What To Serve With Crab Legs: Best Side Dish Ideas

Are you planning a seafood feast but unsure what to serve with crab legs in Maine? You’re not alone. Many home cooks struggle to find the perfect accompaniments for this delectable crustacean. Crab legs are a luxurious treat, and pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal from great to extraordinary.

Whether serving crab legs in Maine or anywhere else, the key is complementing their sweet, delicate flavor without overpowering it. From classic sides to innovative pairings, there’s a world of options to explore.

In this guide, Overnight Maine Lobster will explain what to serve with crab legs so that you can make sure your next seafood dinner is a resounding success.

Add Some Delicious Seafood Side Dishes To Complement Your Crab Legs

When considering what to serve with crab legs, it’s essential to choose dishes that enhance rather than overpower the delicate flavor of the crab meat. The best side dishes strike a balance between complementing the crab and offering contrasting flavors and textures. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Corn on the Cob

This classic seafood side dish pairs perfectly with crab legs. The corn's sweetness complements the crab's brine flavor, and both can be enjoyed with melted butter. Try grilling the corn to add a smoky flavor for an extra twist. You can also sprinkle it with Old Bay seasoning for a traditional seafood flavor boost.

Roasted Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, roasted potatoes provide a satisfying contrast to the tender crab meat. Season them with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost. Consider using baby potatoes or fingerlings for a more elegant presentation. Toss them in olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs before roasting for maximum flavor.

Coleslaw

A creamy, tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to rich crab meat. The crunch of the cabbage and carrots adds a pleasant textural element to your meal. Try a vinegar-based slaw for a lighter option, or add some sliced apples or jicama for extra crunch and sweetness. A touch of celery seed in the dressing can complement the seafood flavors beautifully.

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover crab juices or dipping sauces. It’s a crowd-pleaser that complements the crab without overshadowing it. For a gourmet touch, use a crusty artisanal bread and rub it with fresh garlic cloves before brushing with butter and herbs. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before toasting.

Grilled Asparagus

This light vegetable side pairs beautifully with crab legs. The slight char from grilling adds depth to the asparagus flavor, making it an ideal companion to seafood. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and lemon zest before grilling. For added flavor, wrap bundles of asparagus in prosciutto before grilling.

Consider Complementary Seafood Pairings and King Crab Varieties

While crab legs can certainly stand alone as a main course, try pairing them with other seafood for a truly indulgent feast. Consider the following to up your seafood game:

Lobster Tails

Crab legs and lobster tails make the ultimate pairing. The sweet, tender meat of both crustaceans harmonizes beautifully, offering a contrast in textures and flavors that seafood lovers will appreciate.

Shrimp Scampi

The garlicky, buttery sauce of shrimp scampi goes perfectly with crab legs. The contrasting textures of the two shellfish make for a delectable mouth feel. The rich sauce from the scampi can also serve as an additional dipping option for your crab legs.

Steamed Clams or Mussels

These mollusks offer a different flavor profile that pairs well with crab. Serve them in a white wine and herb broth for a delightful combination. The briny taste of clams or mussels provides a nice contrast to the sweet crab meat.

When it comes to crab varieties, king crab is often considered the cream of the crop. Known for their sweet flavor and impressive size, king crab legs make for a truly memorable meal. Other popular options include:

Snow Crab

Smaller and more delicate than king crab, snow crab has a sweet, subtle flavor. Its meat is easier to extract from the shell, making it a popular choice for casual dining.

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a West Coast favorite with a slightly sweet and nutty taste. It has a tender texture and is often served whole, allowing diners to enjoy the leg and body meat.

Blue Crab

Blue crab is common on the East Coast and has a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor. It’s often used in crab cakes and is prized for its delicate, flaky meat. Blue crab is also fantastic in pasta salad, jazzing up a classic summertime side dish.

Each variety has unique characteristics, so consider trying different types to find your favorite. The diverse world of crab offers something for every palate and occasion, making it one of the most versatile seafood options.

Enhance Your Crab Leg Experience With the Right Butter and Sauces

No discussion of what to serve with crab legs would be complete without mentioning dipping sauces. The right sauce can elevate your crab leg experience.

Popular butter dipping sauces include:

Classic Melted Butter

Simple and timeless, melted butter allows the crab’s natural flavors to shine. Its rich, creamy texture enhances the sweetness of the crab meat without overpowering it.

Lemon Garlic Butter

Add minced garlic and lemon juice to melted butter for a zesty kick. This combination of citrus and spice adds a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the crab and butter.

Cajun Butter

Mix Cajun seasoning into melted butter for a spicy twist. The blend of herbs and spices in Cajun seasoning adds depth and heat to the butter, creating a bold flavor profile.

Herb Butter

Infuse melted butter with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for added complexity. These aromatic additions complement the crab’s delicate flavor while adding a touch of freshness.

Prefer Sauce?

For those who prefer non-butter options, consider:

• Cocktail Sauce: The tanginess of this classic sauce pairs well with crab. Its tomato base and horseradish kick provide a sharp contrast to the sweet crab meat.
• Aioli: A garlicky mayonnaise-based sauce that complements seafood beautifully. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a luxurious alternative to butter.
• Mignonette Sauce: Traditionally served with oysters, this vinegar-based sauce also works well with crab. Its acidic profile cleanses the palate between bites of rich crab meat.

Picking out the right butter or any other crab feast sides ultimately depends on your preference. No matter what crab leg accompaniments you go with, you can be sure that you’ll have a delicious meal.

Overnight Maine Lobster: Your Source for Spectacular Seafood Feasts

At Overnight Maine Lobster, we’re passionate about helping you create memorable seafood experiences. We’ve explored what to serve with crab legs, from light vegetable sides to complementary seafood pairings, ensuring you have all the information you need for a successful crab feast.

Our commitment to quality extends beyond just providing information; we offer premium crab legs from Maine and other seafood delicacies delivered right to your door. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply craving a taste of the ocean, we’re here to help.

For the freshest seafood and expert advice on cooking crab legs or determining what to serve with crab legs, give us a call at (207) 370-4492. Let Overnight Maine Lobster be your partner in creating unforgettable seafood meals in Maine and beyond.