Name: What To Serve With Soft Shell Crab
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 portion soft shell crab

Table of Contents

If you’re wondering what to serve with your soft shell crab, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 33 of the most popular side dishes for soft shell crab.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best dishes to serve with soft-shell crabs are buttermilk coleslaw, green bean salad, Southern fried okra, Cajun roasted potatoes, and squash puppies. You can also serve grits, pineapple fried rice, and peach salsa. For something different, try soft shell crab sushi.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Buttermilk coleslaw

There are hundreds of coleslaw recipes, but this version is one of my favorites.

It features a dressing made with equal parts mayo and buttermilk, making for a lighter but still creamy slaw.

The recipe also calls for horseradish, which gives the slaw an extra oomph. Don’t skip it!

Psst… this coleslaw works really well in a soft shell crab burger.

Why we love this recipe: you can’t go wrong with the classics.

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Buttermilk coleslaw
Make it dairy-free
Vinegar coleslaw
Add a fruity note
Mango jicama slaw

Squash puppies

Grated squash is a great addition to classic hush puppies.

Finely grated squash will melt into the batter, adding a subtle hint of sweetness that everyone, even veggie haters, will love.

And don’t forget the dip! I like a tartar sauce because it goes well with the crab too, but this recipe uses a roasted jalapeno mayonnaise for a fiery kick.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a clever way to sneak more vegetables into meals.

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Squash puppies
Add heat
Spicy pickle hush puppies
Stick with the basics
Classic hush puppies

Green bean salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/264868021827232993/

Give your soft-shell crabs a nourishing boost by serving them with this green bean salad.

Blanching the green beans gives them a delightfully crisp-tender texture, and also gives them their signature bright green color.

Pro-tip: dry the green beans as much as possible to ensure the citrusy dressing sticks.

Why we love this recipe: it’s brimming with summer flavors.

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Green bean salad with lemon and dill
Make it with leafy greens
Butter lettuce salad with honey mustard vinaigrette
Make a classic
Caesar salad

Peach salsa

This vibrant peach salsa is the perfect juicy accompaniment for crab.

It’s got sweet peaches, spicy jalapenos, creamy avocado, and a tangy lime and cilantro dressing that will cut right through your greasy fried crab.

Pro-tip: make sure the peaches and avocados aren’t too ripe to avoid a mushy salsa.

Why we love this recipe: it comes together in just 15 minutes.

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Avocado peach salsa
Change the flavor
Cucumber kiwi salsa
Ditch the fruity note
Cowboy caviar

Grits

Grits are naturally rich, but if you want to make them even more decadent, use heavy cream and half-and-half.

It’s not the healthiest, but it doesn’t hurt to indulge sometimes right?

Skip the shrimp and top these grits with some golden soft-shell crab instead.

Why we love this recipe: it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

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Creamiest grits
Preheat the oven
Cheese grits casserole
Make it fancy
Saffron risotto

Homemade dill tartar sauce

This is technically a dip and not a side dish, but I couldn’t not include it – it’s just too good with soft-shell crabs!

And this homemade version is so much better than the bottled stuff.

The capers are optional, but I recommend including them. They add a delectable burst of saltiness that really elevates this creamy sauce.

Why we love this recipe: you only need 5 ingredients.

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Homemade dill tartar sauce
Make it zesty
Cocktail sauce
Make it spicy
Cajun remoulade

Thai pineapple fried rice

Shake things up with this fruity egg fried rice.

You’ll have to plan ahead for this dish because day-old rice is best. Fresh rice is way too sticky and doesn’t crisp up in the same way.

Can’t find fresh pineapples? Canned ones will work in a pinch – just make sure to drain them properly.

Why we love this recipe: it’s way better than takeout.

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Thai pineapple fried rice
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Pineapple cashew cauliflower fried rice
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Kimchi fried rice

Soft shell crab sushi

You’re probably familiar with soft shell crab burgers, but what about soft shell crab sushi?

It’s a great way to introduce sushi to the skeptics in your life, because there’s no raw fish involved.

And you can get the whole family involved with making it.

Psst… here is some inspiration for what to pair with sushi.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a unique way to serve the crab.

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Soft shell crab sushi
Go Mexican
Soft shell crab tacos
Go traditional
Soft shell crab burgers

Succotash

This is my go-to veggie side when I need something quick but tasty.

It’s a colorful medley of vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and lima beans. I always add bacon bits as well to bring a touch of smokiness.

Psst… can’t find lima beans? Try edamame or white beans instead.

Why we love this recipe: it’s super nourishing and easy to customize.

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Succotash
Make it decadent
Southern scalloped corn
Keep it simple
Honey butter skillet corn

Cajun roasted potatoes

You can use any potatoes for this Cajun spiced side, but yellow spuds like Dutch baby potatoes, are best because they turn out super tender but won’t fall apart.

And you can roast them with their skins on, which means less prep work for you!

Pro-tip: flip your potatoes cut side down to get that crisp, caramelized edge.

Why we love this recipe: you can easily control how spicy you want these to be.

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Roasted Cajun potatoes
Make it indulgent
Loaded potato skins
Make it crispy
Oven-baked French fries

Air fryer okra

I love fried okra, but these crispy morsels aren’t the healthiest side dish.

That’s why this recipe is a godsend – air frying the okra makes them much healthier than the usual deep-fried affair.

They make a yummy snack, but they’re also great next to soft shelled crab.

Why we love this recipe: there’s no slimy textures here!

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Air fryer okra
Skip the okra
Fried green beans
Make it saucy
Stewed okra

The best side dishes to serve with soft shell crab

Buttermilk coleslaw
Squash puppies
Green bean salad
Peach salsa
Grits
Homemade dill tartar sauce
Thai pineapple fried rice
Soft shell crab sushi
Succotash
Cajun roasted potatoes
Air fryer okra