Shrimp: Hors D’oeuvre or Appetizer?

Shrimp seems to be the particular food of choice for any seafood lover ordering out for lunch. That seafood delight seems to be a favorite for lunch. BUT! Would it surprise you to find out that there is a debate between seafood aficionados about shrimp?

Is shrimp an hors D’oeuvre or an appetizer? Yes, that’s right. Curious huh!?

Let’s consider the similarities and differences between hors d’oeuvres and appetizers to settle the debate once and for all.

Shrimp platter among other dishes on a table



What is an Hors D’oeuvre?

Generally considered as ‘finger foods’, shrimp are eaten informally while mingling and moving around.

However, hors d’oeuvres are served before a meal, separate from the meal courses. That’s what ‘hors d’oeuvre’ means in French - ‘outside the meal.’ This includes flatbreads, dinner rolls, shrimp cocktails, etc.

What is an Appetizer?

They are the first course served when ‘dining’, where you sit down at a table to eat. It is the first course served as a small portion that complements the entrée and imply that dinner will follow.

Appetizers are consumed without the main course, but not often though. These are mostly salads, soups, shrimp, etc. Shrimp are generally ordered in a platter or for a group, in a seafood tower.

So why don’t people make the distinction with shrimp?

Shrimp on a plate with dipping sauce


Similarities  of Hors D’oeuvres  and Appetizers

Perhaps, it’s the similarities between hors d’oeuvre and appetizers that have lead to the confusion about shrimp.

· They are served in small portions, not meant to be filling.

· Both of them are generally consumed at parties, weddings, dinners, and other events.

· They both have dishes that are hot and cold, soft and crunchy, sweet and savory. These similarities make it a moot point when comparing different dishes.

Differences in Hors D’oeuvres and Appetizers

The words ‘appetizer’ and ‘hors d’oeuvre’ are used interchangeably, but there are differences between the two.

· Hors d’oeuvres are served separately before the meal, while appetizers begin the meal.

· Hors d’oeuvres are not considered part of the meal while appetizers are a complimentary course to one.

· Hors d’oeuvres potion size is usually much smaller (1-2 bites) than an appetizer’s (3-4 bites).

· Hors d’oeuvres are often suitable to be eaten by hand. Appetizers may require cutlery, although exceptions are frequently made. 


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