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What Goes With Stone Crab Claws?

felice kaufman author bio
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Wondering what goes with stone crab claws? From mustard sauce and melted butter to Cuban tostones and grilled vegetables, these easy side dishes complete the perfect Florida seafood dinner.

Stone crab claws served with creamy mustard sauce and fresh lemon wedges on a white plate. Fresh Florida stone crab claws are pre-cracked for easy serving.
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Florida Stone Crabs

When people think of stone crabs, they think of Florida, and for good reason. Nearly all of the nation's stone crabs come from Florida waters.

Stone crab season runs from mid-October through May when the claws are at their freshest and sweetest. The meat is flaky, tender, and lightly sweet, making it perfect with simple sauces, fresh side dishes, and classic Florida flavors.

The claws are cooked right after harvesting, so they are ready to crack and serve when you bring them home.

Stone crabs with mustard sauce on blue plate

Sauces For Stone Crab Claws

Stone crab sauces are usually simple so the sweet crab meat stays the star. From classic mustard sauce and melted butter to creamy mayo ketchup, these easy dipping sauces pair perfectly with fresh Florida stone crab claws.

1
key west stone crabs with mustard sauce and mallet.
Stone Crab Claws with Mustard Sauce Recipe
Enjoy the sweet taste of Stone Crab Claws with mustard sauce. Nothing beats the taste of fresh stone crabs, the jewel of the warm coastal water of the Florida Keys. Couple the crab claws with this creamy and tangy mustard sauce for an unbeatable combination of flavors!
Recipe
2
Shrimp tempura sushi roll dipped in spicy mayo with chopsticks over a wooden board
Japanese Spicy Mayo
Japanese spicy mayo is a simple sauce used on sushi rolls and seafood dishes. It's creamy, a little spicy, and takes about a minute to make at home. Use it as a dipping sauce or spoon it over rice bowls.
Recipe
3
homemade cocktail sauce with shrimp
Cocktail Sauce
This seafood cocktail sauce recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients including ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice. Perfect for shrimp cocktail, cold crab and oysters, or as a tangy dipping sauce, it's a must-have for any seafood platter. Ready in 5 minutes!
Recipe

Potato Sides

Potatoes are one of the best side dishes for a seafood dinner. Instead of regular French fries, try Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes, Roasted Tiny Red Potatoes, or Oven Roasted Russet Potatoes.

These easy potato sides pair perfectly with stone crab claws and can be made ahead for dinner parties, holidays, or Florida seafood feasts.

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overhead shot of Roasted baby Yukon Gold Potatoes
Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes
Learn how to roast baby gold potatoes to crispy, golden deliciousness with this easy recipe. Perfect for a side dish or snack!
Recipe
5
Crispy roasted red potatoes in a bowl.
Roasted Tiny Red Potatoes
Roasted tiny red potatoes make an easy and delicious side dish. Their thin skins crisp up in the oven while the insides stay soft and creamy. These little potatoes have a naturally sweet flavor and roast in just 20 minutes. They're perfect with chicken, beef, or fish.
Recipe

Vegetable Sides

Fresh vegetable sides pair perfectly with sweet Florida stone crab claws. Try Roasted Vegetables, Steamed Broccoli and Carrots, Grilled Baby Broccoli, or even Steamed Shrimp and Broccoli for a lighter seafood dinner.

6
oven roasting cauliflower, broccoli,, and carrots in the oven
Roasted Broccoli, Cauliflower & Carrots
Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with garlic is an easy sheet pan recipe made with fresh vegetables. Roast until tender with lightly browned crispy edges. This dish makes a simple side dish that works for meal prep or any dinner.
Recipe
7
Steamed broccoli and fresh carrots on a white plate with a lemon slice.
Steamed Broccoli and Carrots Recipe
Wholesome and hassle-free Steamed Broccoli and Carrots! A super healthy side dish that's quick to make. Get your veggies right with this easy recipe. Ten minutes from start to finish!
Recipe
8
roasted asparagus with salt pepper and lemon
Sheet Pan Asparagus
Sheet pan asparagus is a simple side dish that cooks fast and comes out tender with lightly roasted edges. It uses just a few ingredients and is ready in about 10 minutes. Roast at 400°F for the best texture and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Recipe

Cold Sides

Cold side dishes are perfect with stone crab claws because most seafood spreads are served chilled. Deli-style coleslaw, pasta salad, potato salad, and fresh fruit salads all pair well with the sweet flavor of stone crab meat.

9
Mixed garden salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion as lemon Dijon dressing is poured over fresh greens
Mixed Garden Salad
Learn how to make a mixed garden salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion tossed in a light lemon Dijon dressing. It's ready in minutes and works as a side or a light meal.
Recipe
10
Dill pickle potato salad with eggs and fresh dill served with oven fried chicken.
Potato Salad With Pickles and Eggs
Southern-style potato salad with pickles and eggs made with boiled potatoes and a creamy dressing. A classic, make-ahead side dish for cookouts and family meals.
Recipe
11
shrimp salad with pasta and a lemon wedge
Shrimp Salad with Pasta
Shrimp Salad with Pasta is packed with wild-caught shrimp, pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy Old Bay dressing. It's a cool, delicious side dish that's perfect for cookouts, picnics, or easy dinners. Serve chilled.
Recipe
12
Bowl of deli-style macaroni salad with mayonnaise.
New York Deli Macaroni Salad
New York Deli Macaroni Salad is a sweet pasta salad made with elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, vegetables, and a few finely chopped vegetables.
Recipe

Seafood To Serve With Stone Crabs

Stone crab claws pair well with simple seafood appetizers and light Florida-style dishes. A chilled Key West Shrimp Cocktail or crispy Panko Crab Cakes make great additions to a seafood spread.

13
shrimp cocktail appetizer
Key West Pink Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Cocktail is made with wild-caught Key West pink shrimp, boiled and served chilled with homemade cocktail sauce. A simple, classic appetizer for holidays, happy hour, or any seafood spread.
Recipe
14
crab cakes with creamy cocktails sauce
Panko Crab Cakes With Crab Claw Meat and Creamy Cocktail Sauce
Panko Crab Cakes with Crab Claw Meat are an easy-to-make appetizer or main dish, perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions. Use Maryland lump crab, claw meat, or Florida stone crab claws for a sweet, tender flavor. Simply combine the ingredients, form patties, and fry until golden and crispy. Serve with creamy cocktail sauce 🦀
Recipe
15
boiled shrimp with lemon, potatoes, and corn
Boiled Shrimp With Potatoes and Corn Recipe
Boiled shrimp with potatoes and corn is a quick and easy one-pot meal made with pink shrimp, Old Bay, garlic, and lemon. It's ready in 30 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal. Serve hot with butter and lemon.
Recipe
16
key west spiny lobster rolls on salad with gingham napkin
Lobster Salad
This lobster salad is light, refreshing, and full of sweet lobster flavor. Serve it on a toasted roll, over crisp greens, or in lettuce cups for an easy, elegant meal. Perfect for lunch, buffets, beach picnics, or casual dinners.
Recipe
17
key west spiny lobster rolls on teal plate
Key West Lobster Rolls
These spiny lobster rolls are a Florida Keys take on the classic lobster roll. Sweet lobster tail meat is tossed in a light lemon-mayo dressing with celery and chives, then piled into buttery New England style split-top buns. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Recipe

Desserts

Keep dessert light and simple after a seafood dinner. Key lime pie is the classic Florida choice, but fresh fruit, coconut desserts, or citrus-flavored treats also pair well with stone crab claws.

18
Key lime pie with whipped cream.
Authentic Key Lime Pie Recipe
Authentic Key Lime Pie is the perfect way to finish a seafood dinner! With its tangy, creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust balance the flavors of the meal. Serve it cold with a spoonful of whipped cream for a classic Florida Keys dessert.
Recipe
19
Sweet and savory mango side dish.
Mango with Chili Lime Salt Recipe
Mango with chili lime salt is a delicious balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Simply sprinkle the seasoning over ripe mango slices for a refreshing snack or tropical dessert.
Recipe

Serving Stone Crab Claws

Serve stone crab claws chilled with lemon wedges, mustard sauce, melted butter, or spicy mayo on the side. For parties, place the claws over crushed ice to keep them cold.

More Florida Seafood Recipes

FAQ

What sauce goes with stone crab claws?

Classic mustard sauce is the traditional pairing for Florida stone crab claws. Melted butter, spicy mayo, and mayo ketchup are also popular dipping sauces.

What side dishes go well with stone crabs?

Potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, and Cuban tostones all pair well with stone crab claws.

Are stone crab claws served hot or cold?

Stone crab claws are usually served cold because they are cooked immediately after harvesting. Most restaurants and seafood markets serve them chilled with dipping sauce and lemon wedges.

What drinks go well with stone crabs?

Cold beer, sparkling wine, prosecco, crisp white wine, and citrusy cocktails pair well with chilled stone crab claws and Florida seafood dinners.

What dessert goes with stone crabs?

Key lime pie is the classic Florida dessert for a stone crab dinner. Light citrus desserts and fresh fruit also pair well after seafood meals.

More Florida Keys Recipes