Are you planning a special lobster dinner but dont know what sides to serve? Theres no need to worry – when it comes to lobster sides, less is more. The lobster will be the shining centerpiece of the meal, and the side dishes should enhance its rich, sweet flavor. In other words, a sumptuous lobster dinner can be uncomplicated and thrown together with little time and effort. Here are 12 dishes and sides you can pair with lobster: From
Fresh Maine lobster is commonly served with boiled corn on the cob, potatoes, and a side of melted butter. Nevertheless, you can still have fun making a complete feast with a variety of simple sides. Lets look at the best side dishes for different occasions, sure to transport you and your guests to the rocky shores of Maine.
A surf and turf duo of succulent shrimp and tender lobster is already heavenly on its own. However, the right side dishes can take the meal to even greater culinary heights. When serving up this dynamic seafood pair, it’s important to select accompaniments that will highlight, not overpower, their natural flavors.
The good news is that the versatility of shrimp and lobster means the possibilities for pairings are nearly endless! Here are 15 fantastic sides to serve with shrimp and lobster
Salads
A light vibrant salad is one of the best pairings for letting the seafood shine
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Green salad – Mix crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and red onion with a bright vinaigrette. Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
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Waldorf salad – Toss crisp apples, celery, grapes and walnuts with a creamy dressing.
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Shrimp salad – For a decadent surf and surf duo serve shrimp over a chilled shrimp salad.
Vegetables
Roasted, grilled or steamed veggies complement shrimp and lobster wonderfully:
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Asparagus – Lightly coat spears with olive oil, salt and pepper then grill or roast until tender.
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Corn on the cob – Brush shucked corn with melted butter then grill until charred. Sprinkle with chili powder or cotija cheese.
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Green beans – Sauté beans with olive oil, garlic, lemon and toasted almonds.
Potatoes
Buttery potatoes are a classic pairing with seafood:
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Baked potatoes – Fluff up baked russet potatoes and top with butter, sour cream, bacon, cheese, green onions or other favorites.
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Mashed potatoes – For special occasion elegance, make creamy lobster mashed potatoes by folding chunks of cooked lobster into mashed potatoes.
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Potato salad – Chill bite size potatoes tossed in a vinegar-based dressing with celery, egg, parsley and mayo.
Pasta and Grains
Carbs soak up the rich, briny flavors:
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Rice pilaf – Jazz up rice with lemon, parsley, garlic and olive oil. Or go decadent with lobster risotto.
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Pasta salad – Chill corkscrew or bow tie pasta with shredded carrot, scallions and a lemony dressing.
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Couscous – Fluff up couscous and mix in feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, lemon and fresh herbs.
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Orzo – Sauté orzo in garlic butter then add fresh spinach.
Breads
Warm, buttery bread completes the meal:
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Rolls – Bake up fluffy rolls or biscuits to sop up juices and butter.
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Garlic bread – Brush baguette slices with garlic butter then toast until crisp.
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Corn muffins – Savory cracked corn muffins are perfect for dipping in juices.
Fun Extras
Elevate your meal with luxe additions and appetizers:
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Cheese plate – Arrange an assortment of cheeses like Brie, cheddar and fresh mozzarella with fruit, nuts and crackers.
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Shrimp cocktail – Chilled, peeled shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce.
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Oysters – Serving raw oysters with lemon and cocktail sauce kicks off the feast in style.
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Mussels or Clams – Steam open mussels or clams then drizzle with melted butter and parsley.
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Crab cakes – Pan fried crab cakes start the meal with rich ocean flavor.
Sauces and Condiments
Dip into bold flavors to contrast the sweet seafood:
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Cocktail sauce – The classic pairing, made from ketchup, horseradish and lemon.
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Drawn butter – Clarified melted butter is perfect for dunking. Mix in lemon, garlic or herbs.
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Tartar sauce – Combine mayo, pickles, capers, onions and herbs.
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Mignonette – Make this elegant sauce from vinegar, minced shallots, cracked pepper and lemon.
With shrimp and lobster as your protein stars, the only limit on sides is your imagination. Fancy up weeknights or special occasions with fresh vegetable medleys, hearty grains, savory breads, kicked-up potatoes and indulgent cheeses. Play with sweet and savory flavors as you highlight the deliciousness of the shellfish duo. Surround your surf and turf with sides that balance richness and textures for a complete meal.
Complementing the Sweetness of Shrimp and Lobster
The slightly sweet taste of shrimp and lobster is part of what makes them so appealing. However, you’ll want to take care not to overpower that delicate sweetness with overly sugary sides. Here are some tips:
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Brighten with acid – A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar adds brightness.
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Heat it up – A touch of spice from chili flakes, mustard or horseradish cuts the sweetness.
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Get salty – A sprinkling of sea salt on vegetables enhances the shellfish.
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Use herbs – Fresh rosemary, thyme and sage work well.
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Pick produce carefully – Steer clear of very sweet fruits and veggies like pineapple, beets or winter squash.
Choosing Sides with Contrasting Textures
The tender, lush textures of shrimp and lobster beg for sides with some crunch. A few tasty textural contrasts:
- Crispy greens in salads
- Toasted nuts and seeds
- Croutons on salad or soup
- Crusty bread
- Sauteed veggies with a little char
- Pickled vegetables
- Crispy roasted potato wedges
Elegant Side Dishes for Lobster
Buttery lobster is indulgent enough for the most elegant meals. Bring on the fancy sides!
- Lobster risotto or mac and cheese
- Sauteed or grilled asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes or potato gratin
- Fresh steamed artichoke with lemon aioli
- Crawfish or crab salad
- Truffle fries or tater tots
Keeping it Casual With Shrimp
For shrimp, lighter, more casual sides tend to complement best. Think summer flavors:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Pasta or potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Sauteed zucchini
- Grilled fruit like pineapple or peaches
- Cheesy grits
The possibilities for amazing shrimp and lobster pairings are endless. With a balance of colors, flavors and textures, you’re sure to have happy guests. Surround the shellfish with fresh vegetables, hearty carbs and a sauce for dipping to let the seafood shine.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a popular lobster side because its filling, buttery, and complements the delicate lobster flavor. Try a simple, classic mac and cheese recipe made with milk, butter, flour, and sharp cheddar cheese. Or, you might mix cooked lobster meat with mac and cheese to make it easy for little ones to dig in. For lobster mac and cheese, use silky mascarpone and sharp cheddar. Want to keep things as simple as possible? Order our mouthwatering Lobster Mac and Cheese made with three different kinds of cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and succulent lobster meat.
Another way to fill up hungry bellies around the table is to serve a refreshing and hearty pasta salad alongside lobster. Try pasta salad mixed with plenty of nutritious veggies and a bright lemon dressing. You can make a pasta salad easily using any vegetables you wish and a simple homemade dressing. For example, you might toss in a rainbow of colors like sweet red peppers, zucchini, and carrots. For an easy lemon dressing, mix garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and seasoning.
This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad combines grilled zucchini, red onion, bell peppers, and a creamy green dressing made of blended basil, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss the ingredients with penne pasta or stick with a seaside theme and make the kids smile with pasta shells.
Imagine breaking open a warm, fluffy biscuit filled with gooey golden cheese. Now imagine being served a freshly cooked lobster. What could be better? Just about everyone loves buttery, cheesy biscuits, and they go great with seafood. Even if youre not much of a baker, you can still make biscuits easily and in a short time as the perfect lobster side dish. For example, these easy, cheesy biscuits take less than a half-hour to make and involve a few basic ingredients you might already have on hand.
Traditional Sides for a Romantic Lobster Dinner
Lobster has long been associated with luxury and is the perfect dish for spoiling your loved ones. Here are classic lobster sides to set a romantic mood any day of the year:
Lobster and butter represent the ideal marriage — they complement each other perfectly. Butter brings out lobsters sweet side, and they work together to create a creamy, delectable mouthfeel. You could easily serve a simple side of melted butter and make your date smile. However, if you wish to spice things up, you can serve lobster drizzled with Thermidor butter for a smooth, savory flavor that highlights the lobsters best qualities.
To make Thermidor butter, youll need a few ingredients, including dry white wine, a shallot, Dijon mustard, butter, tarragon, paprika, and parsley. After you boil and simmer the wine and shallot, whip the rest of the ingredients together and spoon the buttery sauce over cooked lobster. You can grill the lobster for a few minutes until the butter begins to brown. Either way, your date is sure to fall in love. You could also serve lobster with clarified butter. Clarified butter is butter without milk proteins and water, leaving you with nearly pure butterfat. To make clarified butter, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan and let it come to a gentle boil. As the butter boils, the foamy milk proteins will sink to the bottom, and the water will evaporate. Once the bubbling subsides, pour the melted butter through cheesecloth or a coffee filter, leaving you with sweet, golden clarified butter — perfect for a lobster bath.
Shrimp and Lobster Pasta
FAQ
What is a good side dish for lobster?
- Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn is a quintessential summer side for lobster.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, perhaps with a touch of garlic or herbs, are a comforting and versatile option.
- Roasted asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds a touch of elegance and healthy goodness to the meal.
- Garlic bread: A crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious butter or sauce.
- Coleslaw: A classic side dish that provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of lobster.
- Potato Salad: A hearty and flavorful potato salad can be a great side dish to balance out the lightness of the lobster.
- Mac and Cheese: A decadent and comforting side dish that is sure to impress.
What is a good side dish with shrimp?
- Rice: Rice is a popular and versatile side dish that pairs well with shrimp, especially in dishes like shrimp stir-fry or fried rice.
- Pasta: If you’re serving shrimp scampi, pasta is a natural choice.
- Salads: Many salad options can complement shrimp, including Caesar salad, Greek salad, or even a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or brussel sprouts can provide a healthy and flavorful side dish option.
- Corn on the Cob: A classic Southern side dish that can be grilled or boiled and served with shrimp.
- Garlic Bread: A warm and flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed with various shrimp dishes.
- French Fries: A delicious and satisfying side dish for fried shrimp.
What side dishes go well with seafood?
- Corn on the Cob. Corn is a seafood boil essential. …
- Boiled Potatoes. Potatoes are non-negotiable seafood boil side dishes! …
- Garlic Butter French Bread. …
- Fried Pickles. …
- Creole Coleslaw. …
- Cajun Mac & Cheese. …
- Spicy Pickled Vegetables. …
- Cajun Dirty Rice.
What appetizers go well with lobster?
Charcuterie boards. These trendy appetizers are a perfect entertaining addition to a lobster dinner. Make your charcuterie board your own by adding cheeses, crackers, grapes, jams, prosciutto, honey, jam, olives, nuts, and more!
What meat pairs well with lobster?
I personally would ideally pair my lobster with Filet Mignon, NY Strip and the famous Ribeye Steak (Bone-in preferably). Each of these proteins are delicious in their own way but adding a delightful lobster tail to the plate only elevates the whole experience.
What sides go with crab and lobster?
- Corn on the Cob. This classic seafood side dish pairs perfectly with crab legs. …
- Roasted Potatoes. …
- Coleslaw. …
- Garlic Bread. …
- Grilled Asparagus. …
- Lobster Tails. …
- Shrimp Scampi. …
- Steamed Clams or Mussels.