Are you looking for a delicious way to enjoy one of the Florida Keys’ favorite delicacies – Stone Crab claws? Do you wonder what to serve with stone crabs?
In this blog post, we’ll review some of the best accompaniments for your stone crab meal. From decadent side dishes to unique salads and sauces that will take your dish to the next level – there are plenty of ways to elevate your Stone Crab experience.
Read on to find out our top picks on what to serve with stone crabs!
What Are Stone Crabs?
Stone crabs are a type of crab found in the coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. These crabs get their name from their hard, stone-like shells, which protect them from predators.
The most common species of stone crab is the Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria), typically found along the eastern coastline, from Massachusetts down to Mexico.
Stone crabs have a unique diet that consists mostly of clams, mussels, and other mollusks. They use their large claws to open the shells and feed on the flesh. Stone crabs are known for being quite aggressive when feeding and will often fight with other crabs over food.
Stone crabs are an important species for the seafood industry, as they are harvested and sold in markets across North America. Stone crab claws are highly sought-after due to their flavor and texture, making them a popular delicacy.
The meat from stone crabs can also be used in other dishes like chowder or salads. In recent years, stone crabs have become increasingly popular in restaurants and are often served as an appetizer.
Why Should You Know What To Serve With Stone Crabs?
Stone crabs are a popular seafood delicacy that many people worldwide enjoy. Although they are typically served as an appetizer or entrée, a variety of side dishes can be paired with stone crabs to create a more complete and flavorful meal.
Knowing what to serve with stone crabs will ensure your dinner guests enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
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What To Serve With Stone Crabs?
So, what to serve with stone crabs? Regarding side dishes, various options pair well with stone crabs.
Roasted Garlic Butter Bread
To serve Roasted Garlic Butter Bread with stone crabs, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slice a loaf of Italian or French bread into 1-inch slices and spread the bread with melted butter on both sides.
Sprinkle some minced garlic over the top, followed by chopped fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the bread until it is golden, about 10 minutes.
When ready to serve the stone crabs, place the garlic butter bread on a platter and arrange your cooked stone crabs around it. Serve with lemon wedges and additional melted butter, if desired. Enjoy!
Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad typically comprises romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a dressing made from anchovies, garlic, olive oil, egg yolks and Worcestershire sauce. It is believed to be created by Italian restaurateur Caesar Cardini in 1924.
Serving Caesar Salad with stone crabs is a delicious and unique combination that helps to bring out the flavors of both dishes. To make your Caesar Salad dressing, combine anchovies, garlic, olive oil, egg yolks and Worcestershire sauce in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
To assemble the salad, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Top with croutons and Parmesan cheese, then pour the Caesar dressing. Toss to combine. Finally, add the cooled stone crabs to the salad and serve as desired. Enjoy!
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish made with boiled and mashed potatoes. Traditionally served as comfort food, mashed potatoes can be enjoyed independently or used to accompany dishes like steak, chicken, or seafood.
First, prepare the ingredients for the classic recipe to serve mashed potatoes with stone crabs. Peel and quarter three large Idaho potatoes and place them in a pot of cold, salted water.
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Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and add butter, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings.
Beat with an electric mixer or hand masher until fluffy and creamy. Adjust the seasonings to taste. To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate and top with stone crabs.
Serve immediately with your favorite seafood sauce or condiment. You can place the mashed potatoes in a piping bag and pipe them onto the plate for an extra special presentation.
This creates a beautiful and elegant presentation. For a decadent twist, add some grated Parmesan cheese or truffle oil to the mashed potatoes before serving.
Baked Fries
Baked fries are a delicious and versatile side dish perfect for any occasion. Baked fries are usually made from potatoes in various shapes and sizes. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, snack, or main course.
When it comes to serving baked fries with stone crabs, the possibilities are endless. You can pair them with a classic tartar sauce or add an extra kick of flavor by using a Cajun seasoning.
Try topping your fries with garlic butter and roasted red peppers for something more exotic. Grated Parmesan cheese is also a great way to garnish fried potatoes for a unique and tasty side dish.
Besides the obvious choices, you can create delicious variations by adding other ingredients. For example, try topping your baked fries with diced bacon and onions for a savory flavor or add some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy texture.
You could mix sliced mushrooms or olives to give your fries a Mediterranean flair.
Grilled Vegetables
One way to serve grilled vegetables with stone crabs is to create a colorful vegetable platter.
Start by washing and cutting your choice of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, red potatoes and carrots.
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Arrange the vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle them with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Roast the vegetables in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
Serve the roasted vegetables alongside your stone crabs for a healthy and delicious meal. You can also top the roasted vegetables with freshly squeezed lemon juice for extra flavor!
Creamy Tomato Soup
To serve Creamy Tomato Soup with stone crabs, heat the soup in a large pot over medium heat until it bubbles. Meanwhile, prepare the stone crabs by steaming or boiling them for about 7 minutes until they are cooked.
Once cooked, crack open the claws and remove the meat. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into individual bowls and top with equal amounts of stone crab meat.
Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped basil or parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing Stone Crabs
When purchasing stone crabs, there are several important factors to consider:
- First, you should ensure you are getting healthy, quality crabs. Check the crabs for any signs of disease or shell damage. If they appear unhealthy, it is best to avoid them.
- Next, look at the size of the stone crabs. Smaller stone crabs taste much sweeter and more tender than larger ones. If buying live stone crabs, make sure they move around and have bright eyes – this indicates a healthy crab.
- It’s also important to purchase fresh stone crabs whenever possible. You can tell if the crab is fresh by the color of its shell. Fresh crabs should have a vibrant, deep orange hue. Avoid any that look dull or discolored.
- Finally, consider where the stone crabs are coming from and what method was used to harvest them. If possible, buy stone crabs from sustainable fisheries – this will ensure you get a quality product. If you are buying from a store, ask about their sourcing and ensure the crabs were harvested humanely and responsibly.
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FAQs
What Number Of Stone Crabs Are Required For Two People?
This will depend on the size of the stone crab claws and how much each person wants to eat. Generally speaking, a two-person portion would require two pounds of stone crabs.
Which Sauce Pairs Best With Crab?
The classic choice to serve with fresh stone crabs is melted butter. However, some people like to add more flavor by adding a tangy rémoulade sauce or a zesty cocktail sauce.
Lemon juice, garlic butter, and white wine sauces are also popular accompaniments.
Do You Eat Crab With Butter?
Yes, melted butter is the traditional condiment to serve with stone crabs. It brings out the natural sweetness of the crabmeat and helps keep the claws moist.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with stone crabs. Stone crabs offer a unique and delicious taste that can be enjoyed in many ways.
You can try mashed potatoes, baked fries, grilled vegetables, or creamy tomato soup to serve with stone crabs dishes. Whichever side dish you choose to serve with your stone crabs, it is sure to be a hit!
