Are you in a dilemma of what to serve alongside your freshly-grilled oysters?
If so, you're not alone!
With these slimy and salty delicacies being served around the world, many home cooks often struggle with the types of side dishes they could pair with them.
While some people depend on traditional pairs such as cider vinegar or lemon juice to enhance their seafood flavors, there are endless possibilities that can really improve your meal.
Whether it's salads and grains, vegetables or fruits - get ready to take throw an unforgettable feast for friends and family!
10 Best Side Options for Oysters
1 - Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is the perfect summer side dish.
It's sweet, crunchy, and satisfying.
Plus, it's easy to make.
Just throw some ears of corn on the grill and you're good to go.
If you're looking for ways to improve your grilled corn game, here are a few tips:
- Add some spice with chili powder, cumin, or paprika.
- Brush on some BBQ sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or sour cream.
No matter how you make it, grilled corn is sure to be a hit at your next cookout.
2 - Watermelon Radish Salad
When it comes to summer side dishes, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a watermelon radish salad.
The combination of sweet watermelon and crisp radishes is the perfect way to enjoy the warmer weather.
Plus, the addition of a few simple ingredients can improve this dish to new heights.
Watermelon radish salad is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of watermelon without the sugar overload.
The crispness of the radishes cuts through the sweetness of the watermelon, making for a refreshing and balanced dish.
To take this salad to the next level, try adding some crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint leaves.
The salty feta goes well with the sweetness of the watermelon, while the mint adds some freshness.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to please everyone at your next cookout or potluck.
3 - Cucumber and Jicama Slaw
This Cucumber and Jicama Slaw is the perfect dish to serve alongside oysters.
The crisp texture of the cucumbers and jicama goes well with the briny oysters, and the lime juice improves the flavors of both dishes.
The key to this dish is to use fresh, crunchy cucumbers and jicama.
I like to slice the cucumbers thinly so that they resemble noodles, and then julienne the jicama so that it's easy to eat.
You can also add in some shredded carrots for sweetness and color.
To improve this dish, I like to add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
This adds a bit of heat that goes with the oysters nicely.
You can also garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves.
4 - Spicy Asian Coleslaw
This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a bit of heat to give it an extra kick.
The cabbage and carrots are crunchy and fresh, while the onions add a bit of sweetness.
The dressing is a simple combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha, which comes together to create a delicious and slightly spicy flavor.
The best part about this dish is that it can be easily adapted to your taste.
If you like things on the sweeter side, you can add more rice vinegar to the dressing.
If you prefer things spicier, you can add more Sriracha or even some chili flakes.
And if you're looking for a bit of extra crunch, you can always top it with some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds.
This dish is perfect as a side or even a main course.
If you're serving it as a side, I would recommend pairing it with something grilled or roasted.
The Asian coleslaw goes particularly well with grilled chicken or fish.
If you're making it as a main course, I would suggest adding some tofu or tempeh for protein.
You could also top it with a fried egg for a bit of extra richness.
5 - Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
This dish is a great side to any meal, but especially goes well with pork or chicken.
The sweet and sour flavors of the red cabbage are a perfect balance, and the dish is surprisingly easy to make.
The taste and texture of this dish is what really makes it special.
The cabbage is cooked until it is tender, but still has a bit of crunch to it.
The sweet and sour sauce is the perfect compliment to the cabbage, and really improves the dish.
There are a few tips to keep in mind when making this dish.
First, be sure to use red cabbage for the best flavor.
Second, cook the cabbage until it is tender, but still has a bit of crunch to it.
And finally, don't forget the sweet and sour sauce.
This sauce really makes the dish, so be sure to include it.
6 - Braised Fennel
Braised fennel is a classic side dish that pairs well with many different main courses.
This dish is simple to make and can be easily elevated with a few additional ingredients.
Fennel has a slightly sweet and anise-like flavor.
When braised, the fennel becomes tender and takes on a slight bitterness.
The texture of the fennel changes as well, becoming softer and almost mushy.
There are several ways to improve this dish and make it more exciting.
One way is to add some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.
Another way is to add some chopped up bacon or pancetta.
You could also add in some shredded Parmesan cheese or a dollop of crème fraiche before serving.
7 - Broccoli Rabe with Garlic
Broccoli rabe is a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs well with oysters.
This leafy green vegetable is slightly bitter and has a delicate flavor that is enhanced by garlic.
Broccoli rabe is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
To improve this dish, try roasting the broccoli rabe in the oven with some garlic cloves.
This will bring out the natural sweetness of the broccoli rabe and give it a slight char that is absolutely delicious.
You can also add some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
Serve this dish alongside some fresh oysters for a truly enjoyable meal.
8 - Green Beans with Almonds
Green beans are a classic side dish that can be served with almost any main course.
They are simple to make and can be easily improve by adding some almonds for a little bit of crunch.
Green beans are on the milder side.
They have a slightly sweet flavor and a crisp texture.
The addition of almonds gives the dish a nutty flavor and added crunch.
There are a few things you can do to improve this dish.
First, try blanching the green beans before adding them to the pan with the almonds.
This will help them retain their color and prevent them from getting mushy.
You can also add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pan for an extra burst of flavor.
9 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and versatile side dish.
They can be enjoyed on their own or added to a variety of dishes.
The taste and texture of roasted Brussels sprouts is similar to that of roasted potatoes.
They are slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
There are many ways to improve the taste and texture of roasted Brussels sprouts.
One way is to add herbs and spices.
Another way is to top them with a sauce or dressing.
Lastly, you can pair them with other complementary ingredients such as bacon, nuts, or cheese.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are best when they are cooked until they are slightly browned.
This helps to bring out their natural sweetness.
When cooking Brussels sprouts, it is important to not overcrowd the pan.
This will help to ensure that they cook evenly and do not become mushy.
10 - Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese
This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's easy to make.
Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
For the best results, roast your cauliflower in a hot oven until it's tender and golden brown.
Then, top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy.
10 Ideal Sides to Serve with Oysters
There you have it. 10 delicious side dishes that go well with oysters.
From simple salads to roasted vegetables, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
So the next time you're planning a seafood feast, be sure to include some of these scrumptious dishes on your menu.
Your guests will be glad you did.
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you're short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Let us know how it was!More From EpicureDelight
The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all side dish pairings →When pairing sides with Oysters, consider texture as much as flavor. Creamy dishes benefit from something crisp; grilled preparations love a bright, herby accompaniment.
To balance the meal nutritionally, add a leafy green side and a fiber-rich starch like quinoa or sweet potato alongside your main.
Cover loosely with foil and keep in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C). For delicate greens, dress just before serving to prevent wilting.
A complete, balanced plate includes protein, a fiber-rich carbohydrate or vegetable, and something with brightness - an acid-dressed green or pickled element rounds everything out.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
