Crab legs are a delightful and luxurious seafood dish, perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. Whether you’re preparing snow crab legs, king crab legs, or Dungeness crab, knowing what to serve with crab legs can elevate your meal from good to outstanding. While crab legs cooked in garlic butter sauce are delicious on their own, the right side dishes and accompaniments can create a balanced and truly memorable dining experience.
Classic Sides That Complement Crab Legs
When considering what to serve with crab legs, starting with the classics is always a great idea. These familiar and beloved sides enhance the rich flavor of crab without overpowering it.
Melted Butter and Lemon Wedges
Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the best. Melted butter, especially the flavorful garlic butter sauce often used to cook the crab legs themselves, is an absolute must-have for dipping. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the butter and crab, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a quintessential summer side dish that pairs wonderfully with seafood. Grilled, boiled, or roasted, corn on the cob provides a touch of sweetness and satisfying texture that complements the delicate crab meat. Consider brushing the corn with some of the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
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Coleslaw
For a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the richness of crab legs, coleslaw is an excellent choice. Whether you prefer a creamy or vinegar-based slaw, the cool and crisp cabbage provides a delightful counterpoint to the warm, savory crab. The slight tanginess of coleslaw also helps to cleanse the palate between bites of crab.
Baked Potatoes
If you’re looking for a heartier side dish, baked potatoes are a fantastic option. Fluffy and comforting, a baked potato loaded with butter, sour cream, chives, or even crumbled bacon provides a satisfying base for your crab leg feast. The mild flavor of the potato allows the taste of the crab to remain the star of the meal.
Elevating Your Crab Leg Dinner with Delicious Side Dishes
Beyond the classics, there are numerous other side dishes that can beautifully complement crab legs, adding variety and sophistication to your meal. When thinking about what to serve with crab legs to impress, consider these options:
Steamed Asparagus
For a touch of elegance and healthy greens, steamed asparagus is a superb choice. Lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice, asparagus offers a tender-crisp texture and delicate flavor that pairs seamlessly with crab.
Garlic Bread
Since garlic butter is already a key component of many crab leg recipes, garlic bread is a natural and delicious pairing. Crusty bread slathered in garlic butter and toasted to perfection is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from your crab legs and adds a satisfying carbohydrate element to the meal.
Fresh Salad
A light and vibrant salad is always a welcome addition to a seafood dinner. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, a Caesar salad, or even a fruit salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the crab and cleanse the palate.
Rice Pilaf
For a more substantial side dish than plain rice, consider serving crab legs with a flavorful rice pilaf. Infused with herbs, vegetables, or even a touch of seafood broth, rice pilaf adds a comforting and aromatic element to the meal.
Appetizers to Start Your Crab Leg Feast
To create a truly special dining experience, consider starting with an appetizer that complements the seafood theme. When planning what to serve with crab legs as a complete meal, appetizers set the stage for the main course.
Cocktail Shrimp
Continuing with the seafood theme, cocktail shrimp is a classic and elegant appetizer that pairs perfectly with crab legs. Served chilled with cocktail sauce, shrimp provides a light and refreshing start to your meal without being too filling.
Oysters on the Half Shell
For a truly luxurious appetizer, consider serving oysters on the half shell. Fresh, briny oysters are a sophisticated and palate-pleasing starter that perfectly complements the richness of crab legs.
Clam Chowder
If you’re serving crab legs on a cooler evening, a warm and comforting clam chowder is an excellent appetizer choice. Creamy and flavorful, clam chowder provides a hearty and satisfying start to your seafood feast.
Don’t Forget Dessert!
To complete your crab leg dinner, a light and refreshing dessert is the perfect finishing touch. Consider these sweet options when deciding what to serve with crab legs for a full culinary experience.
Key Lime Pie
The tangy and refreshing flavor of key lime pie is a classic dessert that pairs beautifully with seafood. Its citrusy notes cleanse the palate and provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the crab.
Fresh Fruit Salad
For a lighter and healthier dessert option, a fresh fruit salad is always a welcome choice. The natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of seasonal fruits provide a refreshing and satisfying end to your meal.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what to serve with crab legs depends on your personal preferences and the overall dining experience you wish to create. Whether you opt for classic sides like corn on the cob and baked potatoes, or more sophisticated options like asparagus and rice pilaf, the key is to choose dishes that complement the delicate flavor of the crab and create a balanced and enjoyable meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own perfect pairings for this delectable seafood delicacy!
