Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a culinary delight, whether it’s the star of an appetizer platter or the main event of a special meal. The irresistible combination of crispy, smoky bacon and succulent, sweet shrimp creates a flavor explosion that leaves everyone wanting more. But once you’ve mastered making these little bundles of joy, the next question is often: what goes with bacon wrapped shrimp 2 to make the meal truly shine?
The beauty of bacon-wrapped shrimp lies in its versatility. It’s rich, savory, and often has a hint of sweetness from glazes or marinades. When choosing accompaniments, the goal is to balance these intense flavors and textures. Think about adding freshness, acidity, a touch of crunch, or even a complementary sweetness to round out your plate.
Contents
Understanding the Flavor Profile: What Are You Pairing With?
Before diving into specific side dishes, let’s quickly recap the star of the show:
- Smoky & Savory: Thanks to the bacon.
- Sweet & Briny: From the shrimp itself.
- Rich & Decadent: A substantial bite.
- Crispy & Tender: Contrasting textures.
Your side dishes should either echo these notes in a balanced way or provide a delightful contrast.
Fantastic Side Dishes for Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
1. Fresh & Zesty Salads
Salads are a go-to for cutting through richness and adding a vibrant touch. They offer crunch, freshness, and often a tangy dressing.
- Crisp Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A simple mix of greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a light lemon vinaigrette is always a winner. It provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy, tangy dressing and crisp romaine hearts offer a classic counterpoint. Skip the chicken and let the shrimp be the protein star!
- Spinach Salad with Berries & Poppy Seed Dressing: For a touch of sweetness and acidity, this salad works wonderfully. The berries complement any sweet notes in your shrimp glaze.
- Coleslaw (Vinegar-Based): A crisp, tangy coleslaw, especially one made with a vinegar dressing, provides a sharp contrast to the bacon’s richness without being too heavy.
2. Vibrant Vegetable Creations
Vegetables bring color, nutrients, and diverse textures to the table. Roasting or grilling often enhances their natural sweetness, making them excellent partners.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting brings out asparagus’s earthy notes, which pair beautifully with the smoky bacon. A squeeze of lemon after roasting adds brightness.
- Green Beans Almondine: Blanched green beans tossed in butter with toasted almonds offer a nutty, slightly crunchy, and elegant side.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn is a fantastic seasonal choice. Its natural sweetness harmonizes well with the shrimp.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli/Brussels Sprouts: Roasting these vegetables until tender-crisp with garlic and Parmesan adds a savory depth and a slightly bitter edge that balances the richness.
3. Comforting Starches & Grains
These sides provide a satisfying base and can absorb some of the delicious flavors from your main dish.
- Fluffy Rice Pilaf: A well-seasoned rice pilaf, perhaps with some herbs or finely diced vegetables, is light yet filling and doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
- Lemon Herb Quinoa: For a lighter, healthier grain option, a quinoa salad with fresh herbs and a lemon dressing offers a bright, refreshing counterpoint.
- Roasted Garlic & Herb Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, roasted potatoes (baby reds, fingerlings, or wedges) are hearty and comforting. Their savory profile is a great match.
- Couscous with Roasted Vegetables: Light and quick to prepare, couscous can be mixed with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
4. Sauces & Dips to Elevate the Experience
While not full side dishes, the right sauce can significantly enhance the flavor of your bacon-wrapped shrimp.
- Zesty Cocktail Sauce: A classic for a reason, its horseradish kick and tangy tomato base cut through richness.
- Creamy Remoulade: A mayo-based sauce with Creole mustard, capers, and herbs adds a luxurious, tangy, and slightly spicy dimension.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: If you like a little heat and sweetness, this Asian-inspired sauce provides a delightful contrast.
- Lemon Garlic Butter: Simple, elegant, and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness and the bacon’s savoriness.
Perfect Beverage Pairings
Don’t forget the drinks! The right beverage can complete your meal.
- White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc, dry Pinot Grigio, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay are excellent choices. Rosé also works beautifully.
- Beer: A light lager, pilsner, or a crisp pale ale will complement without overpowering.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, unsweetened iced tea, or a ginger ale are refreshing options.
Tips for a Perfectly Balanced Meal
To ensure your meal is a hit, keep these ideas in mind:
- Consider the Occasion: Are you serving an elegant dinner or a casual backyard BBQ? This helps dictate the complexity of your sides.
- Balance Flavors & Textures: Aim for a mix of rich and light, creamy and crisp, savory and sweet/tart.
- Don’t Overdo It: A few well-chosen sides are better than too many competing flavors.
- Prep Ahead: Many salads and vegetable dishes can be prepped in advance, making mealtime less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Serving Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Is bacon-wrapped shrimp an appetizer or a main course?
It can be both! If serving as an appetizer, a simple dipping sauce might suffice. For a main course, you’ll want 1-2 substantial side dishes.
What flavors best complement bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Think fresh, acidic, sweet, and even a little spicy. These flavors help cut through the richness of the bacon and enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Can I make bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead of time?
You can assemble them ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake or grill. While best served fresh and warm, leftovers are still tasty.
Are there gluten-free or dairy-free side options?
Absolutely! Most of the vegetable and grain sides (like roasted asparagus, quinoa salad, or plain rice) are naturally gluten-free. For dairy-free, opt for vinaigrette-based salads, roasted vegetables without cheese, or lemon-based sauces.
Conclusion
Choosing what goes with bacon wrapped shrimp 2 is an exciting part of meal planning. With its delightful blend of smoky, savory, and sweet, bacon-wrapped shrimp is incredibly versatile. By incorporating fresh salads, vibrant vegetables, comforting grains, and complementary sauces, you can create a perfectly balanced and unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy experimenting with these suggestions to find your favorite combinations!