Check out this list of the best shrimp side dishes ever ! Shrimp, with its delicate flavor and succulent texture, pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides, and this list is here to help you narrow them down. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing like a salad, something comforting and hearty like a potato dish, or something unique and flavorful like a Mediterranean couscous, there’s a shrimp side dish out there for you.
1. Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes
A Tasty, Nutritious Choice
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of essential nutrients and the garlic butter adds a savory touch that pairs perfectly with shrimp. This dish is rich in flavor, with a creamy interior and a crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible.
An Ideal Accompaniment
These smashed sweet potatoes make a delightful side dish for shrimp, whether you’re grilling, sauteing, or steaming the seafood. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the taste of shrimp beautifully, providing a balanced meal.
Get Creative
Feel free to experiment by adding your preferred herbs or spices to the garlic butter, making the dish uniquely yours.
2. Lemon Garlic Pasta
A Classic Pairing
Lemon and garlic make a classic pairing in this pasta side dish. The tangy lemon and robust garlic create a burst of flavor that pairs well with shrimp, enhancing the overall seafood experience.
Effortless Elegance
This lemon garlic pasta is an effortlessly elegant accompaniment to shrimp, ideal for a romantic dinner or a simple weeknight meal. The lemon gives a fresh, zesty kick that complements the savory shrimp perfectly.
Make It Yours
Adjust the quantities of lemon and garlic to suit your preference. You could also add grated parmesan for a cheesy twist or some chili flakes for a little heat.
3. Creamed Spinach
A Rich, Savory Side Dish
Creamed spinach offers a creamy, indulgent addition to your shrimp dish. It’s packed with nutritious spinach in a velvety sauce that is just the right balance of rich and light.
Perfect with Shrimp
The smooth texture and savory flavor of the creamed spinach are a great contrast to the crisp, delicate shrimp. Its creamy nature makes it an excellent side dish for grilled or sauteed shrimp.
Personalize Your Dish
Feel free to modify the recipe according to your tastes. For example, you could add nutmeg or garlic for an extra layer of flavor, or try using a different type of cheese to change up the flavor profile.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice
A Zesty Side Dish
Cilantro lime rice is a simple, flavorful side that adds a refreshing zest to your meal. The tangy lime and aromatic cilantro make this rice a bright, flavorful companion to shrimp.
A Perfect Pairing
The citrusy flavor of this rice side dish works wonderfully with the sweet, delicate flavor of shrimp, making it a perfect pairing whether your shrimp is grilled, fried, or steamed.
Tailor to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the lime and cilantro quantities to your taste. You could also mix in some black beans for additional protein and fiber.
5. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A Nutritious and Flavorful Option
Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts are a deliciously nutritious side dish that pairs well with shrimp. The sprouts get a tangy, caramelized flavor from the balsamic vinegar that is incredibly appetizing.
Complementary Flavors
These roasted Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with shrimp, complementing its light, sweet flavor with their own earthy and tangy notes. They’re perfect alongside grilled or sautéed shrimp.
Customize Your Dish
Feel free to add extra ingredients like crispy bacon or toasted pine nuts to these balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts for additional flavor and texture.
6. Parmesan Polenta
A Creamy, Comforting Side
Parmesan polenta is a creamy, comforting side dish that provides a beautiful base for shrimp. The rich flavor of Parmesan adds a savory depth to the polenta that pairs excellently with seafood.
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Ideal with Shrimp
The creamy consistency and mild flavor of the Parmesan polenta make it an ideal companion for shrimp. It complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overwhelming it.
Adjust to Your Liking
You can adjust the consistency of your polenta by adding more or less liquid. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your preferences.
7. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter
A Light, Healthy Choice
Grilled asparagus with lemon butter is a light, healthy side that pairs well with shrimp. The asparagus is tender yet crisp, and the lemon butter adds a refreshing zing.
A Perfect Pairing
The fresh, vibrant flavors of the asparagus and lemon pair perfectly with the sweetness of the shrimp. It’s an excellent choice for a grilled shrimp dish.
Customize Your Dish
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon and butter to suit your tastes. You could also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an added savory note.
8. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
A Fresh, Nutrient-Packed Side
Quinoa tabbouleh salad is a fresh, vibrant side dish that’s packed with nutrients. It’s full of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and protein-rich quinoa, creating a balance of flavors and textures that pairs well with shrimp.
A Delightful Companion
The light, refreshing flavors of this tabbouleh salad make it a delightful companion for shrimp. It brings a bright, herby contrast to the sweet, succulent shrimp.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add in other vegetables or herbs you love, or swap the quinoa for traditional bulgur or another grain of your choice.
9. Mango Salsa
A Tropical Treat
Mango salsa is a tropical side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. The sweetness of the mango and the tanginess of the lime create a flavor-packed salsa that enhances any shrimp dish.
Complementary Flavors
The fruity, tangy flavors of the mango salsa perfectly complement the sweet, delicate flavor of shrimp. It’s especially good with grilled or blackened shrimp.
Adjust to Your Liking
Feel free to customize this salsa by adding other fruits like pineapple or using a different type of chili to adjust the heat level.
10. Classic Caesar Salad
An All-time Favorite
A classic Caesar salad is a great accompaniment to shrimp. The combination of crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory cheese provides a contrasting texture to the shrimp, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The Perfect Complement
The crisp, refreshing nature of Caesar salad complements the tender, delicate texture of shrimp beautifully. Whether your shrimp is grilled, sauteed, or steamed, this salad is a perfect match.
Customize Your Caesar
Adjust the dressing to your preference, adding more or less garlic, anchovy, or cheese. You could also add some croutons for an extra crunch.
11. Creamy Parmesan Risotto
A Luxurious Option
Creamy Parmesan risotto is a rich, luxurious side dish that pairs excellently with shrimp. The creaminess of the risotto and the savory notes of the Parmesan complement the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly.
Ideal with Shrimp
The creamy, hearty risotto provides a wonderful contrast to the light, tender shrimp. It’s an ideal accompaniment, especially for pan-seared or grilled shrimp.
Tailor to Your Taste
Feel free to add some saffron, mushrooms, or other favorite ingredients to your risotto to further enhance its flavor and make it your own.
12. Garlic Green Beans
A Simple, Healthy Side
Garlic green beans are a simple, healthy side dish that complements shrimp wonderfully. The beans are crisp and flavorful, and the garlic adds a delicious aroma and taste.
Perfect Pairing
The fresh, bright flavors of the green beans contrast nicely with the rich, savory flavor of the shrimp. Whether you’re grilling or steaming your shrimp, these green beans make an excellent side dish.
Personalize Your Dish
Consider adding some sliced almonds for extra crunch or sprinkle with lemon zest for a fresh, zesty twist. You can also adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste.
13. Grilled Corn on the Cob
A Summer Favorite
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs well with shrimp. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory flavor of the shrimp, making it a delightful combination.
Ideal for Barbecues
Whether you’re throwing a barbecue or cooking up a simple weeknight dinner, grilled corn on the cob is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with grilled shrimp.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to season your grilled corn with different spices, herbs, or flavored butters to create a unique flavor profile that complements your shrimp.
14. Zucchini Noodles
A Low-Carb Alternative
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a light, low-carb alternative to pasta that pairs excellently with shrimp. They’re fresh and versatile, providing a nutritious accompaniment to your shrimp dish.
Perfect with Shrimp
The mild flavor of the zucchini noodles allows the shrimp to shine, while providing a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the tender shrimp.
Customize Your Zoodles
Feel free to toss your zoodles in a sauce of your choice, or add other vegetables to make a colorful, nutrient-rich side dish.
15. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
A Burst of Flavor
Roasted cherry tomatoes are a delightful side that pairs excellently with shrimp. The roasting process enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes, adding a burst of flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
An Ideal Accompaniment
Their sweet and tangy flavor profile pairs well with the succulent, tender shrimp, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Adjust to Your Liking
Feel free to add herbs like basil or thyme to the roasting process to infuse the tomatoes with extra flavor, or drizzle them with a balsamic reduction for an added depth of taste.
16. Miso Glazed Eggplant
An Asian-Inspired Side
Miso glazed eggplant is an Asian-inspired side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. The rich, umami flavors of the miso glaze complement the shrimp, adding depth to your meal.
Complements Shrimp Perfectly
The savory, sweet flavor of miso-glazed eggplant is a perfect complement to the light, delicate flavor of the shrimp, making for a delicious and balanced meal.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness or saltiness in your miso glaze to suit your taste, or add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
17. Honey Glazed Carrots
A Sweet and Savory Side
Honey glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side that pairs perfectly with shrimp. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey glaze, providing a nice contrast to the savory shrimp.
Perfectly Balanced
The sweet, tender carrots and the rich honey glaze complement the savory, delicate shrimp, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Customize to Your Taste
Add some herbs like rosemary or thyme to the carrots for a more complex flavor, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful sweet-and-salty combination.
18. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
A Quick and Nutritious Side
Sauteed spinach with garlic is a quick, nutritious side that goes well with shrimp. The mild flavor of the spinach and the punchy garlic complement the sweet, delicate shrimp perfectly.
Perfect with Shrimp
The light, fresh flavor of the spinach doesn’t overpower the shrimp, allowing it to shine while adding a nice contrast in texture and taste.
Adjust to Your Preference
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
19. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
A Healthier Twist on a Favorite
Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier twist on a classic side dish, offering a sweet contrast to the savory shrimp. They’re deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
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Pairs Well with Shrimp
The sweetness of the fries pairs excellently with the delicate, savory flavor of shrimp, providing a satisfying contrast in your meal.
Make It Your Own
You can season your sweet potato fries with different herbs and spices to add more flavor. Consider serving them with a spicy aioli or a cooling yogurt dip to complement your shrimp dish.
20. Couscous Salad
A Light and Refreshing Side
A couscous salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs excellently with shrimp. The tiny grains of couscous provide a satisfying texture contrast to the tender shrimp.
Perfect Pairing
The fresh flavors of the salad ingredients and the fluffy couscous complement the savory shrimp beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for a balanced meal.
Customizable
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the salad. You could also use a flavored couscous for an additional layer of taste.
21. Caprese Salad
A Classic Italian Dish
Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish made from fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The creamy cheese and fresh, tangy tomatoes create a beautiful flavor balance that complements the succulent shrimp perfectly.
Versatile Pairing
Caprese salad can be served with a variety of shrimp dishes, from grilled to sautéed, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
Personalize Your Salad
You can drizzle your Caprese salad with balsamic reduction or olive oil, or sprinkle it with sea salt and black pepper to enhance its flavor.
22. Grilled Zucchini
A Flavorful, Healthy Side
Grilled zucchini is a flavorful, healthy side dish that pairs excellently with shrimp. It’s slightly charred from the grill, which gives it a delightful smoky flavor.
Great for Grilling
If you’re grilling your shrimp, adding some grilled zucchini to the menu makes for an easy and cohesive meal.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to sprinkle your grilled zucchini with your favorite herbs and spices, or squeeze some lemon juice over it for a refreshing twist.
23. Steamed Asparagus
A Simple, Elegant Side
Steamed asparagus is a simple, elegant side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. It’s lightly seasoned, allowing the fresh, earthy flavor of the asparagus to shine.
Complements Shrimp
Asparagus is a great side for shrimp, as its distinctive flavor complements the shrimp, and the firm texture provides a nice contrast to the tender seafood.
Customize Your Asparagus
You can top your steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce to enhance its flavor.
24. Lemon Rice
A Citrusy, Light Side
Lemon rice is a citrusy, light side dish that pairs excellently with shrimp. The lemon’s tanginess enhances the shrimp’s flavor, creating a beautifully balanced meal.
Perfect Accompaniment
Whether your shrimp is grilled, sautéed, or baked, lemon rice makes a perfect accompaniment, adding a refreshing, zesty flavor.
Customizable
Feel free to stir in some fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or add a touch of garlic for extra flavor in your lemon rice.
25. Garlic Bread
A Classic Side
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that goes well with shrimp. Its crispy crust and soft, garlic-infused interior make it a delightful accompaniment to any shrimp dish.
Great Pairing
The robust garlic flavor in the bread pairs well with the delicate, savory flavor of shrimp, creating a delicious balance.
Customize to Your Liking
You can add some grated Parmesan to your garlic bread for an extra cheesy touch, or sprinkle it with parsley for a fresh, herby flavor.
26. Greek Salad
A Fresh, Vibrant Side
A Greek salad, with its fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and herby dressing, is a vibrant side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. The salad’s crisp textures and tangy flavors offer a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp.
Perfect for a Light Meal
A Greek salad is a perfect side dish for shrimp if you’re looking for a light, healthy meal.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the Greek salad or swap out the dressing to suit your tastes.
27. Guacamole
A Creamy, Flavorful Side
Guacamole, with its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, makes for a fantastic side dish to accompany shrimp. The creaminess of the avocado and the tang from the lime juice complement the sweet, delicate shrimp wonderfully.
Great for Dipping
Whether you’re serving your shrimp on skewers or as a shrimp cocktail, a side of guacamole makes a great dipping option.
Customizable
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeno, or throw in some diced tomatoes for an extra burst of freshness.
28. Coleslaw
A Crunchy, Tangy Side
Coleslaw, with its crunchy texture and tangy dressing, is a delightful side dish to pair with shrimp. It provides a refreshing contrast to the shrimp’s tender texture and savory flavor.
Ideal with Grilled Shrimp
Coleslaw is an especially good choice to accompany grilled shrimp, as the salad’s cool, crisp taste balances out the smoky flavors from the grill.
Customizable
You can customize your coleslaw by adding your favorite vegetables, or changing the dressing to suit your taste.
29. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A Comforting, Hearty Side
Garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting, hearty side dish that pairs well with shrimp. The creamy, rich flavor of the potatoes balances the light, delicate flavor of the shrimp beautifully.
Great for a Cozy Dinner
Garlic mashed potatoes are a great choice for a cozy dinner at home, as they add a touch of warmth and comfort to your meal.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add some grated cheese or fresh herbs to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
30. Sautéed Mushrooms
A Rich, Savory Side
Sautéed mushrooms are a rich, savory side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. The mushrooms’ earthy flavor provides a beautiful contrast to the delicate, sweet shrimp.
Versatile Pairing
Sautéed mushrooms can be served with a variety of shrimp dishes, adding a robust, earthy flavor that complements the seafood nicely.
Customizable
You can sauté your mushrooms in garlic butter, sprinkle them with fresh herbs, or deglaze the pan with a splash of wine for extra flavor.
31. Greek Yogurt Tzatziki
A Cool, Refreshing Side
Greek yogurt tzatziki is a cool, refreshing side dish that complements shrimp beautifully. The creamy yogurt, fresh cucumber, and tangy garlic in the tzatziki create a wonderful contrast with the savory shrimp.
Perfect for Dipping
Tzatziki makes a great dipping sauce for grilled or fried shrimp, adding a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor.
Customizable
You can adjust the garlic and dill in your tzatziki to suit your taste, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tanginess.
32. Cornbread
A Southern Classic
Cornbread, a Southern classic, is a fantastic side dish to pair with shrimp. The cornbread’s sweet, moist crumb and crispy edges create a delightful contrast with the savory shrimp.
Great for Comfort Meals
Cornbread is an excellent choice for a cozy, comforting meal, as it adds a touch of warmth and homeliness to your shrimp dish.
Customizable
You can add some jalapenos, corn kernels, or cheese to your cornbread batter to mix things up.
33. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
A Colorful, Healthy Side
Grilled vegetable skewers are a colorful, healthy side dish that pairs beautifully with shrimp. The vegetables’ sweet, smoky flavors complement the delicate, savory shrimp perfectly.
Ideal for Barbecues
If you’re grilling your shrimp, adding some vegetable skewers to the grill makes for a complete, well-rounded meal.
Make It Your Own
You can use your favorite vegetables for your skewers, and marinate them in your preferred marinade for extra flavor.
34. Baked Beans
A Hearty, Flavorful Side
Baked beans are a hearty, flavorful side dish that pairs well with shrimp. The beans’ rich, savory-sweet flavor and creamy texture complement the shrimp’s delicate flavor and texture.
Great for Casual Dinners
Baked beans are a great choice for casual dinners or barbecues, adding a touch of homey comfort to your meal.
Customizable
You can customize your baked beans by adding bacon, mustard, or brown sugar to suit your taste.
35. Fried Plantains
A Sweet and Savory Side
Fried plantains, with their natural sweetness and caramelized exterior, make for an intriguing contrast to the savory flavor of shrimp.
Perfect for Tropical-Themed Meals
Fried plantains are a perfect fit if you’re planning a Caribbean or tropical-themed meal with shrimp.
Versatile in Flavor
You can adjust the ripeness of the plantains you use, with more ripe plantains being sweeter, and less ripe plantains providing a more starchy, potato-like flavor.
Conclusion
Pairing the right side dish with shrimp can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. From fresh and vibrant salads to decadent and creamy risotto, this comprehensive list of 35 side dishes for shrimp offers a world of flavors to explore. Each side dish brings its unique qualities to complement and enhance the taste of shrimp.
So, why wait? Make your next shrimp meal a culinary masterpiece with these impressive side dishes. With this guide, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your shrimp and create a dining experience that delights your taste buds. Enjoy your culinary journey with these incredible side dishes for shrimp!
