When it comes to serving grilled seafood, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the flavors and textures of the fish. Here are some recommendations: 1. Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and squash are great options for grilling alongside seafood. 2. Fresh Salads: Caprese salad, Greek salad, and seafood pasta salad are refreshing sides that pair well with grilled seafood. 3. Roasted Potatoes: Potato wedges, herbed baby potatoes, and sweet potato fries are all delicious options for roasted potatoes as a side dish. 4. Bread Options: Garlic bread, cornbread muffins, and homemade biscuits are hearty additions to any meal. 5. Rice or Grain Dishes: Lemon rice, quinoa pilaf, and couscous salad are flavorful grain-based sides that will enhance your grilled seafood experience without overpowering its natural taste.
Recommended Side Dishes for Grilled Seafood
When it comes to serving grilled seafood, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the flavors and textures of the fish. Here are some recommendations:
1. Grilled Vegetables
- Asparagus: Lightly coat asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling until tender.
- Bell Peppers: Cut bell peppers into thin strips or chunks, toss in olive oil and seasonings, and grill until slightly charred.
- Zucchini & Squash: Slice zucchini and squash into rounds or planks, brush with oil and herbs, and grill until softened.
2. Fresh Salads
- Caprese Salad: Layer fresh tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Greek Salad: Toss together diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and olives with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Seafood Pasta Salad: Mix cooked pasta with chopped grilled seafood, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.
3. Roasted Potatoes
- Potato Wedges: Cut potatoes into wedges, toss in olive oil and seasonings, and roast until crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Herbed Baby Potatoes: Halve baby potatoes, toss in melted butter and herbs like rosemary or thyme, and roast until golden brown.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into thin sticks, coat in spiced cornstarch mixture, and bake until crispy.
4. Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: Toast baguette slices under the broiler after spreading garlic butter over them.
- Cornbread Muffins: Serve warm cornbread muffins alongside your seafood for a hearty addition to the meal.
- Homemade Biscuits: Make fluffy biscuits from scratch using self-rising flour and serve them hot out of the oven.
5. Rice or Grain Dishes
- Lemon Rice: Cook rice according to package instructions and stir in lemon zest and juice for added flavor.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Rinse quinoa and cook it in broth with aromatics like bay leaves and garlic cloves.
- Couscous Salad: Toss cooked couscous with chopped vegetables, nuts, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.
These side dishes provide a range of flavors and textures that will enhance your grilled seafood experience without overpowering its natural taste. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy your meal!