Oysters are a popular food because of their distinctive flavors and textures. Mollusks include oysters, which come in a variety of hues and sizes. Oysters can be cooked in three ways: fried, grilled, or raw. The size of an oyster affects its flavor. Oysters are surprisingly adaptable shellfish delicacies that go nicely with a wide variety of side dishes. We will discuss some of the best side dishes that you pair up with Oysters. Both by themselves and when combined, these dishes taste wonderful.
Best Side Dishes for Oysters
1. Garlic Noodles
Our first side dish that you can serve with oysters are garlic noodles. You can prepare egg noodles or spaghetti with crushed garlic and add parmesan cheese for extra flavoring. The garlic flavor has been absorbed into the noodles and would pair perfectly with oysters and shrimp. Try this the next time you serve oysters at a dinner party.
2. Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are an amazing side dish because they are a meal made with corn that goes particularly well with seafood. They’re also a reasonably nutritious choice for people who prefer low-fat, high-fiber meals. It’s also a terrific approach to introducing new flavors to your family and friends because it suggests combining fish with dishes made with maize. Making hushpuppies is very easy and simple, and the ingredients required for this dish are likely to be in your pantry already. Despite being around for many generations, hushpuppies are still well-liked today because of how delicious they are. Moreover, making them from scratch doesn’t require any MasterChef skills; any rookie can follow up on the recipe plan.
3. Coleslaw
Oysters pair up well with a side of coleslaw, which is a wonderful side dish on its own. It’s also a healthy option for people who still want to indulge in some delectable seafood but want to keep their dinner low in fat and high in fiber. The veggies needed for coleslaw are green onions, cabbage, and other ingredients, including vinegar and mayo, making it a pretty straightforward side dish. Additionally, you can add the veggies of your liking and even swap mayo for Greek yogurt to keep the dish nutritious.
4. Baked Beans
If you cook your own baked beans and use brown sugar rather than corn syrup or white sugar and pick lower sodium varieties, baked beans may prove to be a healthier side dish alternative. Although baked beans are typically considered more of a dessert dish, they are adaptable and go well with fish and meat dishes, especially with oysters. In addition to going well with oysters, beans are also delicious when paired with steak or pork chops. Of course, if you’re serving baked beans alongside your oysters, be careful not to overpower the oysters with other flavors; the baked beans should still be able to stand on their own.
5. Tartar Sauce
While tartar sauce is typically served with fried fish, it also pairs well with steamed oysters. It goes particularly well with seafood appetizers since the breading on fried fish counteracts the tartar sauce’s occasionally overbearing flavor. To make the sauce, mayo, spices, and pickles are blended together to make tartar sauce. Even though the recipe appears simple, many people find it difficult to make superb tartar sauce since it’s a delicate dish that requires time and care to perfect. In addition to the given ingredients, you can also add herbs like dill and tarragon, some freshly squeezed lemon juice, and much more. The next time you want a great side dish that adds flavor without overpowering your oysters, try this side dish.
6. Mashed Potatoes
A traditional side dish, mashed potatoes, can be dressed up or down depending on the situation. They go well with meat and seafood dishes, especially those with cream sauces or other robust flavors. While potatoes are a good side dish on their own, they taste even better when you flavor them with other seasonings. Some folks favor a loaded potato method where they top their potatoes with cheddar and premium bacon. Others who go the extra mile and create their own unique garlic mashed potatoes with fresh garlic instead of garlic powder or simply use garlic-infused oil for a more subdued flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the entire dish find success.
7. Green Beans
Green beans are a fantastic side dish to give with any meal, but because of their flavor, they frequently go particularly well with seafood. Additionally, they have a crunchy surface and a green interior that complement a balanced meal well because the interior sops up the flavor without overpowering the palate. Beans can be prepared in various ways; try adding different spices and seasonings to give them individuality. These beans, for instance, can be modified to taste like a dish you’d order at a high-end seafood restaurant by adding some Parmesan cheese and serving them with a white wine sauce.
8. French Fries
French fries may be an unexpected dish as they aren’t typically considered a dinnertime dish, yet they go well with oysters. They stand out from other fried fish in that their crispy skin offers something new from the usual breading or crumb coating. They complement other seafood dishes well as well, especially if you serve the meal with tartar sauce or other dipping sauces. Try this choice at your upcoming oyster’s dinner party to find out how quickly it becomes your favorite side dish. You may customize French fries by adding additional ingredients. For a savory flavor, rosemary and parmesan cheese are a favorite addition.
Final Words
Oysters are a treat to eat, but pairing them with side dishes can be challenging. Ensuring your side dish tastes fantastic on its own is just as important as ensuring you don’t overpower the oyster flavor. If you’re unsure which side dish to choose, try all of these best side dishes and discover the one you would like to serve the next time you cook oysters.
