What to serve with stone crabs? Best Sides to Pair

The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are where stone crabs are most frequently seen, in shallow waters close to the shore. They are frequently observed in Florida and other states in the Southeast.  

Stone crabs are caught in water using traps baited with fish or other seafood and let sit. The claws are cut off the crabs when they are hauled up from the bottom of the traps. The claws are usually prepared and consumed as a delicacy. 

Stone crab claws are considered a special delicacy and are served in various Florida seafood establishments. The question is what to serve with stone crab. The key to serving side dishes with stone crab is to choose light, flavorful items that don't overpower the delicate taste of the stone crab. 

Stone crabs are caught commercially in Florida from October 15 to May 15 of every year. The claws may be removed if the crab is at least 2 3/4 inches in size during this time. This ensures it is made sure that the crabs are big enough for the claws to grow back. 

Stone crab is a nutritious seafood choice. It contains essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Additionally, the stone crab is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and dietary fiber. 

What to serve with Florida stone crabs? 

Stone crabs are praised for their deliciousness, but it is challenging to find them in large quantities. A variety of side dishes can help complete a meal if the stone crabs are the main course. It is possible to experiment with various flavors and recipes because of crabmeat's remarkable versatility and compatibility with many different cuisines. The meal can be genuine to its utmost with various side dishes. Here is what to serve with stone crab, 

1. Coleslaw 

If you are wondering what to serve with stone crab, go for Coleslaw. It is a fantastic and crunchy accompaniment to stone crab, providing a refreshing contrast to the succulent seafood. It is an easy-to-make dish that can be prepared with various mix-ins to suit different tastes. It typically consists of shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a mayonnaise or vinegar-based dressing.  

It can also contain extra ingredients such as onions, peppers, and herbs for increased flavor. The slaw is brought to life by the creamy mayonnaise- or vinegar-based dressing, making it a delectable accompaniment to any stone crab feast. 

2. Potato Salad 

Are you stranded on what to serve with stone crab? Include potato salad in your ideas. Potato salad is a classic side dish consisting of boiled potatoes, chopped vegetables, and a creamy dressing. The ingredients can vary depending on the desired flavor but often include onions, celery, bell peppers, and hard-boiled eggs.  

The dressing is usually made of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and spices such as garlic, black pepper, and paprika. This dish is often served with stone crab or other kinds of seafood. The combination of creamy and crunchy textures makes potato salad a great accompaniment to many dishes.  

3. Grilled Vegetables 

Grilled vegetables are a great side dish if you are wondering what to serve with stone crab. They have a delicious smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweet and salty taste of the crabs. The process of grilling vegetables is simple.  

First, the vegetables should be washed and cut into pieces and then lightly coated with oil or butter. Next, the vegetables should be placed on a preheated grill or grill pan and cooked until they are tender, about 5-10 minutes, flipping them once during cooking. Finally, the vegetables should be seasoned with salt and pepper and served with your favorite sauce or condiment.  

Grilling vegetables is a great way to bring out their flavor and make them more interesting. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, creating a sweet and smoky flavor. Grilling also helps to retain the vegetables’ nutritional value and makes them easier to digest.  

4. Mashed Potatoes 

Mashed potatoes are an excellent accompaniment when it comes to what to serve with stone crab. Boiled potatoes are mashed with butter, milk, and seasonings to make a flavorful side dish—the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes pairs well with the sweet and succulent taste of stone crabs. The potatoes' comforting flavor also helps balance out the crabs' robust flavor. 

5. Corn on the Cob 

Eating corn on the cob as a side dish with stone crabs is a great way to add some crunch and sweetness to the meal if you are wondering what to eat with stone crabs. Not only does corn complement the rich and succulent flavor of the stone crabs, but it also provides a good balance of textural contrast. 

To prepare the corn, simply boil water in a pot and add the cobs. Cook until the kernels are tender. Once cooked, slather with butter and salt and enjoy with your stone crabs. 

6. Baked beans 

Baked beans will relieve your worry about what to eat with stone crabs. They are prepared by combining navy beans with a sweet and savory tomato-based sauce. The beans are then cooked in an oven or slow cooker until the sauce thickens, and the beans become tender. The beans should be served warm to enhance the flavor of the dish. 

Baked beans are a great accompaniment to stone crabs since they are both flavorful and filling. The sweetness of the beans pairs well with the crab's succulent, buttery texture. The beans can also be served with other seafood dishes, such as grilled salmon and shrimp.  

To complete the meal, serve the stone crabs with a salad, rice, or potatoes. You can also add a garnish of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of flavor. Try a white wine or lemon butter sauce for a light yet flavorful sauce. Whatever side dishes you choose, you can be sure that the combination of baked beans and stone crabs will make a delicious and unique meal. 

7. Roasted Garlic Bread 

Roasted garlic bread is a delicious side dish to relieve you of the stress of what to eat with stone crabs. To make this flavorful treat, brush slices of Italian bread with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, place the slices on a baking sheet, and roast in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Once finished, enjoy your roasted garlic bread as a side to your stone crabs. 

8. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese 

Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy and comforting side dish that will save you the headache of what to eat with stone crabs. It is prepared by boiling macaroni noodles in salted water until they are al dente, then draining them and mixing them with a creamy cheese sauce.  

The cheese sauce is usually made with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. The finished dish is baked in the oven until it is golden and bubbly. Stone crabs' sweet and salty flavor combines well with macaroni and cheese's creamy and savory flavor. 

9. Asparagus 

Asparagus is a light and healthy side dish that will reduce your worries about what to eat with stone crabs. It is prepared by trimming the ends of the asparagus spears, then steaming or boiling them until they are tender. They can also be grilled or roasted in the oven. Asparagus has a light and earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the delicate sweetness of stone crabs. 

10. Caesar Salad 

If you are wondering what to eat with stone crabs, go for Caesar salad. It is a classic side dish that is perfect for serving with stone crabs. It is prepared by combining romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing made with olive oil, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Stone crabs' juicy texture mixes well with crunchy lettuce and creamy dressing. 

What to focus on when buying stone crabs and their side dishes

• Quality - Make sure the stone crabs and their side dishes are fresh and of high quality. Ask to see the seafood before ordering to ensure it looks fresh and unblemished. 
• Preparation - It is always good to ask how the stone crabs and their side dishes will or were prepared. Fresh stone crabs and tide dishes should be cooked simply to bring out their natural flavor. 
• Sides - As we have seen above, there are many side dishes if you are wondering what to eat with stone crabs. Ensure that you Look for side dishes that complement the stone crabs since not all dishes are compatible. Popular options include coleslaw, fried potatoes, and garlic butter. 
• Presentation - Make sure the stone crabs and their side dishes are presented in a visually appealing way. This will ensure that your meal looks as good as it tastes. 

Stone crabs are a delicious and nutritious seafood delicacy that can be served as a main course or accompaniment to other dishes. When selecting what to serve with stone crab, it is important to choose side dishes that complement the crabs' delicate flavor and texture. 

GET YOUR FRESH FLORIDA STONE CRAB CLAWS TODAY