Say goodbye to tedious recipe blog scrolling and hello to effortless shrimp pairing! If you’re anything like me, you’re tired of settling for uninspiring store-bought salads to accompany your succulent shrimp dishes.
Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, boiling, or serving it ceviche-style, your seafood deserves a side dish that truly complements its flavors and textures. That’s why I’ve curated this list of 24 mouthwatering shrimp side dishes for you to enjoy.
Potato Side Dishes for Shrimp
Potatoes and shrimp – an unlikely yet matchless duo in the culinary world! Whether mashed, baked, or fried, potatoes offer a starchy and filling base that complements the sweet flavor of seafood perfectly. By exploring various potato-based recipes, you can create a harmonious balance between these two ingredients. Let’s dive into some delectable ways to pair potatoes with shrimp for a truly satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Indulge in these perfectly cooked baked potatoes, boasting a satisfying crispy exterior, a fluffy interior, and an unbeatable flavor profile. The added bonus of serving them with a dollop of sour cream or melted cheese takes the experience to new heights.
What’s more, this recipe is remarkably straightforward, requiring mere 5 minutes of preparation time before being cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer. This convenience makes it an ideal choice for those looking to quickly prepare a side dish while focusing on other culinary endeavors, such as grilling shrimp.
Baked Purple Sweet Potatoes
If you’re not familiar with purple sweet potatoes, it’s time to experience the excitement of incorporating them into your meals. Not only do they elevate ordinary dinner gatherings, but their unique characteristics also make them a superior alternative to regular baked potatoes. With their enhanced nutritional profile, sophisticated sweetness, and velvety texture, this versatile ingredient is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. When served with butter, purple sweet potatoes take on an added layer of sophistication, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of shrimp.
Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy potato, infused with the savory flavors of garlic and herbs. This side dish is sure to elevate any meal, pairing perfectly with a variety of proteins. While Yukon Gold potatoes are used in this recipe, other starchy varieties like russet or red potatoes will also yield delicious results, thanks to their high starch content. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own favorite spices to give the potatoes an extra boost of flavor.
Quick Roasted Potatoes
In under 20 minutes, you can indulge in the fastest roasted potatoes ever. The secret to their speedy cooking lies in using baby potatoes, which are not only more delicate but also quicker to cook and retain their skin perfectly intact, requiring minimal prep work from you. To add depth of flavor, rosemary is used as a primary aromatic, though feel free to experiment with your preferred herbs or spices for a unique twist. This side dish pairs beautifully with crispy fried fish, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this creamy and crispy buttery mashed potato bake. The twice-baked masterpiece perfectly balances textures, combining the smoothest of mashed potatoes with the crunchiest of crisps. But that’s not all – the addition of savory bacon and melted cheese elevates this dish to new heights. Imagine serving it alongside your favorite grilled or fried shrimp for a match made in heaven. This delightful potato casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
Rice Side Dishes for Shrimp
When it comes to sides, few options are as versatile and delicious as rice. If you’re seeking a grain that complements your shrimp dishes perfectly, look no further than these easy-to-prepare rice recipes. Whether you prefer the floral notes of jasmine rice or the nutty flavor of brown rice, there’s a perfect recipe here to elevate your seafood meals.
Golden Rice Pilaf
This golden rice pilaf is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with seafood. The secret to its deep taste and yellow color lies in the use of turmeric, which also serves as a budget-friendly alternative to saffron. To add some much-needed crunch, toasted pine nuts are used; however, slivered almonds can be substituted for a similar effect.
Spicy Brown Rice Black Bean Salad
A symphony of textures and tastes unfolds in this delectable rice salad, as starchy rice, protein-rich black beans, succulent tomatoes, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro harmonize with the bright zest of lime and the subtle kick of tabasco sauce. When paired with succulent shrimp, this salad becomes an unforgettable culinary experience that I highly recommend you try. What brings this dish together is the judicious use of agave nectar, which masterfully balances the flavors; however, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can serve as a suitable substitute if you don’t have agave nectar on hand.
Mexican Green Rice
When it comes to Mexican green rice, the goal is to create a flavorful pilaf that’s bursting with fresh flavors from cilantro, green onions, and poblano peppers. To achieve this, it’s essential to ensure the rice grains absorb the liquid thoroughly. This is accomplished by allowing the cooked rice to rest, covered, for a few minutes before serving it alongside your shrimp or crab cakes. For an added touch of elegance, garnish with chopped herbs to bring out the dish’s bright, fresh flavors. This side dish is sure to impress your guests and pair perfectly with a variety of seafood options.
Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice
For those who crave Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime White Rice, this recipe is a game-changer. What sets it apart from plain white rice are the explosive flavors and aromas that will leave you wanting more. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. While it’s already a great accompaniment to many dishes, I’ve found that adding just a squeeze of lime juice and some chopped cilantro takes it to the next level – perfect for serving alongside crispy fried shrimp.
Indian Fire Roasted Tomato Rice
This aromatic Indian-inspired rice dish is elevated by the bold flavors of ginger and garlic, making it an ideal accompaniment to your grilled shrimp skewers. The recipe’s secret lies in its liberal use of spices, including a surprising yet essential ingredient: cinnamon. This warm, comforting note adds depth and complexity to the dish that would be difficult to replicate with other seasonings.
Healthy Sides for Shrimp
For a culinary boost that’s both nourishing and flavorful, these remarkable recipes expertly combine the best of both worlds – exceptional taste with unparalleled nutritional value. Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy meal or a side dish that complements your main course, these healthy and scrumptious options are sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Mango Avocado Salad
Avocados and mangoes may seem like an unlikely duo, but when combined with caramelized onions, fragrant basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes, their flavors meld together in a harmonious symphony. This deceptively simple salad requires just 15 minutes of preparation, yet its presentation rivals that of any upscale eatery. The zesty lemon vinaigrette imparts a tangy depth to the fruit cubes, perfectly balancing their natural sweetness and providing an added layer of sophistication.
Beet and Mandarin Orange Salad
While the naturally sweet beetroot provides a delightful flavor profile, it’s the mandarin oranges that truly elevate this salad with their burst of fruity sweetness. The addition of crunchy almonds and refreshing mint adds depth and complexity to each bite. However, it’s the gingery lemon vinaigrette that brings everything together in perfect harmony. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash more chili flakes to the dressing for an added layer of spice. When you’re craving something more exciting than a standard green salad, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Asian Sesame Ginger Slaw
Combining Napa cabbage, red cabbage, kale, carrots, cilantro, and green onions in a dressing infused with the pungency of ginger, garlic, and sesame creates a truly Asian-inspired culinary experience. The addition of quinoa elevates this slaw from a mere side dish to a satisfying and filling meal option. Meanwhile, cashews bring a delightful crunch that harmonizes beautifully with succulent shrimp. This salad is not only nutritious but also deeply flavorful, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and indulgent treat.
Asian Noodle Salad
This noodle salad is a satisfying meal option whether you’re preparing it for lunch or a light summer dinner in your backyard. The abundance of raw vegetables ensures that you’ll feel full without overindulging. For an added touch, consider topping the salad with succulent fried or pan-seared shrimp.
While Asian noodles serve as the foundation for this recipe, regular spaghetti can also be used as a substitute. The dish is characterized by its bold gingery flavors and crunchy mandarin orange pieces, resulting in a nutritious and delicious meal.
Sauteed Zucchini
When it comes to elevating your shrimp dinner, this unassuming recipe is sure to deliver. Without relying on elaborate ingredients or special sauces, it’s a surprisingly effective way to add some depth and complexity to your dish. The humble zucchini slice, sautéed with garlic and herbs, might seem like an understated addition, but trust us – it’s a game-changer. With a finish time of just 20 minutes (or even less!), this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks or those looking to add some speed to their cooking routine. And the best part? It pairs beautifully with shrimp scampi, adding a burst of fresh flavor that you won’t soon forget. Simply season with a pinch of black pepper and get ready to indulge in the delightful result.
Arugula and Pear Salad
When you’re a fan of harmonious sweet and savory flavor combinations, this salad is an absolute delight when served alongside your main course – especially when paired with succulent shrimp! The subtle bitterness of the arugula expertly balances out the fruity notes from the pear, while the toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch. A drizzle of honey and mustard dressing brings everything together in perfect harmony. What’s more, this salad offers a delightful textural experience, boasting a satisfying crunch from the nuts, the softness of the pear, and the leafy freshness of the arugula. And let’s not forget how beautifully it complements the bold flavors found in Parmesan cheese – it’s truly irresistible! You can also enjoy this side dish with salmon for a well-rounded meal.
Good Sides for Shrimp
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect side dish to accompany your shrimp dinner, don’t worry – I’ve got five more mouth-watering options to tantalize your taste buds. What’s great about easy side dishes is that they can introduce new and exciting flavors that elevate your main course to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Mango Salsa
There’s something about combining chopped mangoes with spicy salsa that I just can’t get enough of. The sweetness of the mangoes provides a delightful contrast to the tanginess of the tomato acidity and the spiciness of the jalapeno peppers, transporting me to a tropical paradise. This flavorful blend is further enhanced by the crunch of diced red onions, the freshness of cilantro, and the brightness of lime juice, all of which come together to create a bold and addictive taste experience. When I add an extra kick with chili powder, this salsa takes on a life of its own, making it the perfect accompaniment to your backyard grill dinners.
Asparagus Orzo with Lemon
Let me reiterate my enthusiasm for orzo – its unique charm has won me over once again. What sets it apart is its versatility in adding a delightful texture to salads. In the context of a picnic, an asparagus, cherry tomato, and herb-based pasta salad showcases the beauty of incorporating seasonal vegetables. The addition of lemon juice injects a tangy flavor dimension, while crumbled feta cheese brings a rich creaminess to the dish. I’m confident that this delectable combination will leave you yearning for a taste of its zestiness.
Creamy Lemon Pasta
A delectable fusion of pasta, a tangy cream sauce infused with the brightness of lemons, and an optional yet essential element – grilled shrimp. This simplicity is what makes this recipe truly divine. The harmonious blend of buttery and cheesy flavors pairs exquisitely with the subtle tartness of lemon zest, making each bite a culinary delight. As you serve, don’t hesitate to add your succulent grilled shrimp on top, and then dig in with gusto.
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, a staple of Levantine cuisine, is a nutrient-dense salad that takes center stage with its star ingredient, bulgur, and supporting cast of parsley, tomatoes, onions, mint, and more. This rendition of the classic recipe also incorporates refreshing cucumber, fruity pomegranate arils, and fragrant cilantro, all bound together by a zesty garlicky lemon vinaigrette. The resulting dish is a vibrant, satisfying side that pairs perfectly with shrimp or forms a delicious base for any meal. With its simplicity and flavor profile, this tabbouleh recipe is an excellent choice for a well-rounded dinner option.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This orzo salad has won my heart, and I’m confident it will capture yours as well. The vibrant medley of raw vegetables provides a stunning backdrop for the creamy feta cheese to tie everything together harmoniously. This pasta salad practically begs to be served with succulent shrimp, its flavors expertly balanced by the zesty lemony vinaigrette. While it would make an excellent main course, it’s equally well-suited as a side dish for grilled steak, allowing the bold flavors of both to shine in tandem.
