What Goes Best With Crab Cakes
So, you've got yourself a plate of crab cakes. Golden-brown, perfectly crispy on the outside, and absolutely loaded with sweet, delicate crab meat inside. But now comes the re...
So, you've got yourself a plate of crab cakes. Golden-brown, perfectly crispy on the outside, and absolutely loaded with sweet, delicate crab meat inside. But now comes the real question — the question that has haunted picky eaters for generations: what do you eat alongside these beauties?
Fear not, because I've spent unreasonable amounts of time and money (you're welcome, my bank account hates me) figuring this out. Let's dive into the wonderful world of crab cake pairings!
1. Remoulade Sauce: The Obvious Winner
First up, if you're not putting remoulade sauce on your crab cakes, honestly, what are you even doing? This creamy, zesty, slightly spicy mayo-based sauce is basically what crab cakes dream about at night.
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It's got a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the crab like a tiny French bulldog cutting through a cheese wheel. Think olives, capers, dill, a hit of horseradish — it's basically a party in a dish, and your crab cakes are the guests of honor.
2. Coleslaw: Crunch City
Now, a good coleslaw is Cinderella's slipper in the crab cake fairy tale. It provides that refreshing crunch and vinegary bite that makes you want to do a little victory dance at the table.
Fun fact: coleslaw may have originally come from the Dutch word "koolsla", which literally translates to "cabbage salad." Riveting stuff. But this humble salad deserves its spotlight right next to your golden crab cakes every single time.
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3. Corn on the Cob: Summer Vibes
Butter up some corn on the cob and get ready for the most patriotic flavor combination since apple pie met independence. The sweetness of the corn plays off the delicate crab meat like a love song on a laundromat radio.
It's messy, it's joyful, and it makes you look like a toddler at a barbecue in the best possible way. If you enjoy getting butter in places butter has no business being, this one's for you.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: The Dark Horse
Skip the regular fries this time and grab a basket of sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness balances out the savory depth of crab cakes in a way that'll make you nod sagely at your plate like you just cracked the code to the universe.
Top them with sea salt and a drizzle of honey mustard? Boom — you've elevated your entire meal from "nice dinner" to "I should be charging admission for this." Presentation matters, people.
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5. A Simple Green Salad: The Classy Move
Sometimes, the partner you need is the one who keeps things simple. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is the quiet friend who shows up without causing drama.
Sweet cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, a little shaved Parmesan — done. This is for those nights when you want your crab cakes to be the main character and nothing more.
6. Mac and Cheese: Because Why Not?
Listen, I didn't make the rules — okay, I did make these rules, but still — mac and cheese and crab cakes belong together. It's like pairing a tuxedo with sneakers: it shouldn't work, but it absolutely does.
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The creamy, cheesy noodles hug the crab cakes like a warm blanket on a cold night. Add a crispy breadcrumb topping, and you've got yourself a plate that could make grown adults weep with joy.
7. Beer: Liquid Gold
No meal is complete without something to wash it down, and a cold beer is the crab cake's best drinking buddy. A crisp pilsner or a light lager refreshes your palate between bites without stealing the spotlight.
Pro tip: Maryland locals swear by a cold lager with crab cakes, and honestly, when an entire state agrees on something, you just nod and obey. Think of it as democratic dining.
There you have it — the ultimate lineup of partners for your glorious crab cakes. Whether you go classy with a salad or indulgent with mac and cheese, the key is to pick sides that complement the crab rather than fight it. So grab your fork, gather your favorites, and enjoy every last crumb. Life's too short for boring pairings!
