Crab legs are a delectable seafood delicacy, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner. While the sweet, succulent meat of crab legs is satisfying on its own, choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a truly unforgettable culinary experience. If you’re wondering What To Serve With Crab Legs, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through a variety of mouthwatering options that complement the rich flavor of crab legs, ensuring a balanced and delightful feast.
Classic Side Dishes that Enhance Crab Legs
When it comes to classic pairings, you can’t go wrong with certain staples that traditionally accompany seafood. These sides are not only easy to prepare but also perfectly balance the richness of crab legs.
Melted Butter and Lemon
Let’s start with the most essential accompaniment: melted butter. Garlic butter, as mentioned in the original recipe, is an excellent choice. The savory garlic and rich butter enhance the natural sweetness of the crab. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness and brightens the palate. Serving crab legs with garlic butter and lemon wedges is a timeless and effortless way to enjoy them.
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Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn on the cob is a quintessential summer side dish that pairs beautifully with seafood. The sweetness of the corn kernels offers a delightful contrast to the savory crab. You can grill, boil, or roast corn on the cob – each method imparting a slightly different flavor profile. Grilled corn will have a smoky char, while boiled corn is tender and juicy. Brush it with garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor that ties it in with the crab legs.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish that adds color and texture to your crab leg dinner. Consider roasting vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers. These vegetables roast well and their slight char and caramelized edges offer a pleasing contrast to the tender crab meat. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, herbs like thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper before roasting to bring out their best flavors.
Hearty and Satisfying Sides
If you’re looking to create a more substantial meal around your crab legs, consider incorporating some hearty side dishes. These options will add bulk and ensure everyone leaves the table feeling fully satisfied.
Potatoes
Potatoes in all their forms are fantastic companions for crab legs.
- Baked Potatoes: A classic choice, baked potatoes are simple to make and incredibly versatile. Offer a variety of toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits to allow guests to customize their potatoes.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are a comforting and luxurious side. The smooth texture and rich flavor complement the delicate crab meat beautifully.
- Roasted Potatoes: Similar to roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes (especially baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes) tossed with herbs and garlic provide a rustic and flavorful side.
- Potato Salad: For a colder option, a creamy or vinaigrette-based potato salad can be a refreshing and satisfying side dish, particularly for a summer crab feast.
Rice Pilaf or Risotto
A flavorful rice pilaf or creamy risotto can also serve as a wonderful base for your crab leg meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Aromatic rice pilaf cooked with broth, herbs, and perhaps some vegetables like peas or carrots, is a light yet satisfying side.
- Lemon Herb Risotto: A creamy lemon herb risotto offers a bright and zesty counterpoint to the richness of the crab. The creamy texture of the risotto is also a delightful contrast to the crab legs.
Light and Refreshing Sides
To balance the richness of crab legs, consider serving some light and refreshing side dishes. These options will cleanse the palate and prevent the meal from feeling too heavy.
Salad
A fresh salad is always a welcome addition to a seafood meal.
- Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and parmesan cheese offer a satisfying and flavorful salad that isn’t too heavy.
- Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A light green salad with a lemon or vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the crab. Add some cucumber, tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw can also cut through the richness of the crab. Opt for a lighter, vinegar-based coleslaw rather than a heavy, mayonnaise-laden one for a more refreshing side.
Steamed or Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus, whether steamed or grilled, is a light and elegant side dish that pairs wonderfully with crab legs. Its slightly grassy and fresh flavor complements the sweetness of the crab without overpowering it. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper are all you need to enhance its natural flavor.
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Bread for Sopping Up Delicious Juices
Don’t forget the bread! Crusty bread, like sourdough or French baguette, is essential for sopping up all the flavorful garlic butter sauce and crab juices. Serve warm bread alongside your crab legs for a truly satisfying and complete meal.
Conclusion
Choosing what to serve with crab legs is all about creating a balanced and enjoyable dining experience. Whether you opt for classic sides like corn on the cob and melted butter, hearty options like potatoes and risotto, or refreshing salads and vegetables, the key is to select dishes that complement, not compete with, the star of the show – the crab legs themselves. With these suggestions, you’re well on your way to planning a memorable and delicious crab leg feast. Enjoy!
