Discover the perfect appetizer to complement your seafood dishes, enhancing flavors and elevating your dining experience.
When it comes to seafood, there’s no denying that it’s a delicious and healthy choice. Whether you’re having a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a fancy party, seafood is always an impressive option.
But what about the appetizers? What kind of appetizer goes with seafood? This is a question that many people struggle with. After all, you don’t want to serve something that will overpower the delicate flavors of your main course.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best appetizers that pair perfectly with seafood dishes. So let’s dive in and get ready to impress your guests!
Chilled Appetizers
Chilled Appetizers are a great way to start off any seafood meal, especially during the summer months. They’re refreshing, light and easy to prepare.
Shrimp Cocktail is a classic chilled appetizer that never goes out of style. It’s simple yet elegant and can be served in individual glasses or on a platter for sharing.
Another popular chilled appetizer is Salmon Mousse Endive Leaves which are perfect for those who prefer something more sophisticated but still want something light and fresh.
For those who love Mexican flavors, try serving Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Stuffed Avocados as an alternative to traditional shrimp cocktail. The combination of avocado with spicy shrimp cocktail makes this dish both delicious and visually appealing.
Shrimp Cocktail
It’s simple to make, yet it looks impressive on any table. The dish consists of cooked shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce made from ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
To prepare the shrimp for this dish, you can either boil or steam them until they turn pink in color. Once cooked through and cooled down to room temperature or chilled in the fridge for an hour or so (depending on your preference), arrange them around the edge of a glass bowl filled with ice cubes.
The cocktail sauce is what makes this appetizer stand out – it’s sweet yet spicy flavor complements the delicate taste of shrimp perfectly. You can adjust its spiciness by adding more horseradish if you like it hotter.
Salmon Mousse Endive Leaves
The combination of the creamy salmon mousse and the crisp endive leaves creates a refreshing taste that will leave your guests wanting more. To make this delicious appetizer, you’ll need smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice and zest, fresh dill weed and chives.
Firstly chop up some smoked salmon into small pieces using a food processor or knife. Then mix it together with softened cream cheese until smooth in texture.
Add in some sour cream for extra tanginess along with freshly squeezed lemon juice & zest to give it an added zingy flavor.
Next add chopped dill weed & chives which will provide freshness as well as color contrast against the pinkish hue of the mousse mixture.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Stuffed Avocados
This dish is perfect for those who love the flavors of Mexico and want to add some spice to their meal.
To make this delicious appetizer, start by preparing the shrimp cocktail mixture. Combine cooked shrimp with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro leaves in a bowl.
Add lime juice and hot sauce according to taste preference.
Next up is the avocado stuffing! Cut ripe avocados in half lengthwise removing pits from them. Scoop out some flesh from each avocado half using a spoon creating space for filling it up with shrimp cocktail mix.
Finally stuff each avocado half generously with prepared Mexican Shrimp Cocktail mixture until they are overflowing on top of avocados.
Grilled Appetizers
Grilling seafood can be intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple and quick. Plus, grilled appetizers are always a crowd-pleaser.
One of the most popular grilled seafood appetizers is Grilled Oysters. Simply place fresh oysters on the grill with their shells open and let them cook until they start to bubble and sizzle in their own juices.
Top them off with garlic butter or Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Another delicious option is Bacon-Wrapped Scallops – wrap each scallop in bacon before placing them on skewers or directly onto the grill grates. The bacon will crisp up while cooking, adding texture and saltiness that pairs perfectly with sweet scallops.
For those who prefer something more exotic, try Prosciutto Shrimp with Tropical Mango Salsa – marinate shrimp in olive oil mixed with lemon juice then wrap each one tightly in prosciutto before grilling until cooked through; serve alongside mango salsa made from diced mangoes mixed together lime juice cilantro red onion jalapeno pepper salt black pepper sugar cumin seed ground coriander seed chili powder garlic cloves minced finely chopped mint leaves.
Grilled Oysters
The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra layer of depth to the already flavorful oyster. To prepare grilled oysters, start by shucking them and discarding the top shell.
Then, place them on a hot grill for about 5-7 minutes or until they begin to open up slightly.
Once they’re cooked, remove them from the heat and add toppings such as garlic butter or parmesan cheese before serving. Grilled oysters pair well with light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
The combination of sweet, succulent scallops and salty, crispy bacon is simply irresistible. To make this dish, wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Then grill the skewers until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can brush your skewers with garlic butter or sprinkle them with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before grilling.
Bacon-wrapped scallops pair well with light-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They also go great alongside other grilled seafood dishes like shrimp kebabs or grilled oysters.
Prosciutto Shrimp With Tropical Mango Salsa
This dish is bursting with flavor and is the perfect way to start any seafood meal.
To make this delicious appetizer, simply wrap jumbo shrimp in thin slices of prosciutto and grill until cooked through. The salty flavor of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the juicy shrimp.
But what really takes this dish over-the-top is the tropical mango salsa. Made from fresh diced mangoes, red onion, jalapeño peppers, cilantro leaves and lime juice; it adds a burst of freshness that complements both flavors beautifully.
This combination creates an explosion in your mouth – sweet yet savory at once! It’s also visually stunning on any plate or platter making it ideal for entertaining guests or just enjoying as a light summer snack by yourself!
Fried Appetizers
Fried calamari is always a crowd-pleaser, but there are plenty of other options as well. Fried oysters have a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.
For something more unique, try making crab cakes and frying them until they’re golden brown.
When it comes to frying seafood appetizers, it’s important to use the right oil and temperature. Peanut oil is often recommended because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor profile.
You’ll want the oil heated between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit before adding your ingredients.
Crispy Fried Calamari
This dish is simple yet delicious, and it pairs perfectly with any seafood main course.
To make crispy fried calamari, start by cleaning and slicing fresh squid into rings. Then dip the rings in seasoned flour before frying them until golden brown.
Serve your calamari hot with lemon wedges and marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility – you can serve it as an appetizer or even as a main course if you add some sides like fries or salad to round out the meal.
Fried Oysters
These bite-sized treats are easy to make and can be served as a standalone appetizer or added to salads or sandwiches. To prepare them, start by shucking fresh oysters and removing any debris from the shells.
Then dip each oyster in seasoned flour, followed by beaten eggs, before coating them in breadcrumbs mixed with cornmeal for extra crunchiness.
Heat up some oil in a frying pan until it reaches 375°F (190°C) then carefully place the breaded oysters into the hot oil using tongs or slotted spoon. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side), then remove from heat and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Baked Appetizers
Baking seafood can bring out its natural flavors and create a deliciously crispy texture. One classic baked appetizer is Oysters Rockefeller, which consists of oysters topped with spinach and cheese sauce before being baked until golden brown.
Another tasty option is Cornbread-Stuffed Mussels, where mussels are filled with cornbread stuffing before being cooked in the oven.
When it comes to baking seafood appetizers, it’s important not to overcook them as this can result in dry or rubbery textures that will ruin your dish’s flavor profile. Make sure you keep an eye on your oven temperature and cooking time so that everything comes out perfectly cooked.
Oysters Rockefeller
It was created in New Orleans and named after John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest men in America at the time.
The dish consists of oysters on the half shell topped with a mixture of spinach, butter, breadcrumbs, and herbs before being baked to perfection.
This appetizer is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy rich flavors and textures. The combination of fresh oysters with creamy spinach sauce creates an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
To make Oysters Rockefeller at home, start by shucking fresh oysters and placing them on a bed of rock salt or crushed ice to keep them stable while baking. Next, prepare the topping by sautéing garlic in butter until fragrant before adding chopped spinach leaves along with bread crumbs seasoned with parsley or other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Once you have prepared your topping mixture spoon it onto each individual oyster then bake until golden brown under high heat (around 450°F) for about 10-15 minutes depending on how crispy you want it to be.
Cornbread-Stuffed Mussels
The combination of the sweet cornbread with the savory mussels creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. To make this dish, you’ll need to start by steaming fresh mussels until they open up.
Then, remove one half of each shell and discard it while leaving the mussel attached to its other half-shell.
Next, prepare a mixture of crumbled cornbread stuffing mix with butter, garlic powder, chopped onions or shallots (optional), salt & pepper according to taste preferences.
Spoon some of this mixture onto each mussel before baking them in an oven for 10-15 minutes at 375°F until golden brown on top.
Seafood Dips
They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Hot crab dip is one of the most popular seafood dips and for good reason – it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Another favorite is shrimp dip which has a tangy kick from the addition of horseradish sauce.
If you’re looking for something different than your typical hot or cold seafood dip options try tuna dip! It’s made by blending canned tuna with cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt (for healthier option), lemon juice and spices like garlic powder & paprika until smooth consistency achieved.
Hot Crab Dip
This creamy and cheesy dip is perfect for seafood lovers, as it’s packed with chunks of tender crab meat. The warm and gooey texture makes it an ideal pairing for crackers or toasted bread.
To make this delicious dip, you’ll need cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and Old Bay seasoning. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined before adding the crab meat.
Once everything is mixed together nicely transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly hot – usually around 20-25 minutes depending on your oven.
Shrimp Dip
This creamy and flavorful dip is made with cooked shrimp, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and various seasonings. It’s easy to make and can be served with crackers or vegetables.
To prepare the Shrimp Dip at home:
- Start by cooking the shrimp until they turn pink.
- Chop them into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese with sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Add chopped green onions or chives along with garlic powder to taste
- Finally add in your cooked shrimp
Mix everything together well until it becomes smooth.
Refrigerate for an hour before serving so that all of the flavors have time to meld together.
Tuna Dip
It’s easy to make and can be served with crackers, chips, or vegetables. This dip is made with canned tuna, cream cheese, sour cream, and various seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder.
To prepare the Tuna Dip:
- Drain a can of tuna fish.
- In a mixing bowl combine the drained tuna fish along with 4 oz of softened cream cheese.
- Add ¼ cup sour cream to it.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined properly
- Season it up by adding salt as per taste along with some garlic powder & onion powder.
Refrigerate this mixture for at least an hour before serving so that flavors blend together nicely.
Seafood Salads
They’re also great for those who want to enjoy the flavors of seafood without consuming too many calories. Shrimp salad appetizers are always a hit, especially when served in small cups or on cucumber slices.
Tuna salad deviled eggs are another delicious option that combines two classic appetizers into one tasty bite.
When making seafood salads, it’s important to choose fresh ingredients and avoid overpowering flavors that can mask the delicate taste of the fish or shellfish. A simple dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavor of your seafood.
To make shrimp salad appetizers: cook peeled shrimp until pink; chop them up along with celery stalks; mix together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice (or vinegar), salt & pepper; add chopped parsley if desired.
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
These appetizers are easy to make, healthy, and delicious. To prepare this dish, start by cooking the shrimp until they turn pink in color.
Once cooked, chop them into small pieces and mix them with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
Next, add some diced celery for crunchiness along with chopped fresh dill or parsley for added flavor. You can also add some lemon juice to give it a tangy taste.
Tuna Salad Deviled Eggs
This dish is a combination of two classic favorites: deviled eggs and tuna salad. The result is an elegant, flavorful bite that will impress your guests.
To make Tuna Salad Deviled Eggs, start by hard-boiling the eggs and cutting them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and mix them with canned tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery or pickles (or both), salt & pepper until smooth.
Then spoon or pipe this mixture back into the egg whites halves using a pastry bag fitted with star tip if you have one (otherwise use a ziplock bag). Garnish each egg half with paprika powder or fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving chilled.
Stuffed Appetizers
These appetizers are typically made by stuffing various ingredients into shells, vegetables or pastry cups. Crab Rangoon is one of the most popular stuffed appetizers that pairs well with seafood dishes.
It’s a deep-fried wonton filled with cream cheese, crab meat, and scallions.
Another delicious option is Crab Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms which combines tender mushrooms caps filled with creamy crab dip topped off with melted cheese for an irresistible bite-sized treat.
If you’re looking for something more unique yet still easy to make at home try making Lobster-Stuffed Avocado Halves or Scallop-Stuffed Tomatoes as they both offer a refreshing twist on traditional stuffed appetizer recipes.
Crab Rangoon
It’s made by filling wonton wrappers with a mixture of cream cheese, crab meat, and seasonings before frying them until crispy. This dish has become a staple at many Chinese-American restaurants and is loved for its creamy texture and savory flavor.
If you’re looking for an appetizer to serve with seafood dishes, Crab Rangoon is an excellent choice. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with the delicate flavors of seafood like shrimp or scallops.
Plus, it’s easy to make at home! Simply mix together cream cheese, canned crab meat (or fresh if available), green onions or chives (optional), garlic powder or minced garlic cloves (also optional) salt & pepper to taste.
Once your filling mixture is ready simply spoon about 1 tablespoon onto each wonton wrapper then fold into triangles sealing edges well using water as glue so they don’t open up while frying. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides then drain excess oil on paper towels before serving warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce mixed with wasabi paste for some extra kick!
Crab Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
To make these tasty morsels, start by cleaning the mushrooms and removing their stems. Then mix together cream cheese, canned crab meat, chopped artichokes hearts (canned or frozen), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt in a bowl until well combined.
Next spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap until they’re filled to the top. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before popping them in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Once out of the oven let cool slightly before serving hot as an appetizer alongside other seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or grilled oysters. Your guests will love this savory treat!
Seafood Skewers
They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for grilling or baking. You can use any type of seafood you like – shrimp, scallops, salmon – along with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
One delicious recipe is Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce. These skewers combine the flavors of succulent shrimp and cheesy tortellini with a tangy sun-dried tomato sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
To make these skewers:
- Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions.
- Thread cooked tortellini onto skewer alternating it with raw peeled shrimp.
- Brush the skewered ingredients lightly in olive oil
- Grill until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side).
- Serve hot alongside sun-dried tomato sauce
Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers With Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
This dish is perfect for those who want something a little different from the usual seafood appetizers. The combination of tender shrimp, savory tortellini, and tangy sun-dried tomato sauce creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
To make this delicious appetizer, start by cooking the tortellini according to package instructions. Then thread cooked shrimp and cooked tortellini onto skewers alternating between them until all ingredients are used up.
Next comes the star of this dish – the sun-dried tomato sauce! In a blender or food processor combine drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes along with garlic cloves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar salt & pepper until smooth.
Grill or broil these skewers just before serving so that they are hot off the grill when presented to your guests. Drizzle generously over each skewer some homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce which will add depth & flavor while also complementing both components perfectly!
Seafood Crostinis
These bite-sized toasts topped with fresh seafood and flavorful sauces are sure to impress your guests. The best part about crostinis is that they’re incredibly versatile, so you can customize them according to your taste preferences.
One of the most popular types of seafood crostini is smoked salmon bites with shallot sauce. To make this delicious appetizer, start by slicing a baguette into thin rounds and brushing each slice with olive oil before baking in the oven until crispy.
Next, top each toast round with a dollop of creamy horseradish creme fraiche followed by thinly sliced smoked salmon pieces. Drizzle some homemade shallot sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
If you prefer something different than smoked salmon or want more variety on your platter, try topping toasted bread slices with shrimp salad or crab dip instead! With endless possibilities when it comes to toppings and sauces combinations – from classic cocktail sauce or tartar sauce – there’s no limit on what kind of flavors you can create!
Smoked Salmon Bites With Shallot Sauce
These bite-sized treats are easy to make and pack a flavorful punch that will leave your guests wanting more.
To make the smoked salmon bites, start by cutting thin slices of smoked salmon into small squares. Then, top each square with a dollop of creamy shallot sauce made from sour cream or crème fraîche mixed with finely chopped shallots and lemon juice.
The result is an explosion of flavors in every bite – the smoky richness of the salmon perfectly balanced by the tangy sweetness of the shallot sauce. Plus, these little morsels look beautiful on any platter or serving dish.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious seafood-inspired vegan and vegetarian options that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
For example, parsnip latkes with lox and horseradish creme is a great option for those who don’t eat meat. The crispy texture of the latkes pairs perfectly with the creamy horseradish sauce while the “lox” made from carrots adds an element of smokiness.
Another tasty option is grilled portobello mushrooms stuffed with crab-less filling made from hearts of palm. This dish has all the flavors you love in traditional crab cakes but without any animal products.
Lastly, if you’re looking for something quick and easy to make try serving avocado toast topped with smoked salmon flavored tofu crumbles instead! It’s healthy yet satisfyingly indulgent at once!
Parsnip Latkes With Lox and Horseradish Creme
These crispy potato pancakes are made with grated parsnips instead of potatoes, giving them a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with smoked salmon. The horseradish creme adds just the right amount of kick to this dish.
To make these delicious appetizers, start by grating the parsnips and mixing them in a bowl with flour, salt, pepper and eggs until well combined. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan.
Cook until golden brown on both sides.
Once cooked throughly place each latke onto serving plates then top it off generously using thinly sliced smoked salmon (lox) followed by dollops of creamy horseradish sauce which can be easily prepared at home using sour cream mixed together along freshly grated horseradish root.