Soft shell crab is a delightful seafood treat known for its crispy texture and sweet flavor. Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your meal significantly.
Here you can find 15 side dishes that match perfectly with soft shell crab, each adding a unique flavor and texture that complements the main dish, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable meal.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with soft shell crab are mashed potatoes, tartar sauce, shrimp boil, breakfast sliders, grilled asparagus, french fries, crab salad, polenta, cucumber salad, steamed spinach, sweet corn fritters, lemon rice, sautéed mushrooms, roasted beet salad, and bao buns.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs beautifully with soft shell crab. Their creamy texture and buttery taste create a comforting base that balances the crispiness of the crab. You can add a touch of garlic or some fresh herbs to the potatoes to elevate their flavor, making them a versatile and beloved choice for any seafood dish.
2. Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is almost essential when serving soft shell crab. Its tangy and creamy nature complements the sweet, delicate flavor of the crab perfectly. Made with mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and capers, it adds a refreshing zest that cuts through the fried exterior of the crab, enhancing every bite.
3. Shrimp Boil
A shrimp boil brings a festive and flavorful dimension to a soft shell crab meal. This dish includes shrimp cooked with potatoes, corn, and sausage, all seasoned with Cajun spices. It's a fun, communal dish that adds a burst of flavor and variety, making it an exciting addition to your seafood feast.
4. Breakfast Sliders
Breakfast sliders can be a unique and delicious side for soft shell crab, especially in a brunch setting. Mini sandwiches filled with egg, cheese, and perhaps a slice of ham or bacon offer a hearty complement to the lightness of the crab. They combine well, providing a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
5. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a healthy and easy side that matches well with the delicate flavor of soft shell crab. The smoky, charred edges of the asparagus provide a nice contrast to the crispy crab, and a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt enhance its natural flavors, making it a refreshing addition to the plate.
6. French Fries
French fries are a crowd-pleaser and go exceptionally well with soft shell crab. Their salty crispiness makes them an ideal pairing for the tender, flavorful crab. Serve them hot and golden for a simple yet perfect side dish that lets the crab shine while satisfying everyone at the table.
7. Bao Buns
Bao buns, with their soft, fluffy texture, make a delightful pairing for soft shell crab. These steamed buns can be filled with pieces of crispy crab and fresh, zesty ingredients like cilantro, pickled vegetables, or a drizzle of spicy mayo. The mild sweetness of the buns complements the rich flavors of the crab, creating a harmonious and satisfying side or even a main dish alternative.
8. Crab Salad
Crab salad, made with lump crab meat, may seem like doubling down on crab, but it offers a cool, creamy contrast to the hot and crispy soft shell crab. Mix the crab with a light mayonnaise dressing, celery, and a touch of old bay seasoning for a refreshing side that complements the main dish without overwhelming it.
9. Polenta
Polenta, with its creamy texture and mild flavor, serves as a smooth backdrop for the flavorful soft shell crab. When cooked soft and topped with a bit of butter or cheese, it absorbs the flavors of the crab beautifully. Alternatively, grilled polenta cakes can add a pleasant crunch that pairs well with the crab's crispy exterior.
10. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a light, refreshing side that cleanses the palate when eating soft shell crab. Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with vinegar, oil, and herbs provide a crisp, cool contrast to the warm, fried crab, balancing the meal with its subtle tanginess and fresh texture.
11. Steamed Spinach
Steamed spinach is a simple and healthy side that complements the soft shell crab without overpowering it. Lightly seasoned with garlic and olive oil, it adds a gentle, earthy flavor and a splash of color to your dish, enhancing the overall dining experience while keeping the focus on the crab.
12. Sweet Corn Fritters
Sweet corn fritters offer a sweet and savory taste that matches the natural sweetness of soft shell crab. These little bites are crispy on the outside and soft inside, providing a delightful texture contrast. Serve them with a side of creamy dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
13. Lemon Rice
Lemon rice provides a zesty, flavorful base that complements the delicate flavors of soft shell crab. Infused with lemon zest and juice, along with herbs like parsley or cilantro, it brings a bright, refreshing flavor to the dish, enhancing the seafood without overwhelming it.
14. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms, cooked until they're golden and tender, offer a rich, umami-packed side that pairs excellently with soft shell crab. Their meaty texture and deep flavor provide a hearty counterpoint to the light, crispy crab, adding both substance and sophistication to your meal.
15. Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beet salad brings a vibrant, earthy component to your soft shell crab meal. Mixed with feta cheese and a balsamic glaze, the sweet, tender beets offer a colorful contrast to the crab, providing a delicious and visually appealing side dish that complements the meal’s flavors beautifully.
What To Serve With Soft Shell Crab
Ingredients
- 1 soft shell crab
Instructions
- Make the best soft shell crab using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat soft shell crab with mashed potatoes, tartar sauce, shrimp boil, breakfast sliders, grilled asparagus, french fries, crab salad, polenta, cucumber salad, steamed spinach, sweet corn fritters, lemon rice, sautéed mushrooms, roasted beet salad, and bao buns.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂