Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, is a popular celebrity chef and author known for her easy-to-follow recipes and elegant dinner parties. One of her most famous dishes is her shrimp scampi, which is a crowd-pleaser loved by many.
While shrimp scampi is a delicious dish on its own, Garten has a few recommendations for sides that can take the meal to the next level. In this article, we’ll delve into what Garten serves with her shrimp scampi and explore some of the best side dishes to pair with this classic dish.
The Perfect Pairings: Sides that Complement Shrimp Scampi
When it comes to serving shrimp scampi, there are many options to consider when selecting the perfect side dish to complement the rich and savory flavors of the dish. In general, you will want to select dishes that enhance the shrimp scampi and do not overpower it. Here are some perfect pairings:
1. Green Vegetables: Green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and asparagus are great options to consider when it comes to serving shrimp scampi. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and have a fresh and crisp taste that perfectly complements the flavors of shrimp scampi.
2. Pasta or Rice: Another great option to consider when serving shrimp scampi is pasta or rice. These starchy side dishes serve as a perfect accompaniment to the rich flavors of the shrimp scampi. Whether you choose to go for angel hair pasta or brown rice, they both make great pairings with this flavorful Italian dish.
Ina Garten’s Favorite Side Dishes for Shrimp Scampi
Ina Garten is known for her simple and elegant approach to cooking, and her shrimp scampi recipe is no exception. The rich flavor and creamy texture of the dish pairs well with a wide range of side dishes, and over the years, Garten has shared many of her favorites.
One of Garten’s go-to side dishes for shrimp scampi is a simple green salad. She recommends using fresh and crisp lettuce, such as arugula or mixed greens, and topping it with a light dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. The acidity and freshness of the salad help to balance out the richness of the shrimp scampi, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. Other favorite side dishes of hers include garlicky roasted vegetables, pan-seared asparagus with lemon and parmesan, and creamy polenta.
How to Elevate Your Shrimp Scampi Meal with Delicious Sides
Shrimp scampi is a delicious and delightful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or an appetizer. However, if you want to elevate your shrimp scampi meal, you need to pair it with some flavorful and complementary sides. The great news is that Ina Garten has provided some amazing side dishes that go perfectly with her shrimp scampi recipe.
One of the most popular side dishes that Ina Garten serves with her shrimp scampi is a classic Caesar salad. Her recipe includes crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing that perfectly balances with the buttery shrimp scampi. Another excellent side is her roasted broccoli with garlic and lemon. The broccoli adds a freshness and an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the shrimp scampi. With these sides, you can take your shrimp scampi meal to the next level and impress your guests with a delicious and well-rounded dinner.
An Array of Options: Vegetables, Grains, and More for Shrimp Scampi
When it comes to serving shrimp scampi, Ina Garten likes to offer a variety of options to complement the dish. Vegetables are a great way to add some freshness and nutrition to the otherwise rich and indulgent shrimp scampi. Garten suggests serving some roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus alongside the scampi. These veggies not only add color and texture to the plate but also beautifully balance out the salty, buttery sauce of the scampi.
Grains are another great addition to shrimp scampi, providing some carbs to round out the meal. Ina Garten likes to serve some pasta or rice with the shrimp scampi, which can soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Alternatively, she also recommends serving some crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce on the plate. With this array of options, Ina Garten ensures that her shrimp scampi dishes not only taste good but also look and feel complete.
Top Choices for Sides to Serve with Ina Garten’s Shrimp Scampi Recipe
When it comes to serving sides with Ina Garten’s Shrimp Scampi recipe, there are several options to choose from. First on the list is a simple yet delicious green salad made with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette. This refreshing side dish is the perfect complement to the rich and buttery flavors of the shrimp scampi, and it also adds a healthy dose of veggies to the meal.
Another popular choice is garlic bread, which is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Just slice a baguette and brush it with melted butter and minced garlic, then toast it in the oven until the bread is crispy and the garlic is fragrant. Serve alongside a bowl of Ina’s Shrimp Scampi for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your guests. Other options could be roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots, or some rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
From Salad to Bread: Creative Ideas for Enhancing Your Shrimp Scampi Dish
When it comes to serving shrimp scampi, there are plenty of creative ideas that can take the classics to a whole new level. First and foremost, shrimp scampi goes perfectly well with a side salad. You can mix and match various greens such as baby spinach, arugula, and radicchio, topped with cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and crumbled feta. Or you can go bold by serving a Caesar salad with garlic croutons and shaved parmesan.
Another classic side dish for shrimp scampi is warm, crusty bread. Garlic knots, garlic bread, or a loaf of artisan bread can be served. You can toast the bread in a buttery garlic sauce for added flavor. Risotto, roasted vegetables, or pasta are other options that can add even more flavor to the dish. Ultimately, the key is to keep the sides simple but flavorful to let the shrimp scampi shine.
Matching Flavors: Finding the Ideal Side Dishes for Your Shrimp Scampi Dinner.
When it comes to serving shrimp scampi, finding the ideal side dishes is crucial to ensure that all the flavors in your meal complement each other. The dish itself is already rich in flavor, which means that your side dishes need to strike the right balance between contrasting and complementing the taste of the shrimp scampi.
One classic pairing for shrimp scampi is a side of pasta, ideally angel hair or linguine. As both the pasta and shrimp scampi are heavy on garlic and buttery flavors, they blend well together to create a deliciously creamy and savory taste. Additionally, pairing shrimp scampi with green vegetables or salads is also a great idea as they add freshness to the dish, especially if they are acidic and tangy, like a side of arugula or a citrus salad. Ultimately, the key to matching flavors and finding the ideal side dishes for your shrimp scampi supper is to experiment with different combinations until you find what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to serving shrimp scampi, Ina Garten has a few go-to options. Firstly, she recommends serving it with a simple salad to balance out the richness of the pasta dish. Secondly, she often suggests serving it alongside crusty bread to soak up any extra delicious sauce. And finally, for a more substantial meal, Garten suggests adding a side of roasted vegetables or a grain such as quinoa or couscous.
While there are many variations of shrimp scampi, Garten’s recipe is a classic and timeless option that is sure to please any seafood lover. Whether you choose to pair it with a fresh salad, some crusty bread, or a hearty grain and roasted veggies, the meal is sure to impress and satisfy any dinner guest. So next time you’re in the mood for a shrimp dish, take a page out of the Barefoot Contessa’s book and serve up some delicious shrimp scampi with your preferred sides.