As a seafood lover, there’s nothing quite like the taste of perfectly cooked shrimp scampi. The succulent shrimp, perfectly seasoned with garlic, lemon, and butter, is a dish that never fails to impress. But let’s face it – shrimp scampi on its own can be a bit one-dimensional. That’s where the importance of pairing it with the right side dish comes in.
Believe it or not, the right side dish can take your shrimp scampi to the next level. It can complement the flavors of the dish, add texture, and balance out the meal. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide what goes with it.
That’s why we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some delicious side dish ideas that will take your shrimp scampi game to new heights. From classic sides to creative and international options, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover what truly goes with shrimp scampi.
Classic Sides to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
When it comes to classic sides to serve with shrimp scampi, there are a few options that always hit the spot.
Linguine or spaghetti – linguine or spaghetti is the perfect classic side to serve with it. The mild flavor of the pasta complements the garlic and lemon of the shrimp scampi, while also providing a base for the dish. The long noodles also help to soak up any leftover sauce, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, who doesn’t like a large bowl of pasta? It’s comfort food at its finest.
Garlic bread – garlic bread is a carb-lover’s dream and the perfect classic side to serve with it. The crispy bread, smothered in butter and garlic, is a match made in heaven for the shrimp scampi. It’s also an excellent option for soaking up any leftover sauce and ensuring that not a drop of flavor goes to waste. Plus, who doesn’t love the comforting aroma of garlic bread baking in the oven? It’s a simple but delicious addition to any shrimp scampi meal.
It also goes well with:
Caesar salad – for a lighter classic side to serve with shrimp scampi, consider a Caesar salad. The fresh romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy parmesan cheese are the perfect complement to the rich and buttery shrimp scampi. The bright acidity of the dressing also helps to cut through the richness of the dish, providing a refreshing balance. Plus, a Caesar salad is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious and always a crowd-pleaser.
Grilled vegetables – Grilled vegetables are a tasty and healthy classic side to serve with. The charred and smoky flavor of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and onions adds a delicious contrast to the rich and buttery shrimp scampi. Plus, grilled vegetables are packed with vitamins and nutrients, making them a great way to balance out the meal. Not to mention, they add a pop of color to your plate and make for a beautiful presentation.
No matter which classic side you choose, these options are tried-and-true and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Creative Sides to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
If you’re looking to switch up your shrimp scampi game, consider pairing it with a more creative side dish. These options are sure to impress your guests and add an unexpected twist to your meal.
Risotto – This creamy Italian rice dish is a perfect complement to the buttery and garlicky shrimp scampi. The rich and decadent texture of the risotto pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Also, you can add in some parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Roasted asparagus – another excellent option. The nutty and slightly sweet flavor of the asparagus provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp scampi. Plus, it’s a simple side dish to prepare. All you need it to just toss the asparagus with some olive oil and roast in the oven until tender and crispy.
Creamed spinach – for a more indulgent option. This decadent side dish is made by cooking fresh spinach in a rich and creamy sauce. Usually, with some garlic and parmesan cheese. It’s a luxurious complement to the meal and adds an extra layer of richness to the meal.
Caprese salad – a fresh and vibrant option to serve with it. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil provide a burst of flavor and color to your plate. Plus, it’s a light and refreshing contrast to the buttery and garlicky shrimp scampi.
No matter which creative side dish you choose, these options are sure to take your meal to the next level.
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International Sides to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
Looking to take your shrimp scampi on a culinary trip around the world? Look no further than these international side dish options!
Spanish rice – this flavorful and aromatic dish is made with saffron, tomatoes, and spices. Making it the perfect complement to the meal. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors of the shrimp scampi. Thus, making it a perfect side dish to pair with the dish.
Greek salad – for a taste of Greece, try serving it with a classic Greek salad. The crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery shrimp scampi. Plus, it’s a healthy and light option that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Naan bread – a traditional Indian flatbread that makes a delicious and unique side dish for shrimp scampi. The soft and pillowy bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce, and the buttery and garlicky shrimp pairs beautifully with the warm, toasty bread.
Tabouli – a fresh and vibrant Middle Eastern salad made with parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat. The zesty and tangy flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and buttery shrimp scampi.
No matter which international side dish you choose, these options are sure to take your meal on a flavor journey around the world!
Wine and Beverage Pairings
White wine – crisp and refreshing white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with it. The bright acidity and citrus flavors in the wine complement the buttery and garlicky shrimp, making it a classic pairing.
Sparkling wine – If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your meal, consider serving a sparkling wine. The bubbles in the wine provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and buttery flavors of the shrimp scampi. A brut Prosecco or Champagne would be a perfect choice.
Beer – for a more casual option, try pairing it with a light and refreshing beer. A pilsner or wheat beer would be an excellent choice to cut through the richness of the dish and provide a crisp and clean finish.
Iced tea – a refreshing non-alcoholic option to serve with it. A cold glass of sweet tea or unsweetened tea provides a balance to the rich and buttery shrimp, making it a perfect option for a hot summer day.
No matter which beverage you choose, these options are sure to complement the flavors of your meal and make for a delicious and memorable dining experience.
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Tips for Pairing Sides with Shrimp Scampi
Pairing the right side dishes with shrimp scampi can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect sides for your shrimp scampi meal.
Consider the Flavor Profile of the Dish:
When selecting sides to pair with shrimp scampi, it’s essential to consider the flavor profile of the dish. Shrimp scampi is known for its buttery, garlicky, and sometimes slightly spicy flavors. Therefore, mild-flavored sides that don’t overpower the shrimp scampi’s flavors work best. Examples of mild-flavored sides that pair well with it include linguine or spaghetti, roasted asparagus, and risotto.
On the other hand, if you want to add a bit of contrast to the meal, you can choose sides with bolder flavors. For example, if you’re looking for a side dish that’s slightly tangy, you could serve it with caprese salad. Similarly, you could balance the buttery richness of shrimp scampi with a creamy side dish like creamed spinach.
When considering the flavor profile of the dish, it’s also essential to consider any spices or herbs that are included in the shrimp scampi recipe. For example, if your shrimp scampi has a bit of a spicy kick, you may want to pair it with a side that’s not too spicy, like roasted asparagus, to avoid overwhelming your taste buds.
Balance the Flavors and Textures of the Dish and Sides:
Another important consideration when pairing sides with shrimp scampi is to balance the flavors and textures of the dish and sides. It’s essential to have a variety of textures and flavors to create a satisfying and delicious meal.
For example, if you’re serving it with linguine or spaghetti, you may want to pair it with a crisp Caesar salad to add some crunch to the meal. Similarly, if you’re serving it with grilled vegetables, you may want to add a creamy side dish like risotto to balance the meal’s textures.
When it comes to flavor, it’s important to consider not just the intensity of the flavors but also the complementary or contrasting flavors of the sides. For example, if you’re serving shrimp scampi with a side salad, you may want to consider adding ingredients that complement the buttery, garlicky flavors of the shrimp scampi, like Parmesan cheese or croutons.
Always remember that the goal is to create a balanced meal with a variety of textures and flavors that complement and enhance the flavors of the shrimp scampi.
Take into Account the Occasion or Event:
When selecting sides to pair with shrimp scampi, it’s also essential to take into account the occasion or event. Different occasions may call for different types of sides.
For example, if you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or a special occasion, you may want to pair it with more elegant sides like roasted asparagus or risotto. On the other hand, if you’re having a more casual get-together or a family dinner, you may want to pair it with more relaxed sides like garlic bread or grilled vegetables.
Similarly, if you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or outdoor gathering, you may want to pair it with lighter sides like a Greek salad or tabouli. If you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or during the colder months, you may want to pair it with heartier sides like creamed spinach or Spanish rice.
Ultimately, the occasion or event can dictate the types of sides you serve with it. By taking into account the occasion or event, you can select sides that complement the occasion’s atmosphere and enhance the overall dining experience.
Conclusion
Pairing sides with shrimp scampi is an essential aspect of creating a complete and satisfying meal. In this case, sides can enhance the flavor profile of the dish and balance out the textures and flavors. Also, provide a well-rounded dining experience.
From classic sides like linguine or garlic bread to international options like Greek salad or naan bread, there are countless possibilities for pairing sides with shrimp scampi. Therefore, what goes with shrimp scampi should not be a question to worry about after reading this article. Also, when selecting sides, it’s essential to consider the dish’s flavor profile, balance the flavors and textures, and take into account the occasion or event.
Overall, shrimp scampi is a versatile and delicious dish that can be paired with a wide range of sides to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or a fancy dinner party, there are endless possibilities for pairing sides with it. So go ahead and experiment with different sides, and enjoy the mouth-watering combination of shrimp scampi and your favorite sides!
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