Calling all the seafood lovers, have you tried out the delicious crab legs? If so, we are here to discuss its serving tips. Of course, some people love to eat crab legs as the main course. However, there are still some foodie fellows who appreciate it by pairing it with some other recipe. From the goodness of fries to the sumptuousness of sauces, and from pairing it with lemon wedges to using corn on the cob as a side dish, we will cover 15 pairing ideas for what to eat with crab legs. So, get ready to make your next meal super delicious.
1. Garlic Butter Sauce with Crab Legs
The earthy and spicy taste of garlic is enough to enhance the flavor profile of any dish, be it crab legs or bread. If you wonder how you eat crab legs with any pairing, try out butter sauce with a note of garlic in it. Crab legs pair well with garlic butter sauce. The inherent sweetness of the crab meat is enhanced by the rich, savory combination of butter and garlic. Just heat some butter, toss in the minced garlic, and simmer until aromatic. The dipping sauce can benefit from a little lemon juice to give it a zesty refreshment.
2. Drawn Butter for Crab Legs
My dear foodie fellas, if you don’t want to put in any effort yet still want to eat crab legs with enhanced flavor, drawn butter is for you. Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple. Clarified butter, or drawn butter, makes a simple yet elegant dipping sauce for crab legs. Its clean, silky flavor lets the real crab meat take center stage. To make drawn butter, melt unsalted butter slowly and skim off the milk particles to get behind the clear, golden liquid.
3. Lemon Wedges
If you have cooked snow crab legs for lunch and don’t know what to eat with them, lemon wedges are a classic pairing. We can say that these small pieces of lemon wedges are like drops of heaven with their citrus juice. The zesty, lemony flavor of lemon juice can perfectly balance the richness of cooked crabs. For a cool contrast, squeeze some lemon over the meat or softly dunk it in lemon juice.
4. Crab Legs with Tender Steamed Vegetables
Veggies are a forever favorite, even for meat lovers. So, if your dining table has crab legs for dinner and you wonder what to eat with them, veggies are an on-the-go choice. Steamed vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, and asparagus, are colorful and healthful side dishes that go well with crab legs. Their basic tastes complement the richness of the crab meat without taking over. Season the vegetables with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil for extra flavor.
5. Corn on the Cob
For a slightly sweet and nutty flavor for your savory meal, corn on the cob is the ideal option. Served with crab legs, Corn on the cob is a summertime classic. The soft crab meat is delightfully contrasted with sweet, juicy kernels. Corn can be boiled, grilled, or roasted and then topped with bay seasoning and a pat of butter. Believe me, your king crab legs will be a savory, sweet combo and ready to eat.
6. Crunchy Coleslaw with Crab Legs
The richness of crab legs can be countered with the crisp and refreshing side dish. The crunchy cabbage pairs well with the tart, creamy dressing for a pleasing textural contrast. You can’t go wrong with a traditional coleslaw made with sugar, vinegar, mayonnaise, and a dash of Dijon mustard. However, feel free to play around with other ingredients, such as apples or red onions.
7. French Fries with Crab Legs
A substantial portion of French fries is a favorite food of many and serves as the best crab legs pairing. Fries’ crispy, salty taste goes so well with crab legs. Traditional fries, sweet potato fries, or even seasoned wedges are your options. For extra taste, serve them with a selection of dipping sauces such as malt vinegar, ketchup, or aioli.
8. Caesar Salad
To go with crab legs, a Caesar salad is a light and refreshing option. The crispy croutons, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese produce a pleasing combination of flavors and sensations. The refreshing dressing is a perfect match for the juicy crab meat.
9. Baked Potatoes with Crab Legs
The goodness of mashed or baked potatoes is what goes well with crab legs. Baked potatoes are a filling and adaptable side dish that goes well with crab legs. Enjoy the crispy skin and fluffy insides on their own or paired with bacon pieces, chives, and a dollop of sour cream. For an even more decadent treat, consider double-baked potatoes.
10. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf goes nicely with crab legs and is a tasty and refined side dish. The flavorful mixture of rice, garlic, onions, and herbs creates a delightful foundation that accentuates the crab meat. For more depth, you can also add items like saffron, dried fruit, or almonds.
11. Spicy Garlic Bread
A crab leg feast would be enhanced by the savory and filling taste of garlic bread. The crispy, buttery, garlicky bread is the ideal complement to the succulent crab meat. Garlic bread is made by placing butter, garlic, and parsley on an Italian bread or baguette and then toasting it till golden brown.
12. Pasta Salad
Easily customizable to your preferences, pasta salad is a refreshing and adaptable side dish. Crab legs pair well with a light pasta salad dressed with olives, feta cheese, and vegetables and dressed with a vinaigrette. For a different taste profile, try a creamy pasta salad with herbs, mayonnaise, and celery.
13. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad blends well with crab legs and is a healthy and nutritious alternative. Quinoa’s nutty taste balances the natural sweetness of the crab meat. To make a light and filling salad, add items like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a lemon dressing.
14. Mango Salsa to Eat with Crab Legs
Mango salsa is a bright and tropical side dish that can enhance your crab leg dinner. The combination of red onions, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeños, and sweet, luscious mango makes a delectable contrast with the crab meat. This salsa gives your plate a lively burst of color and taste.
You can check out the recipe for mango salsa in this article.
15. Macaroni and Cheese
The pinch-worthy comfort food classic macaroni and cheese goes surprisingly nicely with crab legs. To go with the sweet crab meat, the creamy, cheesy pasta makes a decadent and rich side dish. You can add extra taste and texture by adding items like breadcrumbs, bacon, or jalapeños, or you can keep it simple.
Conclusion
Summing up, the article covered 15 tips for what to eat with crab legs. From the goodness of drawn butter to salsa and pasta pairing, each pairing tip enhances the flavor profile of crab legs. So, if you want to get a little creative with your ordinary meal, its time to pick up any side dish and enjoy.