If you’re planning a beach-themed bridal shower but you’re struggling to decide on a fantastic menu, then you’re definitely in the right place. We’ve gathered some of our favorite tropical food ideas that you can use for inspiration!
Appetizer – Crab Salad in Cucumber Rounds
There are plenty of delicious and tropical appetizer ideas that are perfect for a beach-themed bridal shower. Our favorite is the crab salad in cucumber rounds! It’s quite easy to create. Simply combine 1 cup of fresh crab meat with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1 and ½ teaspoon of mustard, ¼ cup finely diced red onion, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Crystal hot sauce, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Mix well. Peel cucumbers and slice into 1 inch thick slices. Use a melon baller to remove the center and then stuff spoonfuls of the crab salad into the hollow areas. Voila – you have a stunningly delicious appetizer that works very well for a beach-themed shower.
Soup (Optional) – Shrimp Stew over Rice
This delicious appetizer is filling enough to use as a main dish, but it also works very well as the soup portion of your meal. In a large sauce pan, heat 1 cup of oil until just beginning to bubble. Add ¾ cups of sifted flour and stir. Allow this mixture to cook until it is a golden brown, and then add in 1 can of diced tomatoes and chilis (juice included). Cook about 5 minutes, and pour in 1 and ½ quarts seafood or chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil and add in 1 cup diced onion, ½ cup diced celery, ½ cup diced green pepper and ½ cup diced green onion. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for about an hour. Then, add in 5 pounds of fresh shrimp. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, and remove the soup from heat. Serve over cooked rice.
Entrée – Salmon Filets with Spicy Remoulade
This unbelievable recipe is super easy and will still amaze guests. It also takes very little time to cook. Start with fresh, thick salmon filets (one for each guest). Season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and a little lemon juice. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a non-stick skillet and set it to medium-high. Allow the pan to get very, very hot. While it’s heating, turn on the oven and set it to 350-degrees. Prepare aluminum foil for each piece of fish, and slice up some lemons. When the pan is hot, sear the fish until the edges of each side are crisp and brown. Place the fish in the aluminum foil, add a little more salt and pepper, and top with lemon slices. Wrap and place in the oven for about 10 minutes. While you’re waiting you can create the remoulade sauce with 1 tablespoon of mayo, 1 tablespoon of Crystal hot sauce, a pinch or two of chili powder, garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix and serve on the side of the fish.
There you have it – a delicious and tropical menu that is perfect for a beach bridal shower. Let us know what you think – would you serve this for your bridal shower? Share with us in the comments below!