are endless.
You can go with a classic side dish like garlic green beans or roasted butternut squash, or get a little more creative with dishes like tomato, avocado, and basil salad or braised chard.
No matter what you choose, make sure that the flavors and textures compliment the crab. And, most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy!