A shrimp boil, also known as a shrimp boil or low country boil, is a delightful and communal seafood feast that typically includes shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, potatoes, and sometimes other shellfish or vegetables.
What To Serve With Shrimp Boil
Here are some delicious accompaniments and sides to complement your shrimp boil:
Classic Sides
Cornbread
Sweet or savory cornbread is a classic side dish that complements the flavors of a shrimp boil. Its crumbly texture and hint of sweetness or savory corn flavor pair well with the seafood and spices.
Cole Slaw
Creamy cole slaw with shredded cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the shrimp boil. Its crisp texture and tangy flavors balance the meal.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, deep-fried cornmeal fritters, offer a crunchy and savory side dish for a shrimp boil. Their golden exterior and soft interior provide a delicious contrast to the seafood.
Corn on the Cob
Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt and pepper, is a classic accompaniment to a shrimp boil. Its sweet and juicy kernels complement the savory shrimp and sausage.
Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad with tender potatoes, chopped celery, and a mustard-based dressing is a hearty side dish for a shrimp boil. Its creamy texture and tangy flavors enhance the meal.
Additional Seafood
Crab Legs
Steamed or boiled crab legs, served with melted butter and lemon wedges, offer an indulgent addition to a shrimp boil. Their sweet and succulent meat pairs well with the shrimp and spices.
Crawfish
Boiled or steamed crawfish, seasoned with Cajun spices, are a traditional addition to a shrimp boil. Their tender meat and spicy flavors add variety to the seafood feast.
Clams or Mussels
Steamed clams or mussels in a flavorful broth, seasoned with garlic, white wine, and herbs, provide a sophisticated addition to a shrimp boil. Their briny flavors complement the shrimp and sausage.
Oysters
Raw or grilled oysters with a squeeze of lemon offer a fresh and briny addition to a shrimp boil. Their delicate flavors and creamy texture contrast nicely with the robust flavors of the boil.
Vegetables
Green Beans
Sautéed or steamed green beans with garlic and almonds provide a crisp and nutritious side dish for a shrimp boil. Their fresh flavors and crunchy texture complement the seafood.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, seasoned with herbs and olive oil, offer a savory and colorful addition to a shrimp boil. Their caramelized flavors add depth to the meal.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus spears, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, provide a smoky and tender side dish for a shrimp boil. Their earthy flavors complement the seafood.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Tomato and cucumber salad with red onion, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing offers a light and refreshing side dish for a shrimp boil. Its crisp textures and tangy flavors balance the meal.
Roasted Corn Salad
Roasted corn salad with cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice provides a vibrant and flavorful addition to a shrimp boil. Its sweet and smoky flavors enhance the seafood.
Dipping Sauces and Condiments
Cocktail Sauce
Cocktail sauce, made with ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, offers a tangy and spicy dipping sauce for shrimp and other seafood in a boil. Its zesty flavors enhance the seafood.
Remoulade
Remoulade sauce, a creamy condiment made with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and herbs, provides a flavorful dipping sauce for shrimp and sausage in a boil. Its tangy and savory flavors complement the seafood.
Garlic Butter
Garlic butter, melted and seasoned with herbs and lemon juice, serves as a rich and indulgent dipping sauce for shrimp and crab legs in a boil. Its buttery and garlic-infused flavors elevate the seafood.
Lemon Wedges
Fresh lemon wedges are a simple yet essential condiment for squeezing over shrimp, crab, and other seafood in a boil. Their bright acidity enhances the flavors of the seafood.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Louisiana-style hot sauce, offers a spicy and tangy condiment for those who enjoy extra heat with their shrimp boil. Its fiery flavors complement the bold spices of the boil.
Beverages
Beer
A cold beer, such as a light lager or a citrusy IPA, pairs well with the spicy and savory flavors of a shrimp boil. Its crispness and effervescence cleanse the palate between bites.
Iced Tea
Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea provides a refreshing beverage option for a shrimp boil. Its mild flavor complements the bold spices and savory seafood.
Lemonade
Freshly squeezed lemonade offers a sweet and tangy beverage option that complements the flavors of a shrimp boil. Its citrusy flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy seafood.
White Wine
A chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, offers a crisp and acidic pairing for a shrimp boil. Its citrusy notes and refreshing acidity enhance the seafood flavors.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water with a splash of citrus is a refreshing and hydrating beverage option for a shrimp boil. Its effervescence cleanses the palate and complements the bold flavors of the meal.
Conclusion
A shrimp boil is a festive and flavorful seafood feast that brings people together around a communal table. Whether you're enjoying classic sides like cornbread and cole slaw, adding additional seafood like crab legs or crawfish, or dipping into flavorful sauces like cocktail sauce and garlic butter, there are plenty of options to enhance your shrimp boil experience. Experiment with these suggestions to create a memorable and delicious seafood feast for family and friends.
