Would you call yourself more of a meat lover or a seafood lover? Or are you a bit of both, perhaps a surf and turf kind of guy? No matter what you prefer, you'll be happy to hear America has got you covered. In this country, there are a wide variety of delicious dishes featuring either meat or seafood. We're going to highlight 20 of them today, so let's see which side you're on!
1. Barbecue Ribs
When we think about iconic meat dishes in America, our minds immediately fly to Texas for their delicious and renowned barbecued meats - ribs to be specific! Unbelievably tender to the point that they fall right off the bone, these expertly cooked ribs are smoked for hours before being drenched in a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce that'll have you licking your fingers.
2. Hamburgers
If you ask anyone around the world what's one dish that comes to mind when they think about America, they'd probably answer: hamburgers. There's nothing more American than a classic burger loaded with a beef patty, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and sauce.
3. Fried Chicken
Comfort food at its finest, fried chicken is a popular and beloved dish that will always be a crowd-pleaser. Who'd ever say no to a piping hot, crispy plate of fried chicken anyway? With its crunchy exterior spiced to perfection and its juicy interior full of tender meat, fried chicken is great on its own or paired with a variety of sides.
4. Steak
Steak is a pretty simple way to eat meat if you think about it, but an expertly cooked one can take you to another planet. If you're lucky enough to try a more expensive cut, you'll undoubtedly fall in love with the rich, meaty flavour of the beef. When people want to treat themselves to a well deserved dinner, this meat dish is definitely the most common go to.
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5. Pulled Pork
Another staple when it comes to American BBQ, pulled pork is a versatile meat that tastes great with pretty much anything. When it's cooked to perfection and slathered with that addictive barbecue sauce, you won't be able to put your fork down. It works amazingly well as a sandwich filling, but many enjoy it on its own too. Pair it with some potato salad, mac n cheese, and grilled corn, and you can't go wrong.
6. Buffalo Wings
Even if you're not a fan of spicy foods, it's hard to resist a good buffalo wing. A little bit spicy, a little bit tangy, these saucy wings pair so well with a side of ranch that helps cool down the heat. It's the ultimate game day food or pub snack when you've got a cold glass of beer next to it.
7. Meatloaf
Let's take things back to the basics. America's favourite meat dishes aren't just expensive, extravagant ones; sometimes, it's the homey, comforting dishes that taste like mom's cooking that mean the most to us. Reminding us of our childhoods, meatloaf will always be a meat dish that stays close to the heart.
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8. Pastrami Sandwich
Extremely popular in New York City, the pastrami sandwich is the perfect example of simple is best. All you need is some rye bread with mustard spread all over, and a massive heap of expertly cured, seasoned, and smoked beef brisket. There's nothing fancy about this dish, but that's why it works so well and appeals to a large audience.
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9. Hot Dogs
If we're talking classic American foods, we can't leave out hot dogs. As the most popular food served at baseball games, summer barbecues, and street carts, it's safe to say hot dogs are an important part of American culture. With so many different condiments to choose from, you can even customize it however you like. Although certain states might have their say on it, at the end of the day, it's up to you.
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10. Turkey
While there isn't exactly anything special about the flavour of a whole roast turkey, it's more about the meaning behind this dish than the actual meat. Turkey reminds us of families coming together for the holidays, laughter all around the table, and fond memories to look back on. When you think about what turkey represents, it has to be one of the most, if not THE most, beloved meat dishes in America.
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1. Lobster Rolls
Lobster is arguably one of the most beloved types of seafood around. Even though it's typically considered a high-end ingredient, when you combine it with a cheap ingredient like buttered bread, you've suddenly got a winner. Lobster rolls are one of the easiest ways to enjoy this delicacy - with huge, tender chunks of lobster tossed in a creamy sauce before being served in the bun.
2. Crab Cakes
If it's fried and crispy, you know it's got to be an American favourite. Crab is another sought-after seafood, and one way a lot of people enjoy it is in the form of a crab cake. Lumping a hefty amount of crab meat together mixed with breadcrumbs, mayo, and spices, it's fried until golden on the outside and warm and creamy on the inside. It's quite the popular appetizer thanks to its rich flavour yet delicate texture.
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3. Clam Chowder
If rich and creamy soups are right up your alley, we're guessing you're probably a massive fan of clam chowder. What's not to love? So savory and thick, it's filled with delicious ingredients like clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon. It's the best comforting dish to enjoy on a cold, rainy day. We have no doubt it'll cheer you right up!
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4. Lobster Bisque
Once again, creamy soup lovers rejoice! When it comes to seafood, you've got your fair share of mouthwatering soups to choose from. Lobster bisque is another favourite. Creamy, velvety, and so rich, it features a much more simple spread of ingredients compared to clam chowder. Mainly focused on bringing out the essence of the lobster, you get to enjoy the flavours of this shellfish in all of its glory.
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5. Fried Catfish
It's time we head down South to explore some of the delicious seafood dishes they have to offer there. If there's one stand out dish, it's got to be fried catfish. Cooked and fried to utter perfection, it's everything you want from a fried fish - crispy, crunchy, and golden on the outside while flaky and soft on the inside. Don't even get us started on the wonderful mix of spices they use to season it!
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6. Coconut Shrimp
Looking for the perfect seafood appetizer? We're pretty sure coconut shrimp is what you're looking for. It's a pretty simple dish, with big, juicy shrimp fried in a coconut and breadcrumb mixture, but when paired with its classic sweet and tangy dipping sauce, you'll keep going back for more. It's such a wonderful blend of textures and flavours everyone loves.
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7. Fish Tacos
When you're at the beach, nothing hits better than a good fish taco. The fish should be crisp on the outside while being moist and flaky on the inside, giving the taco a satisfying crunch. But it's not just the fish that has to be good, the toppings have to be spot on too! When topped with fresh ingredients like cabbage, avocado, and salsa, you've got a fresh seafood meal that'll taste like it came straight out of the ocean.
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8. Oysters on the Half Shell
Fresh, raw oysters are a popular delicacy that seafood lovers absolutely love. It doesn't get more fresh than that after all. Typically enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and hot sauce, people love their salty, slightly sweet flavour. But keep in mind, when eating anything raw, it comes with a certain amount of risk. Please do your research before enjoying this dish!
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9. Fish and Chips
Although this dish originates from the UK, it quickly became a favourite in America too. Often served in pubs or by the beach, we're not surprised to see that it's so beloved. Featuring mouthwatering pieces of fried fish and crispy fries as a side, what's not to love? And when you dip that fish into the tangy and creamy tartar sauce, you'll see why it's a match made in heaven.
Photo by Meelan Bawjee on Unsplash
10. Calamari
Last but not least, calamari is a popular seafood appetizer that's simple but addictive. Coated in breadcrumbs and fried until light and crispy, it's typically served with marinara sauce or some aioli that elevates the dish to another level.
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