Crab Imperial is a beloved seafood delicacy and no proper seafood feast is complete without it.
But once that succulent crabmeat has been laid out, the real question becomes; what do I serve with Crab Imperial?
This may seem like a perplexing conundrum, but there are actually several delicious side dishes to choose from to make your meal truly exceptional!
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring ten great options for sides to pair with Crab Imperial, helping you craft an unforgettable dining experience.
What to Serve with Crab Imperial? 10 BEST Options
1. Air-fried Green Tomatoes
Air-fried green tomatoes are a delicious, healthy alternative to deep-fried tomatoes.
They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Green tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C.
They also contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
To make air-fried green tomatoes, start by slicing the tomatoes into thick slices.
You can also cut them into wedges if you prefer.
Next, coat the slices in a light layer of oil.
Then, place them in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
Once they are done cooking, remove the air-fried green tomatoes from the air fryer and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Serve immediately.
2. Sweet Vinegar Coleslaw
This Sweet Vinegar Coleslaw is the perfect side dish to accompany your crab imperial.
The sweet and tangy flavors of the coleslaw complement the richness of the crab imperial perfectly.
The crunchy texture of the cabbage also provides a nice contrast to the creamy sauce of the crab imperial.
To make this dish even more special, try adding some shredded carrots or diced apples for an extra pop of color and sweetness.
For a bit of spice, you could also add in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
This dish can be served cold or at room temperature, so it’s perfect for summer gatherings.
3. Classic Southern Cornbread
There’s nothing quite like a warm, fluffy piece of cornbread straight out of the oven.
And when it’s made from scratch using quality ingredients, it can be truly transformational.
Whether you’re serving it alongside a bowl of chili or using it to soak up some gravy, cornbread is always a welcome addition to any meal.
But what makes a great cornbread? For starters, it should be moist but not too dense.
The texture should be light and airy, with a slightly crumbly exterior.
And of course, it should have that signature sweet-yet-savory flavor that can only come from cornmeal.
If you’re looking to take your cornbread game up a notch, there are a few simple things you can do.
First, try using buttermilk in place of regular milk for added richness and depth of flavor.
You could also add in some shredded cheese or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Or keep things classic with a drizzle of honey on top.
However you choose to enjoy it, we hope you’ll give our recipe for classic southern cornbread a try.
4. Old Bay Seasoned Fries
Who doesn’t love fries? They’re salty, crispy, and a perfect side to just about any dish.
But Old Bay seasoned fries take this classic side to a whole new level.
The Old Bay seasoning adds a bit of heat and a whole lot of flavor to the dish.
And when paired with the right main course, these fries can really elevate your meal.
So, what goes well with Old Bay seasoned fries? Just about anything.
But we’ve compiled a list of our 10 favorite dishes to pair with this tasty side.
- Seafood: Crab imperial, shrimp scampi, lobster roll.
- Poultry: Fried chicken, roasted chicken, chicken wings.
- Beef: Cheeseburger, steak sandwich, meatloaf.
- Vegetarian: Grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, macaroni and cheese.
5. Job’s Tears And Crab Salad
This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer meal.
Job’s tears are chewy and have a slightly nutty flavor, while the crab salad is cool and creamy.
The two flavors complement each other perfectly.
To make this dish even more special, try serving it on a bed of baby greens or microgreens.
The contrast of color will be beautiful, and the greens will add a touch of bitterness that will balance out the sweetness of the crab salad.
You could also garnish the dish with some fresh herbs, like chives or parsley.
If you’re looking for an impressive yet easy-to-make dish, look no further than this Job’s Tears and Crab Salad.
It’s sure to impress your guests.
6. Crab Louis Salad
Crab Louis Salad is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion.
The salad is made with crab meat, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomato, and green onion.
It is then tossed in a dressing made of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
The taste and texture of Crab Louis Salad is truly unique.
The crab meat is succulent and the avocado provides a creamy contrast.
The hard-boiled eggs add a subtle richness while the tomato and green onion give the salad a touch of sweetness.
Tips on elevating the dish:
- For an even richer flavor, try using lump crab meat instead of chopped crab meat.
- If you want a bit more of a crunch in your salad, consider adding chopped celery to the mix.
- For an extra zesty kick, add some Dijon mustard to the dressing.
7. Caesar Salad With Crabmeat
If you’re looking for a classic, yet elevated dish to serve with your crab imperial, look no further than caesar salad.
The savory flavors of the dressing paired with the creamy texture of the crabmeat is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Here are a few tips on how to make the best caesar salad to pair with your crab imperial:
- Use high quality ingredients: When it comes to caesar salad, using high quality ingredients is key. Look for fresh, local produce and use a good quality olive oil and parmesan cheese.
- Keep it simple: sometimes less is more, and this definitely applies to caesar salad. Stick to the basics – lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese and a classic Caesar dressing.
- Get creative with your garnishes: A few well placed garnishes can really make a caesar salad stand out. Try adding roasted cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon or even grilled shrimp.
8. Spicy Asian Slaw with Crab
This Crab Imperial is the perfect dish for a summertime BBQ.
The sweet crab meat is complimented by the crunch of the veggies, and the whole dish is brought together by the delicious Asian-inspired dressing.
The best part about this slaw is that it can be made ahead of time, so all you have to do on the day of your event is throw it all together and enjoy.
To elevate this dish, I suggest adding in some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
You could also add a touch of heat with some diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes.
And for an extra bit of crunch, feel free to add in some chopped peanuts or cashews.
9. Summertime Fruit Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy a fruit salad.
This dish is light, refreshing, and can be easily tailored to your taste.
The sweetness of the fruit is offset by the tangy blue cheese dressing, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on a hot summer day.
The best part about a fruit salad is that you can use whatever fruits are in season.
I like to use a mix of berries, melon, and stone fruit.
The different colors and textures make for a beautiful and visually appealing dish.
And of course, don’t forget the blue cheese.
The creaminess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to elevating this dish.
If you want to add a little more protein, you could top it with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, you could top it with a scoop of ice cream or crumbled bacon.
No matter how you serve it, this fruit salad is sure to be a hit.
10. Watermelon, Feta And Crab Salad
This salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory and fresh.
The watermelon provides a lovely sweetness and juiciness that pairs perfectly with the feta cheese.
The addition of crab meat takes this salad to the next level, making it a perfect option for a summertime meal.
The key to this dish is to make sure that the watermelon is ripe and the feta is nice and fresh.
I like to use a variety of different melons in this salad for both sweetness and color.
You can also add in some chopped fresh mint for an extra element of flavor.
To elevate this dish, you could serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraiche.
I also love to add a bit of spice with some sliced jalapeño peppers.
This dish can be served as is or on top of a bed of greens.
Conclusion
So, what goes with Crab Imperial? I have provided 10 great options that will complement your Crab Imperial and make it a meal to remember.
Be sure to try some of these dishes the next time you make Crab Imperial.
And if you have any other great ideas, be sure to share them in the comments below.

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!