Seafood, known for its delicate flavors and versatility, is a favorite choice for many culinary enthusiasts. Whether you’re savoring succulent shrimp, flaky fish, or tender scallops, pairing your seafood dish with the right side can elevate your dining experience to new heights. In this comprehensive article, we present a curated list of the top 35 best sides for seafood, along with bonus sauce suggestions to tantalize your taste buds.
Top 35 Best Sides for Seafood
1. Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
A classic and vibrant side, lemon garlic roasted asparagus complements the mild flavors of seafood beautifully.
2. Creamy Coleslaw
The creamy, crunchy goodness of coleslaw provides a delightful contrast to the texture of seafood.
3. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with a savory twist of garlic and Parmesan are an indulgent side that pairs well with almost any seafood dish.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
Grilling corn and slathering it with chili lime butter adds a zesty kick to your seafood feast.
5. Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs
A light and nutritious quinoa salad featuring fresh herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil is an excellent choice for a seafood accompaniment.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Caramelized Brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze offer a delightful contrast to the flavors of seafood.
7. Herbed Rice Pilaf
A fragrant rice pilaf infused with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley complements seafood dishes beautifully.
8. Caprese Salad
Tomato, mozzarella, and basil come together in a classic Caprese salad that adds a burst of freshness to your seafood meal.
9. Garlic Butter Pasta
A simple garlic butter pasta serves as a satisfying side dish that pairs well with shrimp, scallops, and various seafood pastas.
10. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash
Creamy cauliflower mash with roasted garlic provides a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
11. Grilled Vegetable Platter
Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add smoky flavors and vibrant colors to your seafood feast.
12. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
A Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese offers a refreshing accompaniment to seafood.
13. Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A vibrant spinach and strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing brings a sweet and tangy contrast to your seafood dish.
14. Garlic Herb Buttered Noodles
Simple yet flavorful, garlic herb buttered noodles are a quick and delicious side for your seafood dinner.
15. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
A colorful roasted beet and goat cheese salad with candied walnuts adds a sophisticated touch to your seafood meal.
16. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side that pairs well with a variety of seafood, especially fish.
17. Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayo
Crispy sweet potato fries served with a zesty chipotle mayo dip make for a satisfying and indulgent side.
18. Mango Salsa
Bright and tropical mango salsa with cilantro, lime, and jalapeño adds a burst of flavor to grilled seafood.
19. Ratatouille
A medley of roasted vegetables in a tomato-based sauce, ratatouille is a hearty side dish that complements seafood beautifully.
20. Cucumber Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing
A refreshing cucumber salad with dill yogurt dressing provides a cooling contrast to the flavors of seafood.
21. Garlic Bread
A classic side, garlic bread is a beloved choice to accompany seafood dishes, particularly pasta and seafood stews.
22. Avocado and Tomato Salad
A simple avocado and tomato salad with red onion and cilantro adds a creamy and fresh element to your seafood meal.
23. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Pita Bread
Roasted red pepper hummus served with warm pita bread is a delightful side that pairs well with grilled seafood.
24. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Pine Nuts
Sauteed spinach with garlic and pine nuts is a quick and nutritious side that complements the flavors of seafood.
25. Baked Beans
Homemade baked beans, whether sweet or savory, are a comforting side dish that pairs well with grilled seafood.
26. Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
A hearty broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar cheese provides a savory, crunchy companion to seafood.
27. Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and dill, adds a cool and tangy element to grilled or fried seafood.
28. Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
Brown butter sage gnocchi offers a rich and indulgent side dish that pairs well with seafood, especially scallops.
29. Roasted Tomatoes with Basil Pesto
Roasted tomatoes with basil pesto are a flavorful and aromatic side that complements various seafood dishes.
30. Cornbread
Moist and slightly sweet cornbread is a classic Southern side that pairs beautifully with fried or grilled seafood.
31. Citrusy Cilantro Rice
Citrusy cilantro rice infused with lime and fresh cilantro is a zesty side that enhances the flavors of seafood, especially fish tacos.
32. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine, featuring crisp-tender beans with toasted almonds, is a classic side that pairs well with seafood.
33. Mango Avocado Slaw
Mango avocado slaw with a lime vinaigrette adds a tropical and creamy twist to your seafood dinner.
34. Wasabi Mashed Potatoes
Wasabi mashed potatoes offer a bold and spicy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, making them an exciting pairing for seafood.
35. Classic Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing provides a timeless accompaniment to seafood.
Bonus: Delectable Seafood Sauces
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: A classic choice for drizzling over grilled or pan-seared seafood, this sauce combines the richness of butter with the zing of lemon and garlic.
Cocktail Sauce: A tangy and spicy option, cocktail sauce is a staple for dipping shrimp and other seafood.
Tartar Sauce: Creamy tartar sauce with chopped pickles, capers, and herbs is a perfect match for fried fish or seafood sandwiches.
Chimichurri Sauce: This fresh and herbaceous sauce made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, and vinegar adds a burst of flavor to grilled seafood.
Remoulade Sauce: A Louisiana favorite, remoulade sauce offers a zesty and slightly spicy kick, making it an excellent pairing for fried seafood.
Soy Ginger Glaze: A sweet and savory glaze made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, perfect for brushing over grilled or broiled seafood.
Aioli: Creamy garlic aioli is a versatile sauce that pairs well with various seafood dishes, especially as a dip for fried seafood.
Hollandaise Sauce: This rich and buttery sauce is a classic choice for serving with poached or grilled seafood, particularly crab and asparagus.
Salsa Verde: A vibrant green sauce made with herbs, capers, anchovies, and olive oil, salsa verde adds a bold and tangy flavor to seafood.
Mignonette Sauce: A simple and elegant sauce made with vinegar, shallots, and cracked pepper, mignonette sauce is ideal for accompanying oysters and other raw seafood.
See Also: Seafood Choices for Diabetes: What to Avoid & Why
Conclusion
Pairing the right side dish with your seafood can transform a meal into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you prefer a refreshing salad, a comforting starch, or a zesty sauce, the options are abundant. With the top 35 best sides for seafood and bonus sauce suggestions provided in this article, you have a wide array of choices to enhance your seafood dining experience. So, go ahead and explore these delicious pairings to create unforgettable seafood feasts that delight your taste buds and satisfy your culinary cravings.