31 Sides For Crab Cakes Quite Simple To Make

While Sides For Crab Cakes are often made with lump meat, there are other methods you can prepare this delicacy. For instance, if you want your cake to be a bit lighter, replace some of the meat with bread crumbs and incorporate them into the mix.

The Crab cake dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course meal.

Check out these crab cake side dishes and how quick they are to prepare.

Sides For Crab Cakes: Quick Table

Recipe	Calories (Per Serving)	Preparation Time
Lemon Aioli	150	5 Minutes
Fresh Veggies	100	30 Minutes
Fruit Salsa	63	1 Hour
Fresh Fruit Salsa	89	10 Minutes
Herbed Potato Salad	318	25 Minutes
Rice Noodle Salad	267	25 Minutes
Carrot Salad	107	15 Minutes
Corn-Onion-Tomato Salad	203	30 Minutes
Apple-Cabbage Salad	217	15 Minutes
Grilled Romaine	144	4 Minutes
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Salad	179	1 Hour 15 Minutes
Country Salad	237	1 Hour 25 Minutes
Ginger Salad Dressing	113	10 Minutes
Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing	162	10 Minutes
Sesame Dressing	132	5 Minutes
French Vinaigrette	120	10 Minutes
Honey Mustard Dressing	50	10 Minutes
Classic Balsamic Dressing	187	5 Minutes
Homemade Tartar Sauce	127	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Mushrooms	141	20 Minutes
Cucumber	95	20 Minutes
Radishes	16	1 Day 15 Minutes
Black Beans	170	20 Minutes
Cornbread	461	55 Minutes
Rice	340	25 Minutes
Mac and Cheese	642	1 Hour
Grilled Corn	135	30 Minutes
Fried Brown Rice	200	20 Minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash	104	35 Minutes
Chopped Green Onions	10	30 Minutes
Bacon	275	20 Minutes

When thinking of what goes well with crab cake, there are several components that you should consider. There is much more than just ketchup involved regarding what side dish should be added to compliment your meal.

It takes an interesting mix of elements to achieve the perfect side dish with crab cakes. A lot of people might think that not much thought needs to be put into the ingredients, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The right combination can make all the difference in the world between a good meal and an amazing one.

Here are 31 amazing sides for crab cake to try out.

1. Lemon Aioli 

This sauce is ridiculously easy to prepare. Grab a bowl, and add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder. 

Whisk together with a fork until it’s all combined. Drizzle on top of your crab cakes for that perfect finishing touch!

Calories Per Serving: 150

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

2. Fresh Veggies

Crab cakes are rich and filling, so their best sides complement this flavor and act as a great palate cleanser. Chopped fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and carrots are a perfect example of this. 

They go great with crab cake because they play off the strong flavor without being too overwhelming. This way, your crab cake won’t get lost in the background but remains front and center!

Calories Per Serving: 100

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

3. Fruit Salsa 

Speaking of fruit, who says you can’t have it at all while eating crab cake? Adding some fresh fruit salsa to your side dish is a fun twist. 

A great combination is watermelon and pineapple with a dash of chili powder. The fruity flavor is perfect for washing down the richness of the crab cake. The spice in the salsa adds a kick.

Calories Per Serving: 63

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

4. Garlic Butter 

Garlic butter is a must for any crab cake. As a culinary trend goes, many people began using more and more spices in their cooking (and also eating). 

So, you can use this as a great way to spice up your crab cake while still staying healthy. Enjoy your meal!

Calories Per Serving: 89

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

5. Herbed Potato Salad 

A good potato salad can go a long way towards making your crab cake meal complete. This herbed potato salad recipe is a new twist on the traditional recipe. 

In this version, the potatoes are mixed with fresh herbs like dill, chives, and garlic. It can’t get any easier than that.

Calories Per Serving: 318

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

6. Rice Noodle Salad 

Another simple salad that goes well with crab cakes includes rice noodles. The crunchiness of the fried noodles is perfect for a salad like this one. 

It uses parsley, carrot, daikon radish, ginger, and soy. It’s refreshing and light but has great flavors!

Calories Per Serving: 267

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

7. Carrot Salad 

Alexa Chung was recently spotted enjoying a plate of her favorite fruit in public; her reaction was priceless! She turned to her companion, asked if he had any on him and then scarfed down the entire thing! 

Are you a fan of fruit or just want to try it? This is perhaps the best fruit salad ever made. Have a tasty meal.

Calories Per Serving: 107

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

8. Corn-Onion-Tomato Salad

This is a simple but delicious side dish you can whip up in no time. It combines corn, onion, and tomato to make a salad that goes well with almost anything. 

The sweet flavor of the corn and the color of the other vegetables make this a visually appealing dish too!

Calories Per Serving: 203

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

RELATED: 26 Amazing Side Dishes With Crab Legs Enhancing Your Taste

9. Apple-Cabbage Salad 

Carrots aren’t the only vegetables you can use for a great salad that compliments crab cake. You can use cabbage as well. 

Combine shredded cabbage with apples, cranberries, and raisins for an easy side dish with great flavor. The freshness of the ingredients works well with the rich flavor of crab cake!

Calories Per Serving: 217

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

10. Grilled Romaine 

It’s so easy to make simply grilled romaine with grilled shrimp to make a great side dish that goes great with crab cake. 

The tender, juicy crab cake perfectly offsets the fresh crunch of the lettuce. A bit of dill and mustard adds an extra punch to this dish!

Calories Per Serving: 144

Preparation Time: 4 Minutes

11. Sweet Potato And Red Pepper Salad 

Another fresh and summery side dish that goes well with crab cake is a potato salad. This is a nice twist on the traditional recipe. 

In this version, sweet potatoes are blended with red peppers for a warm salad that compliments your easy meal. Adding fresh lemon juice and dill also gives it a touch of sweetness.

Calories Per Serving: 179

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

12. Country Salad 

This salad is refreshing and light, thanks to the juicy tomatoes mixed with cool lettuce and onions. 

The sweet flavor of the tomatoes is complemented by salty feta cheese and olive oil. This salad goes best with crab cakes because it combines flavors!

Calories Per Serving: 237

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes

13. Ginger Salad Dressing 

This dressing is great on a simple tomato-based salad, but it’s perfect when paired with seafood. 

It’s a vinegar-based dressing that incorporates ginger, lime juice, and soy sauce. Use it to dress a salad with crab cakes as the main entrée!

Calories Per Serving: 113

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

14. Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing 

This simple salad dressing recipe is easy to make and has a bit of zing to it. The lemon juice and olive oil combine for a tangy flavor complemented by salt and pepper. 

You can use this dressing on any salad, but it goes particularly well with seafood. It would be great on crab cakes!

Calories Per Serving: 162

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

15. Sesame Dressing 

Sesame dressing is an Asian-inspired salad dressing recipe that you can use to dress any salad you want. Instead of using soy sauce, this recipe uses honey for a more naturally sweet and salty taste. 

Ginger and garlic give it a pleasant taste too! Use this citrusy dressing on the side of your seafood meal, or serve it alongside your other favorite foods!

Calories Per Serving: 132

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

16. French Vinaigrette 

This classic French vinaigrette salad dressing recipe has a great tangy flavor thanks to the addition of lemon juice. 

It incorporates Dijon mustard for the perfect amount of spice too! You can serve this on any salad, but it’s delicious when paired with a crab cake meal.

Calories Per Serving: 120

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

17. Honey Mustard Dressing 

Honey mustard gives this dressing a sweet and tangy flavor. Sweet green pepper and garlic make the dressing savory, while the vinegar adds a bit of tanginess. 

You can use this on any type of salad, but it’s especially good with crab cakes! Enjoy your next meal with this.

Calories Per Serving: 50

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

18. Classic Balsamic Dressing 

This is one of the most common types of dressings that you’ll find in restaurants. It’s made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings like salt and pepper. 

Olive oil gives it that Mediterranean-style taste, while the balsamic vinegar adds tanginess and sweetness. You can use this on any salad, crab cake, or dip your favorite veggies!

Calories Per Serving: 187

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

RELATED: 27 Imitation Crab Recipes Cooked With Delicacy & Ease

19. Homemade Tartar Sauce 

While tartar sauce is typically used for fish and chips, it’s also an excellent flavor for the crab cake. One of the best sides for crab cake is homemade tartar sauce; this way, you can be sure that it has no preservatives or fillers. 

When making your tartar sauce, it’s essential to choose an egg-free mayonnaise so that it’s acceptable for a vegan diet if your friends are on one.

Calories Per Serving: 127

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

20. Mushrooms 

While mushrooms are more commonly used in entrees and main courses, they also work outstanding as side dishes for your crab cake. The varieties you choose will depend on personal preference, but mushrooms add flavor and texture to a meal. 

They can also have many health benefits, depending on your choice – some help fight against cancer while others help fight heart disease.

Calories Per Serving: 141

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

21. Cucumber 

One of the most underrated veggies is cucumber. They tend to be too sweet, and they’re usually used with other vegetables as a garnish or in overwhelmingly bitter salads. 

When it comes to side dishes, however, cucumbers are often forgotten and often overlooked when it comes to crab cakes.

Calories Per Serving: 95

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

22. Radishes 

Did you know that radishes are vegetables? Well, they are, and they’re also incredibly tasty! 

While their pungent flavor is usually added to stir-fries and other dishes like sauces, they make for an exciting addition to your crab cake by adding texture and that perfect mix of sweet and spicy.

Just beware: the spiciness depends on the variety of radishes you use.

Calories Per Serving: 16

Preparation Time: 1 Day 15 Minutes

23. Black Beans 

Black beans are one of the most underused legumes out there. However, they are full of protein and fiber, making them very filling while promoting weight loss. The best part is that they’re not just good for you; they taste amazing! 

When it comes to crab cakes, these are a great way to add texture and flavor – the black beans will help your crab cake stay moist and flavorful while promoting good health.

Calories Per Serving: 170

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

24. Cornbread 

If cornbread is not something you usually eat, this recipe for crab cake-stuffed cornbread might just be the ultimate way to get you to try it! 

It’s tasty and filling, plus it’s filled with crab cake goodness. The best part is the creamy, cheesy layer that is so delicious and satisfying when paired with the crab cake.

Calories Per Serving: 461

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

25. Rice 

Rice is the main staple if you cook too many side dishes, but what we love about this recipe is the great flavors that come from the salmon. 

Sliced almonds and your favorite spices make up a delightful mix of flavors sure to make every bite enjoyable!

Calories Per Serving: 340

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

26. Mac And Cheese 

Mac and cheese are some side dishes that can be super easy to make, but it’s still a crowd pleaser. 

The mac and cheese used in this recipe are creamy, cheesy, and delicious. And when paired with the crab cake, it makes for a meal sure to satisfy everyone!

Calories Per Serving: 642

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

RELATED: What Are The Best Methods For Cooking Imitation Crab?

27. Grilled Corn 

Since it is the spring, autumn, and winter months, we tend to crave some grilled corn outdoors. Why not use this craving to your advantage when you make a crab cake recipe with it? 

Grilled corn is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. Not only does it add a nice sweet flavor to your dish, but it also acts as a breading!

Calories Per Serving: 135

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

28. Fried Brown Rice 

Fried brown rice is an excellent addition to dishes and has become quite popular at home because of its ease of preparation and taste. 

It is similar to fried potatoes because of its crispy texture but also has more flavor than just plain fried potatoes. This can be obtained by adding crushed red chilis and seasoning them before cooking!

Calories Per Serving: 200

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

29. Roasted Butternut Squash 

Butternut squash is a vegetable that has recently become quite popular thanks to its creamy texture and its rich taste. 

This is because when butternut squash is roasted correctly (which takes about 35 minutes), its puree-like mess becomes soft and buttery. It also helps refresh the palate as well as add some extra color to your dish!

Calories Per Serving: 104

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

30. Chopped Green Onions 

The role of green onions in North American cuisine is to add flavor, which it does with its distinct flavor. However, green onions also serve another purpose besides adding flavor; since their stems are separate from the leaves, they are easy to eat. 

Chopped green onions are perfect for a party where people will be eating crabs and other kinds of seafood!

Calories Per Serving: 10

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

31. Bacon 

Bacon makes everything better: like avocado toast, grilled salmon, and even brownies! Crab cakes are no different, and bacon is the perfect addition to pretty much anything on the menu. 

It adds an extra layer of flavor to your crab cake, and it’s also very low in calories, so you can splurge without worrying about your waistline!

Calories Per Serving: 275

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Crab Cake?

A crab cake is a type of food, usually served as an appetizer, that combines fish or shellfish meat with breadcrumbs or other binding ingredients, such as eggs, to make small cakes.

Crab cakes are most often pan-fried and baked. Crab cakes are easy to make at home and cheap to buy in restaurants.

What Are The Different Types Of Crab Cakes?

Manhattan Style: a light breading with no fillers, served with red bliss potatoes and sautéed spinach and topped with a cocktail sauce.

Chesapeake Style: more filler and a coarser breading, served with creamy dreamy slaw and tartar sauce.

Classic Maryland Style: A blend of crab meat, mayo, egg, and seasonings. 

How Do You Keep Crabcakes From Falling Apart?

The best way to prevent your crab cakes from falling apart is to wrap them in aluminum foil and refrigerate them for at least one hour. You can either cook them in the oven or air fry them once they are frozen.