Cooking shrimp is easy enough, but choosing the right wine to compliment and enhance the sweet succulence of this seafood can be a true culinary challenge With literally thousands of white wine options available, it’s tough to know where to start To take the guesswork out of the equation, I’ve compiled my essential guide to selecting an ideal white wine match for shrimp.
After breaking down key factors like varietal, body, acidity, and price point, I’ll recommend specific wines worth trying I’ll also share pro tips for incorporating wine into shrimp recipes like sautés, pasta, and scampi Read on for everything you need to know about cooking shrimp with that perfect white wine partner.
How to Choose a White Wine for Cooking Shrimp
With a basic understanding of white wine styles and flavors, you can confidently select a bottle tailored to shrimp. Here are the most important criteria to consider:
Wine Varietal
The grape variety that a white wine is made from can offer the first clues to its taste. Popular shrimp-friendly choices include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and sparkling wines. Taste different types to learn your preferences.
Body
Fuller, heavier-bodied whites can overpower delicate shrimp. Instead, pick a light or medium-bodied wine. Lighter wines complement rather than competing with the star ingredient.
Acidity
Acidity revitalizes the palate and cuts through richness. Higher acid wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully with tender shrimp. Moderate acidity works too.
Sweetness
Briny shrimp loves a dash of sweetness. Slightly sweeter wines include Riesling and some sparkling varieties. If you prefer dry wines, add a touch of sugar while cooking.
Price Point
Expensive wine doesn’t mean better seafood pairing. A decent grocery store wine you enjoy will cook just fine. Save the pricier bottles for sipping.
Taste Preference
This is subjective, but focus on wines you find crisp, refreshing, and bright. Taste as you go when cooking and adjust flavor if needed.
Now that you know what to look for, here are my top recommended white wines for cooking up plump, juicy shrimp.
7 Best White Wines for Cooking Shrimp
1. Sauvignon Blanc
With bright citrus and herb notes, Sauvignon Blanc’s tart acidity and grassy flavor make it ideal for cutting through and complementing rich seafood.
2. Pinot Grigio
Subtle fruit tones and medium body work nicely without overshadowing shrimp’s delicate flavor. It also adds a nice richness.
3. Chardonnay
Unoaked Chardonnay has fresh apple and citrus notes. Full oaked versions can be too buttery with shrimp. Go for bright and acidic.
4. Dry Riesling
Riesling has just a touch of sweetness to balance shrimp’s brininess, along with tropical fruit flavors. Opt for a fully dry style.
5. Sparkling White Wine
Bubbles add festive flavor and cut through heavier sauces. Choose dry prosecco or cava to let shrimp shine.
6. White Bordeaux Blend
These flavorful dry blends, like sauvignon-semillon, offer grassy flavors and medium body perfect for shrimp.
7. Albariño
From Spain, Albariño is light, crisp, and fruity with notes of peaches and almonds that pair deliciously with shrimp.
The beauty of cooking with wine is that you can experiment until you find one that complements your recipe perfectly. Use these as a starting point to discover your shrimp’s ultimate white wine match.
Expert Tips for Cooking Shrimp with White Wine
Here are some pro tips to infuse bright wine flavors into shrimp:
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For pasta, simmer sauce with a few glugs of wine before adding shrimp at the end.
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In risottos and sautés, pour wine in the pan once aromatics are cooked, then add shrimp.
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Add wine early in poaching liquid or broth so it reduces and concentrates.
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Use wine instead of water when steaming shrimp for maximum infusion of flavor.
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Splash wine into the dish right before serving for freshness.
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When pan-searing shrimp, deglaze the pan with wine for an instant pan sauce.
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With scampi, cook shrimp right in the garlicky wine-butter sauce for full flavor integration.
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Don’t overcook shrimp once wine is added, just 2-3 minutes or until opaque.
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Acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc can “cook” the shrimp as they marinate.
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Reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes if shrimp will continue to cook in wine sauce.
The ideal wine for cooking shrimp depends on the recipe and your personal taste. I recommend having a bottle of crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio on hand when shrimp is on the menu. Before long, you’ll be expertly pairing wines with shrimp dishes like a seasoned pro.
Garlic White Wine Shrimp Recipe
This is one of the best shrimp recipes. The shrimp are cooked in a white wine sauce with butter, garlic, onion, and fresh lemon juice. It is so easy and creates a delicious dinner in only 15 minutes.
This simple shrimp recipe also goes well with pasta or rice with its iconic white wine sauce.
Like this shrimp recipe for a light starter? It has a hint of white wine and tastes garlicky, citrusy, and sweet.
Ingredients for Garlic White Wine Shrimp
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Onion
- White wine
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Parsley
- Lemon Juice
Garlic, Butter and White Wine Shrimp Recipe
What wine goes with shrimp?
Regardless of how you prepare your shrimp dish, the following wines will be a good match. Generally, you want to pick a white wine with bright acidity that’s dry or off dry. Light to medium bodied whites are best but there are some shrimp dishes that can handle a fuller style white wine. For specific shrimp dishes and wine pairing, keep scrolling.
What is the best wine for cooking shrimp Scamps?
The best white wine for cooking shrimp scamps is a light, dry white wine with moderate acidity. A low-quality wine will have a harsh taste and may not blend well with the dish. A low-quality wine is a good choice if you can afford to spend a little extra money.
How do you choose a white wine for shrimp?
Generally, you want to pick a white wine with bright acidity that’s dry or off dry. Light to medium bodied whites are best but there are some shrimp dishes that can handle a fuller style white wine. For specific shrimp dishes and wine pairing, keep scrolling. In no particular order: Are you tired of wasting money on wine you don’t like?
Which white wine should I use when cooking seafood?
However, the main type of white wine that should be used when cooking seafood is any dry white wine. Unless you’re preparing this dish blindly without a recipe, many cooks will include the particular wine within their recipe for the dish. Let’s explore a few examples! Shrimp Scampi can be cooked with Sauvignon Blanc or Unoaked Chardonnay.