Shrimp and prawns are one of the most popular seafood choices in the world, and rightly so. They do not have a “fishy” flavor so they are appealing to those who do not like fish, and both are incredibly versatile in terms of cooking. Shrimp and prawns can be grilled, steamed, sauteed, spicy, sweet, sour, salty…the combinations are endless.
With so many different ways to prepare shrimp and prawns, knowing which wine will best complement your meal. White wines will typically be the go-to when pairing with these crustaceans, but there are a few occasions when red will work. We have some recommendations for you below.
Best Red Wine with Shrimp or Prawns
Red is not a common choice, but light, fruity reds can work, depending on the preparation.
- Barbera: juicy, light, and acidic with notes of strawberry and sour cherry.
- Pinot Noir: always a popular choice; light on body, high on aromatics.
- Beaujolais: also known as Gamay, light, fruity and low tannins.
- Lambrusco: a slight bubbliness with strong berry notes.
Best White Wine with Shrimp or Prawns
White wine and seafood are a match made in heaven. Rosé is also a great choice with shrimp.
- Riesling: Light, sweet, crisp, and highly acidic. Known for being food-friendly.
- Albariño: Dry with high acidity and notes of lemon and grapefruit.
- Sauvignon Blanc: highly acidic, fruity, dry white with herb and grass notes.
- Champagne: Bubbly, floral, and fruity with notes of citrus, peach, or cherry.
- Chardonnay: dry, buttery, and oaky with moderate tannins and acidity.
- Rosé: bright, crisp acidity with strong berry flavour.
Pairing Wine with Various Shrimp or Prawn Dishes
Wine With Fried Shrimp
Champagne or Brut sparkling wine is an excellent choice with fried shrimp. It is light enough to balance the shrimp but offers enough acidity to cut through the fried breading.
Wine With Shrimp Cocktail
This classic appetizer is best complemented by a Riesling or Prosecco.
Wine With Shrimp Alfredo
Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio are both great choices with Alfredo sauce as the balance the rich, creamy sauce. It may seem counterintuitive, but a Barbera would also make a great pairing if you prefer red wine.
Wine With Salt and Pepper Prawns
The bright citrus flavour and acidity of an Albariño complements the salt and pepper flavours of this dish quite well.
Wine With Shrimp and Grits
A creamy dish like grits will be well-matched with a rich, buttery Chardonnay.
Wine With Garlic Shrimp
Sauvignon Blanc is a sure winner when it comes to garlic and it is light enough it won’t overpower the flavour of the shrimp.
Wine With Shrimp Fried Rice
Lambrusco is a fun, bubbly red that will hold up to the salty, greasy fried rice without overwhelming the shrimp.
Wine With Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
What could be better than bacon and shrimp? Elevate it with an oak-aged Chardonnay.
Wine With Coconut Shrimp
A Chardonnay or Champagne will balance the sweetness of the coconut quite nicely.
Wine With Shrimp Scampi
Scampi is a classic shrimp dish. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will perfectly balance the salt and garlic.
Wine With Spicy Shrimp
Whether a spicy Asian curry or New Orleans classic like Etouffee or Shrimp Creole, spicy shrimp dishes will be best complemented by a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in these wines cools the heat and refreshes the palate.
Wine With Shrimp Fra Diavolo
A red or white can work with this dish. For white, try an Albariño or sparkling wine. If you prefer red, a Barbera or Lambrusco would be excellent.
Wine With Grilled Tiger Prawns
Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc are a perfect balance to the charred flavour of these prawns.
Wine With Barbeque Shrimp
Barbeque Shrimp is going to have a stronger flavour and can take a bolder wine. A Pinot Noir brings enough heft to match the smoky, barbeque flavour. Rosé will also be lovely.
Wine With Shelled Shrimp
Simple, straight-forward shell shrimp are great with refreshing, not too complex, Pinot Grigio.
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