What Goes Well With Shrimp?

Shrimp is a popular and versatile seafood that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is low in calories and fat, and is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. In this article, we will explore some of the best foods to pair with shrimp, as well as some tips for storing, cooking, and enjoying this delicious seafood.

If you’re a fan of seafood, then you’re probably already using shrimp in your regular cooking. This delicious crustacean is a staple in many dishes, and is often used as the main protein in salads, pastas, and other dishes.

But what goes well with shrimp? While shrimp is delicious on its own, it can also be paired with a variety of other foods to create a truly satisfying meal.

What is Best to Pair With Shrimp?

Fruit and Vegetables

Shrimp goes well with a variety of fruits and vegetables, including juicy fruits like citrus fruits and berries. These fruits add a burst of sweetness and flavor to shrimp dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for shrimp or as a filling for stuffed shrimp.

Vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini are also great choices for pairing with shrimp. These vegetables can be roasted, grilled, or sautéed and served alongside the shrimp, or incorporated into the dish itself. For example, you could make a shrimp and vegetable stir fry, or a shrimp and vegetable salad.

Herbs, Nuts and Dairy

Herbs like parsley, dill, and basil are also great choices for pairing with shrimp. These herbs add a fresh, vibrant flavor to shrimp dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for shrimp, as a filling for stuffed shrimp, or as a garnish for shrimp-based dishes.

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans are also delicious when paired with shrimp. These nuts add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to shrimp dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for shrimp, as a filling for stuffed shrimp, or as a crunchy coating for fried shrimp.

Dairy products like cheese and yogurt are also great choices for pairing with shrimp. These products add creaminess and tanginess to shrimp dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for shrimp, as a filling for stuffed shrimp, or as a sauce for shrimp-based dishes.

For example, you could make a shrimp and yogurt dip, or a shrimp and cheese quesadilla.

Meat and Protein

Meat and protein also go well with shrimp. For example, you could pair shrimp with chicken, bacon, or sausage for a delicious and satisfying meal. These meats add a rich, savory flavor to shrimp dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a filling for stuffed shrimp, or as the main protein in shrimp-based dishes.

Dessert Pairings

While shrimp is typically associated with savory dishes, it can also be paired with sweet ingredients for a truly unique and delicious meal. For example, you could make a shrimp and fruit kebab, with a mixture of fresh berries, stone fruits, and nuts.

You could also make a shrimp and honey dessert, with grilled shrimp and a drizzle of honey on top.

What is the Best Side For Shrimp?

The best side for shrimp depends on your personal preferences and the recipe you’re using. Some popular choices include roasted or grilled vegetables, lentils, rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

These sides can help to balance out the flavors in the dish, and provide a variety of textures and flavors to complement the shrimp.

Is Frozen Shrimp Bad For You?

No, frozen shrimp is not bad for you. In fact, freezing shrimp can actually help to preserve its flavor and texture. When shrimp is frozen properly, it can be stored for several months without losing quality.

However, it is important to thaw shrimp properly before cooking it, to ensure that it is safe to eat and has the best possible flavor.

Is Shrimp Good For You?

Yes, shrimp is generally considered to be a healthy food. It is low in calories and fat, and is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, shrimp is a lean protein source, which can help to support weight loss and muscle growth.

What is the Best Way to Store Shrimp?

The best way to store shrimp depends on how you plan to use it. If you plan to use the shrimp within a few days, it should be stored in the refrigerator, in a sealed container or bag. If you plan to freeze the shrimp, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Frozen shrimp can be stored in the freezer for several months.

Is it Better to Eat Shrimp Cooked?

Yes, it is generally better to eat shrimp cooked. Raw shrimp can contain harmful bacteria and should be cooked thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to eat. Additionally, cooking shrimp can help to bring out its flavor and texture, making it more enjoyable to eat.

Can You Eat Shrimp Cold?

Yes, you can eat shrimp cold. In fact, shrimp is often served cold in dishes like salads and sushi. However, it is important to ensure that the shrimp is cooked properly before consuming it cold.

Raw or undercooked shrimp can contain harmful bacteria, and should be cooked thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Why You Need to Add More Shrimp to Your Diet

Shrimp is a delicious and nutritious food that should be included in your diet for several reasons. As we have seen, shrimp is low in calories and fat, and is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, shrimp is a lean protein source, which can help to support weight loss and muscle growth.

Furthermore, shrimp is a versatile seafood that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be cooked in many different ways, including grilling, sautéing, roasting, and frying, and can be paired with a wide range of ingredients to create delicious and satisfying meals.

What Are The Nutritious Values of Shrimp?

As we have seen, shrimp is a nutritious food that can provide several important nutrients. Some of the specific nutrients that are found in shrimp include:

• Protein: Shrimp is a good source of protein, with a 3-ounce serving providing approximately 18 grams of protein. Protein is essential for maintaining and repairing tissues in the body, and is also important for supporting the immune system.
• Vitamins and minerals: Shrimp is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B12 and B6, selenium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are important for maintaining good health and supporting various bodily functions.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Shrimp is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining heart health and reducing inflammation in the body.

So What Food Goes Best With Shrimp?

As we have seen, shrimp goes well with a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, herbs, nuts, dairy, and meat and protein. Some of the best foods to pair with shrimp include:

• Juicy fruits like citrus fruits and berries, which add a burst of sweetness and flavor to shrimp dishes
• Vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini, which can be roasted, grilled, or sautéed and served alongside the shrimp
• Herbs like parsley, dill, and basil, which add a fresh, vibrant flavor to shrimp dishes
• Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans, which add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to shrimp dishes
• Dairy products like cheese and yogurt, which add creaminess and tanginess to shrimp dishes
• Meats like chicken, bacon, and sausage, which add a rich, savory flavor to shrimp dishes

Shrimp is a delicious and nutritious seafood that can be paired with a variety of other foods to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. So the next time you’re enjoying a shrimp-based dish, be sure to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find the perfect pairings for your taste buds.