What Other Appetizers to Serve With Shrimp Cocktail?
When serving shrimp cocktail as an appetizer, there are several other appetizers that pair well with it.
Some options include tortilla chips with salsa, green vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, potato salad, fresh salads, fries and onion rings, crostini, fish cake bites, cheese straws, mango habanero salad, hushpuppies, lumpia, steak bites, honey brie crostini, panzanella salad, pineapple salsa, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, Cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, mozzarella, and prosciutto skewers, cheddar cheese hush puppies, crab cake balls, chimichurri steak bites, caramelized onion, and gorgonzola steak bites, burrata and steak crostini, fried vegetable spring rolls, wonton mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, cream cheese stuffed mini peppers, creamy mushroom poppers, mini cornbread muffins, creamy lemon, and zucchini pasta, cornbread panzanella salad, corn ribs, and Parmesan crusted smashed potatoes.
These appetizers provide a variety of flavors and textures that complement the shrimp cocktail, creating a well-rounded appetizer spread.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. In many Mediterranean countries, it is common to serve shrimp cocktail with a side of tarator sauce, a delicious blend of yogurt, garlic, walnuts, and fresh herbs.
2. For a unique twist on shrimp cocktail, try serving it with plantain chips. The natural sweetness of the plantains pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the shrimp cocktail.
3. In Japan, it is customary to serve shrimp cocktail with a side of wasabi-infused mayo, known as “wasabi mayo.” The spicy kick of the wasabi adds a delightful zing to the dish.
4. Another interesting appetizer to pair with shrimp cocktail is avocado gazpacho shots. The chilled avocado soup brings a refreshing and creamy element to the table, complementing the shrimp beautifully.
5. For a touch of elegance, offer your guests mini phyllo cups filled with a mixture of cream cheese, dill, and smoked salmon. These bite-sized treats perfectly complement the flavors of a classic shrimp cocktail.
Tortilla Chips With Salsa
When it comes to appetizers to serve with shrimp cocktail, tortilla chips with salsa are a classic choice. The crispy texture of the chips pairs perfectly with the succulent shrimp and tangy cocktail sauce. Salsa, with its vibrant blend of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs, adds a refreshing and spicy kick to the dish.
The combination of the cool shrimp cocktail and the bold flavors of the salsa creates a delightful contrast that will satisfy your taste buds.
To create the perfect pairing, make sure to choose a salsa that complements the flavors of the shrimp cocktail. A chunky tomato salsa with a touch of heat from jalapenos or a tangy salsa verde with fresh herbs and tomatillos would be excellent choices.
The crunch of the tortilla chips provides a satisfying contrast to the soft texture of the shrimp, making it an appetizer duo that is sure to please.
Green Vegetables
Incorporating green vegetables into your shrimp cocktail spread not only adds a pop of color, but also provides a fresh and healthy element to the appetizer lineup. Broccoli and asparagus, when lightly steamed or blanched, offer a crisp texture and vibrant flavor that pairs well with the shrimp cocktail.
These green vegetables bring a refreshing touch to the plate, balancing out the richness of the shrimp and the cocktail sauce. Their slightly bitter taste and earthy undertones provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the shrimp. You can serve the vegetables on their own as a side, or toss them with a light vinaigrette to enhance their flavors and ensure they complement the shrimp cocktail perfectly.
- Incorporating green vegetables into shrimp cocktail adds color and freshness.
- Lightly steamed or blanched broccoli and asparagus offer a crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
- Green vegetables balance out the richness of the shrimp and cocktail sauce.
- Serve the vegetables on their own as a side or toss them with a light vinaigrette.
“These green vegetables bring a refreshing touch to the plate, balancing out the richness of the shrimp and the cocktail sauce.”
Potato Salad
When it comes to classic pairings for shrimp cocktail, potato salad is an undeniable favorite. The creamy and tangy potato salad provides a satisfying contrast to the cold and zesty shrimp cocktail. The combination of the rich mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and crunchy vegetables tossed with tender potatoes creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
The potato salad can be served alongside the shrimp cocktail as a complementary side dish. The creamy potatoes provide a comforting element that complements the refreshing shrimp cocktail. Additionally, the tanginess of the salad helps to cut through the richness of the cocktail sauce, creating a well-rounded appetizer experience.
Fresh Salads
Fresh salads are a wonderful addition to any shrimp cocktail spread as they add a light and vibrant touch to the appetizer lineup. By incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and dressings, you can create a medley of flavors that perfectly complements the shrimp cocktail.
One option is to serve a crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette. The crispness of the vegetables and the tanginess of the vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the shrimp cocktail.
Another delicious option is a refreshing panzanella salad, made with toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and a light dressing. The combination of the crunchy bread, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese works harmoniously with the shrimp cocktail.
Fresh salads not only provide a healthy and light option, but they also offer a variety of flavors and textures that can elevate the shrimp cocktail experience.
- Fresh vegetables
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Zesty vinaigrette
- Toasted bread cubes
- Fresh basil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Light dressing”
Fries And Onion Rings
For those looking to add a touch of indulgence to their shrimp cocktail spread, fries and onion rings are the perfect accompaniments. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the fries and onion rings create a delightful contrast to the tender and succulent shrimp.
Whether you opt for classic french fries or sweet potato fries, they provide a satisfying crunch that complements the shrimp cocktail. The saltiness of the fries enhances the flavors of the shrimp, while their soft texture creates a pleasant contrast.
Onion rings, with their crispy batter and sweet onion center, add a burst of flavor and texture to the shrimp cocktail. The savory and slightly sweet taste of the onion rings pairs well with the tangy cocktail sauce, offering a delightful combination of flavors.
- Fries and onion rings not only add a satisfying crunch to the shrimp cocktail experience but also provide a fun and indulgent element to your appetizer spread.
Crostini
Crostini, with their crisp, toasted bread slices, are a versatile and elegant option to serve with shrimp cocktail. These small, bite-sized toasts provide a sturdy base for a variety of toppings, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to complement the shrimp cocktail.
You can top crostini with a variety of ingredients, including creamy spreads like goat cheese or herbed butter, fresh bruschetta, or even thinly sliced steak with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The possibilities are endless, and you can get creative with your choices to cater to different tastes.
The crunchy texture of the crostini adds a delightful contrast to the shrimp cocktail, while the toppings provide an additional layer of flavor and complexity. Crostini are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any appetizer table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides go with shrimp cocktail?
When it comes to pairing sides with shrimp cocktail, the options are vast and diverse, offering a range of flavors to complement the dish. Some delectable choices include chilled cucumber and tomato salad, roasted garlic potatoes, or even a refreshing avocado and citrus salsa. The crispness of the cucumber and the tanginess of the tomatoes add a refreshing element, while the creamy and zesty flavors of the avocado and citrus bring a delightful twist to the palate. These options enhance the flavors of the shrimp cocktail and provide a well-balanced meal experience.
For those seeking warm and comforting side dishes, roasted garlic mashed potatoes or creamy corn and bacon gratin can be excellent choices. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes combined with the rich flavors of roasted garlic create a delicious contrast to the lightness of the shrimp cocktail. Additionally, the combination of tender corn kernels, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese in the gratin brings a comforting and indulgent element to the meal. These sides add depth and satisfaction to the shrimp cocktail, making it a delightful culinary experience.
What foods go with cocktail sauce?
Cocktail sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its tangy and slightly spicy flavor makes it a great accompaniment to seafood dishes such as crab cakes or deep-fried mushrooms. Additionally, it can be used as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or as a topping for deviled eggs. For those who enjoy a bit of kick, it can even be mixed into meatloaf for an added burst of flavor. Overall, cocktail sauce adds a delicious touch to any dish that could use a hint of zesty goodness.
How do you serve shrimp at a party?
To serve shrimp at a party, begin by arranging a platter. After draining the shrimp from the ice bath, scatter them on top of the ice to keep them chilled and fresh. Then, add bowls of both cocktail sauce and cajun aioli to the platter for dipping. To add a refreshing touch, scatter celery sticks, cucumber slices, and lemon wedges around the blank spaces of the platter, creating a vibrant display that complements the shrimp perfectly.
What is a fancy way to say shrimp cocktail?
A sophisticated twist on the classic shrimp cocktail would be “Crustacean Medley” – a delightful fusion of tender, cooked prawns showcased in a luxurious Marie Rose or cocktail sauce, elegantly presented in a glass. This refined appetizer gained immense popularity in both Great Britain and the United States during the cultural shifts of the 1960s through the late 1980s, making it an iconic choice amongst discerning palates.