Crab cakes are rich, savory, and full of coastal flavor—but the right side dish can take them from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them as the main course at home or enjoying them at a seafood restaurant, pairing crab cakes with a thoughtful side dish adds balance and variety to the plate.
At NC Seafood Restaurant, we know what goes with crab cakes in order to make a delicious meal. Let’s explore eight of the best seafood side-dishes to compliment the umami flavor of crab cakes.
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#1: Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a timeless side dish that pairs perfectly with crab cakes thanks to its crisp texture and refreshing tang. The cool crunch of shredded cabbage, often dressed in a vinegar-based or creamy mayo sauce cuts through the richness of the crab meat, offering a light and zesty contrast. Whether you’re serving it Carolina-style with a tangy apple cider vinegar kick or a classic, creamy coleslaw recipe, it brings balance to the plate.
#2: Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes bring a crispy, slightly tart twist that pairs beautifully with the savory richness of delicious crab cakes. Their firm texture holds up well to frying, creating a golden crust that complements the soft interior of the crab cake. The tanginess of green tomatoes add a punch of acidity, which helps cut through the crab’s buttery flavor. Served side by side, they make for a comforting yet elevated iconic summer side dish.
#3: Red Potato Salad
Red potato salad is a hearty, comforting side that pairs well with rich crab cakes, offering a creamy, satisfying counterpoint. The natural sweetness and firm bite of red potatoes hold up nicely in a mayo or dijon mustard style dressing, often enhanced with fresh dill, celery, green onions, or pickles for extra flavor and crunch. This side is especially popular at seafood boils and coastal cookouts, where simple, flavorful pairings shine.
#4: Grilled Vegetable Medley
A grilled vegetable medley adds a smoky, vibrant touch to any hot crab cake meal, offering both visual appeal and a healthy balance of flavors. Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and red onions bring natural sweetness and charred edges that contrast nicely with the richness of crab cakes. The light seasoning, along with olive oil and lemon vinaigrette, and grilled texture allow the seafood to remain the star while providing a savory, nutritious backdrop.
#5: Mango and Avocado Salad
Mango and avocado salad is a fresh, tropical-inspired, color salsa that brings a burst of flavor and creaminess to your crab cake. The sweetness of ripe mango salsa contrasts with the savory crab, while the creamy texture of avocado mirrors the richness in a subtle, buttery way. Often tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of red onion, this refreshing salad adds brightness and acidity that lifts the entire dish.
#6: Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a light, flavorful side dish that provides a perfect base for crab cakes without overwhelming them. Its fluffy texture soaks up sauces like remoulade or lemon butter beautifully, enhancing each bite. Rice pilaf is especially great when you want a well-rounded, more substantial seafood meal that still feels elegant and provides the perfect balance.
#7: Grilled Creamed Corn
Grilled creamed corn adds a rich, smoky-sweet side to crab cakes that amplifies the dish’s Southern coastal charm. Grilling the corn before combining it with cream or butter enhances its natural sweetness and brings out subtle charred notes that pair well with the delicate, savory crab meat. Add a simple green salad or lime cilantro rice for a decadent yet approachable meal that adds comfort and depth to your crab cakes.
#8: Hush Puppies
Light and fluffy hush puppies are a beloved Southern side that pair effortlessly with crab cakes, adding a warm, golden crunch and a hint of sweetness to the plate. Made from cornmeal batter and deep-fried until crisp on the outside and tender inside, hush puppies offer a comforting, hearty bite. They are a natural companion to seafood dishes—especially in Calabash-style seafood, where fried golden brown sides are a staple.
The 3 Best Condiments for Crab Cakes
The right sauce can take a crab cake from great to unforgettable. These three condiments each bring something unique to the plate—whether you’re craving tang, spice, or a touch of citrus.
Classic Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is the timeless go-to for crab cakes, offering a cool, tangy contrast that enhances every bite. Made with mayonnaise, pickles or relish, lemon juice, and herbs, its creamy consistency and bright flavor cut through the richness of the crab. It’s simple, familiar, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Zesty Remoulade Sauce
Remoulade adds a bold, Southern twist to crab cakes with its spicy, tangy kick. Typically made with mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, capers, and spices, it delivers layers of flavor with every bite. It’s the perfect match for Cajun-style crab cakes or anyone who enjoys a little heat.
Creamy Lemon Aioli
Lemon aioli is a fresh and elegant option that brightens up the flavor of crab cakes without overpowering them. Made with garlic, mayo, and fresh lemon juice or zest, it adds a silky texture and citrusy punch. It’s ideal for herb-forward or baked crab cake recipes that benefit from a light, refined finish.
Get Carolina-Style Crab Cakes and Delicious Sides in Raleigh
Ready to skip the prep and enjoy a seafood meal done right? Visit NC Seafood Restaurant at the State Raleigh Farmers Market for golden, flavorful Carolina-style crab cakes and all your favorite Southern sides—including our crowd favorites—our hush puppies and coleslaw.
Whether you’re dining in or ordering from our takeout menu, we serve up fresh plates that celebrate the best of coastal North Carolina.
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