A list of foods that start with S gives you a lot to work with. From savory breakfasts, spectacular dinner ideas, and scrumptious desserts – you name it. You’ll find quick and easy recipe ideas perfect for a picnic, potluck, cookout, or daily family meals.
Yesterday, while browsing, I stumbled on a funny short clip of Wheel of Fortune. The contestant is stuck with the letter S, leading me to challenge myself for fun. But of course, mine is all about food!
So, I came up with a list to share with you. And by the end of this article, you’ll surely come up with a longer list than I did. Let’s dive right in!
Meat and Seafood That Start With S
1. Sausage
Ground meat (pork, beef, or poultry), seasoned with salt, spices, and herbs, perfectly complements eggs and pancakes for breakfast. But you can turn the mix into sausage balls for an ideal appetizer!
Sausage Balls (Plus VIDEO)
Sausage Balls – fuss-free and great make-ahead appetizer and snack made of sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, flour, and seasonings.
Impress your family with restaurant-quality pan-seared oven-roasted steak without killing the budget. Seared in butter and seasoned with Immaculate Bites steak seasoning, this recipe will blow you away.
Grilled Flank Steak
It's smokey, juicy, flavorful, marinated grilled flank steak with a beautiful tender texture and a good chew in every bite. So simple and a total crowd-pleaser, the perfect steak indulgence for your next summer grilling!
The curing process elevates regular sausage. Garlic and other spices make salami a classic kid-favorite sandwich layer. But you can level up your pasta salad with this king of deli meats! You won’t regret it.
Easy Pasta Salad
Easy Pasta Salad – a classic Italian Pasta Salad loaded with fresh produce and Italian favorites like salami, black olives and cheese; tossed with a vibrant homemade Italian Dressing. Great for spring potluck, summer parties or as a regular low-carb meal!
Squab is an elegant name for a pigeon under four weeks old. Uh, can we eat pigeons? Yes! Their tender, moist texture with a slightly gamey flavor resembles duck. If you’re in for an adventure, you can try tasty roasted squab or Chinese fried pigeon.
Chinese Fried Pigeon (Squab)
Chinese Fried Pigeon (Zha Ge Zi, 炸鸽子) or Chinese Fried Squab (Zha Ru Ge, 炸乳鸽) is an incredibly special dish and a Hong Kong classic. It has disappeared from many US Cantonese restaurant menus in recent years, so this recipe aims to preserve this cooking method for future generations.
Sweetbreads are a unique main ingredient often served in fancy restaurants, made from creamy pancreas and thymus glands. Sauteed sweetbreads are delicious, but you can also grill or fry them. Experience luxury at home by making pan-fried sweetbreads, coated and crisped, with creamy sauce!
Sweetbreads Sauté Recipe
You can sauté or pan-fry the sweetbreads with whatever flavors you like. This time, I used mustard seed and turmeric, sautéed with plenty of onions and chili peppers, for a vaguely Indian preparation that tasted nice with fragrant basmati on the side.
Crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and scallops are shellfish you won’t tire of eating because they’re naturally delicious. Who doesn’t love seafood paella and pan-seared scallops?
Pan-Seared Scallops
Simple, beautifully seared scallops with a delectable garlic butter sauce boasting a refreshing citrusy zing. So easy, tasty, and juicy! An elegant dish to impress without the hefty price tag – perfect for weekend date nights.
Salmon is popular because it’s tender, slightly sweet, and not too fishy. No wonder these teriyaki and oven-baked salmon recipes are a big hit.
Teriyaki Salmon
Easy and lip-smacking good salmon fillets are marinated in a sweet, tangy, homemade teriyaki sauce and baked to perfection. Serve it with extra teriyaki glaze, healthy, delicious veggies, and rice for an amazing meal in under an hour. Perfect for those crazy busy weeknights.
Shrimp is an economical seafood. Plus, it’s versatile. You can fry it, grill it, or make shrimp etouffee. So enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner on a reasonable budget.
Jerk Shrimp
Crazy delicious shrimp kebab with all the deliciousness of Jerk Spice, drizzled with butter, onion, and lemon sauce. Simple succulent and so good!!!
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of rice seasoned with vinegar wrapped in nori. Seafood and vegetables are classic fillers. Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger are often served on the side. So good!
Futomaki 太巻き (Maki Sushi)
Futomaki or Maki Sushi is a traditional thick and fat sushi roll typically filled with vegetables and sometimes include cooked fish like unagi.
This famous Japanese dish is made from raw salmon or tuna. Raw? Yes, but it doesn’t smell or taste fishy. Sashimi boasts a subtle, light flavor, making it an excellent ingredient for sushi.
Sashimi Recipe Top 3*** | Thomas Sixt Foodblog
Sashimi recipe for the home kitchen. Chef Thomas Sixt shows you the preparation with Japanese garnish step by step. All tips and info here!
Squid, lovingly known as calamari, is fabulous whether sautéed, grilled, or deep-fried. It’s popular in Italy, Spain, and Asia. Spanish paella is a great example!
Spanish Paella
An authentic, EPIC Spanish Paella! Easy to make with step by step photos, load it up with seafood, just use chicken or even make it vegetarian!
Sardines are typically available in cans or jars and smothered in olive oil, water, or tomato sauce. They’re loaded with nutrients and vitamins and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. So increase your sardine intake with this incredible African fish pie recipe!
African Fish Roll (Fish Pie)
African Fish Roll(Fish pie) — a popular West African street food – specifically in Cameroon,Nigeria and Ghana that is made with some sort of shortcut pastry filled with sardines and spices. These fried fish pies are crunchy, slightly sweet, spicy and oh so good!!
Spinach is a delicious green leafy vegetable rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. This superfood is fabulous on its own or for ramping up recipes like sautéed spinach, dip, and spicy shrimp spinach pasta.
Spinach Dip
Spinach Dip – creamy homemade spinach dip with sour cream, cream cheese, spinach, variety of cheeses and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick in every bite. Served in bread rolls or in a bowl with crackers and crudites. An absolutely great addition to any party menu!
Snow peas are small, flat, and delicious, both raw or cooked. Did you know you can eat the whole thing? The strings are usually removed during preparation, but the shell is tender and sweet. And they’re fantastic in shrimp stir-fry.
Shrimp Stir Fry
Shrimp Stir Fry – a quick and easy shrimp dinner with a honey soy garlic based sauce accompanied with vegetables that comes ready in 20 minutes from start to finish. A healthy and easy meal to enjoy any time!
There are so many ways to serve this mouthwatering starch! Besides, sweet potatoes are healthy, delicious roots that taste wonderful any time, but they’re also great for paleo and elimination diets. Try Cajun sweet potato fries, candied sweet potatoes, and sweet potato casserole, especially for the holidays.
Candied Yams
Incredibly fork-tender yams bathed in a glossy fragrant buttery brown sugar glaze with a zesty hint of lemon and orange. And sensational flavors from warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger- bring holiday goodness in this amazing side dish. And it doubles as a dessert because of its glistening caramel-like finish.
Squash comes in several varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes. The sweet and nutty taste is an excellent addition to chowder, stews, and even pastries. Baked acorn squash and squash casserole are a great place to start.
Baked Acorn Squash
Baked Acorn Squash – a fuss-free healthy side side dish that can be served on regular or special days. It comes in both savory and sweet versions so you can choose one or make both! Truly one of the easiest and most versatile squash recipes you can prepare for the whole family!
I once believed that seaweed was just one plant, but I was impressed to find out it’s an entire group of sea plants. These briny veggies are found primarily in Asian cuisine, so add Japanese seaweed salad to your list of foods that start with S!
Japanese Slaw – Chargrill Charlie’s Copycat
This slaw-like salad has a Japanese spin with edamame, Wakame seaweed salad and a creamy soy dressing. The seaweed totally makes it!
Soybeans are a nutritious source of protein to swap out with meat. Their mild taste tends to take on the flavor of what they’re cooked with, especially when turned into tofu. Green, immature soybeans, also known as edamame, are a delicious addition to a tuna poke bowl.
Tuna Poke Bowl
Too many Poke Bowl recipes disappoint with bland dressings and tasteless rice…. the Japanse blood in my veins demand Poke Bowls be totally scoffable!
Is it garlic or an onion? No, it’s a shallot! They belong to the same family but grow in clusters similar to garlic. Delicately sweet with a hint of sharpness, shallots add incredible flavor to the shaved Brussels sprout salad.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
A light and refreshing Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with dates, smoky Gouda cheese, and apples are the perfect bite for a nice sunny day.
Germinating seeds is a super-easy way to ramp up salads’ and stir-fries’ flavor and nutritional value. Taste varies according to the type of seed, so radish sprouts are spicy, and lentil sprouts are pleasantly crunchy. Toss some mixed sprouts in a kale salad for the win.
Kale Salad
Green, lush, and healthy KALE SALAD with broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds tossed in a creamy homemade Poppy Seed Dressing. A bowl of superfood you’ll enjoy even if you’re not a vegan. Healthy, delicious, and a quick fix for lunch or even dinner!
Interestingly, the tropical star fruit has a beautiful star shape (hence the name) and comes in yellow or green. You can eat the skin; the flesh is very juicy and tastes sweet and sour, like green grapes and oranges. Try it in a tropical fruit salad for an exotic twist.
Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe
Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe – a simple and refreshing tropical fruit salad starring pineapple, mangoes, papaya and kiwi coated in a simple syrup with lime and lemon juice and passion fruit pineapple pulp.
Related to raisins, sultanas are golden grapes that dry plumper, juicier, and sweeter than raisins. And since they’re similar in taste, both can be used interchangeably in a dish. Try them out in a delicious bobotie recipe. Double yum!
Bobotie
A hearty, comforting South African dish made of curried minced meat topped with milk and egg custard and baked to perfection. An easy, tasty dish with punchy yet on-point flavors that are perfect for special occasions and holidays.
Saffron is one of the most expensive spices and has a vibrant golden-reddish color. The robust, exotic aroma has a pleasantly bitter taste. And it usually adds flavor and color to rice dishes. Try it out in seafood paella for a special occasion.
Fun Fact: Saffron is the costliest spice by weight, retailing for more than $500 per pound!😮
Seafood Paella
Seafood Paella – popular classic Spanish one-pan dish loaded with saffron-infused Arborio rice, chorizo, shrimp, mussels and boatloads of flavors. Fancy enough for a dinner date night or for entertaining a crowd. And it's waaay easier than you think it is!
Sage belongs to the mint family, together with basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. It’s usually used in small amounts due to its intense aroma and peppery, earthy flavor. Italian seasoning is even better with a hint of sage.
Italian Seasoning
Italian Seasoning – super easy blend of homemade Italian seasoning made from pantry-staple ingredients and all ready to use in just 10 minutes. Perfect for your holiday or regular weeknight chicken meal!
Sesame seeds may be tiny, but their vibrant and nutty flavor packs a delicious punch, especially when toasted. You’ll see them topping burger buns, bagels, and Asian dishes. Plus, they’re a star player in Immaculate Bites’ everything bagel seasoning.
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Love the toasty and nutty flavor but don’t like the extra carbs? This homemade EVERYTHING BAGEL SEASONING turns any simple dish into an amazingly flavorful meal. A simple mix of seeds, salt, and seasonings you can easily make in just a few minutes for almost any treat.
This staple ingredient enhances the flavor of so many dishes. It’s a highly sought-after condiment because it brings salty and umami flavors to whatever you put it on. And there are so many varieties; how can you choose just one soy sauce?
26. Star Anise
A star player in both savory and sweet recipes, this star-shaped spice is often used in Asian broths, stews, and soups. But my favorite way to use it is in arroz con leche.
Arroz con Leche
Classic Arroz con Leche is a creamy Mexican rice pudding that warms the tummy on a cool day or can be served chilled on a hot day. The creaminess of the milk and the consistency of the rice make the perfect dessert or breakfast.
A natural sugar substitute, stevia is significantly sweeter than sugar, making it an excellent low-carb sweetener. Try a few drops of it in Southern sweet tea for a sugar-free treat!
Southern Sweet Tea
This refreshing Southern sweet tea is a thirst-quencher drink with only 5 ingredients and pretty customizable based on your preference—a perfect beverage for entertaining or simply “me time” at home.
An essential seasoning in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Italy, and Portugal! Sofrito typically includes sweet peppers, garlic, onion, and cilantro (or culantro, if available), sautéed in oil. Sofrito in Puerto Rican chicken stew is da bomb!
Homemade Sofrito Recipe
This is a versatile, aromatic green puree made of bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, and onions. Sofrito's robust base delivers flavor to dishes like stews, beans, and rice with many variations. Caribbean and Latin American countries all have their own twist on this all-purpose spice.Makes about 3 cups
Creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet scones with a hint of lime zest for added flavor. To add even more fun, toss in some chocolate chips or fresh fruits like blueberries and raspberries to enhance the flavor. You can also serve raspberry white chocolate scones. Lastly, add your favorite jam or marmalade to complete your mouthwatering breakfast.
Lemon Blueberry Scones
These Lemon Blueberry Scones packed with flavor offer soft and buttery goodness that comforts the soul. A nice crunchy golden crust breaks open to reveal the soft, tender inside with steam wafting its aroma. Drizzled with a sweet glaze, it is an irresistible breakfast that goes exceptionally well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like spaghetti and meatballs. This popular Americanized Italian dish is famous worldwide. Typically, this pasta dish is smothered in a tomato-based sauce and served with garlic bread, making it a satisfying comfort food.
Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Succulent, savory meatballs served on a bed of warm, saucy spaghetti are the ultimate comfort food! And let’s not forget the cozy, tomatoey aroma that fills the house and makes your mouth water! It’s a hearty dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Enjoy this amazing one-pot meal for a Caribbean delight. Easy, spicy, and delicious for an ideal weeknight meal.
Brown Beef Stew
This hearty, healthy stew is the perfect one-dish meal! Tender beef chunks and loads of succulent vegetables simmered together in a flavorful browning sauce packed with herbs and spices deliver a simple dish. Extraordinary is not an exaggeration!
Commonly known as a sub, the submarine sandwich is a picnic staple. Colorful layers of salami, ham, lettuce, cheese, tomato, and bell pepper make it a classic. Try a New Orleans twist with a muffaletta.
Muffaletta Sandwich
A New Orleans’ original Italian round sandwich stacked with layers upon layers of ham, mortadella, salami, cheese, and its winning layer – the olive salad. It’s a mouthful bite of wonderful flavors and textures – a party in your mouth!
This traditional Japanese pasta, typically made with buckwheat, is a fantastic addition to Asian recipes. Beef soba noodles with green beans are great, hot or cold!
Beef Soba Noodles with Green Beans
A fabulous fusion Japanese dish – an amazing subtle dressing that matches perfectly with juicy slices of beef and the noodles. Served at room temperature, this is a fantastic dish for summer! {15 minute meal}
Whether baked or fried, samosas are stuffed with mouthwatering chicken and pea filling. Then paprika, curry powder, cayenne, and pepper sauce make this recipe authentic. Want a meat-free version? Then try vegetable samosas for a vegetarian delight.
Samosa Recipe
Baked or fried, these crispy chicken samosas are an absolute delight to munch on. The chicken and peas inside the samosas are tasty, but the fact that they're sauteed in curry and cayenne-coated aromatics makes them out-of-this-world delicious.Makes 16 samosas
Soups are perfect comfort food, especially when served piping hot on a cold day. Creamy corn chowder and chicken soup with rice are so comforting. They hit the spot every.single.time!
Tomato Basil Soup
A creamy, thick, and delicious freezer-friendly recipe with deep flavors from roasted tomatoes and garlic, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes to awaken your tastebuds. Soul-warming soups are fantastic year-round, with or without accompaniments!
The refreshingly splendid salad is a much-requested side dish showcasing vibrancy and style. Experience creaminess with creamy pasta salad or a juicy-tender-tangy-savory combo with Greek salad.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Crunchy and refreshing Romaine lettuce with croutons and a creamy Caesar Salad Dressing is simplicity in a nutshell. Top it with grilled chicken and you have a sure winner.
Salsa sounds more impressive than sauce, doesn’t it? However, that’s precisely what it means in Spanish! This spicy condiment can contain a variety of vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruits. And pico de gallo is an awesome sauce for tacos or a dip for tortilla chips.
Easy Mango Salsa
Make this vibrant, fresh, and easy salsa with just a few simple ingredients. Boasting the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness, this mango salsa pairs great with your favorite chips or grilled meat. It's good 'til the last bite!Makes about 4 cups
Oh, we get a double S on this stunningly beautiful three-layered dessert. Celebrate spring with this gorgeous and heavenly strawberry shortcake. It’s perfect for special occasions and a weeknight treat!
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Shortcake – gorgeous three-layered classic dessert featuring sweet yellow cakes filled with cream cheese filling in between and macerated strawberries. Perfect for summer BBQ, potlucks and birthday parties!
Just look at these mouthwatering sopapilla cheesecake bars! Cheesecake with a tropical twist sandwiched between crunchy, buttery, and flaky crescent rolls, then topped with cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter, will always be on my list. Now, who wouldn’t love a bite of these?
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
The crunchy topping, flaky crust, and creamy cheesecake center with a tropical twist. Oh! Such a great creation for a dessert! A great idea to make use of store-bought crescent rolls into making a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for all occasions.
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I loved this recipe so much!
Thanks for taking the time to comment, John.