20 Tasty Sides to Serve with Shrimp

Shrimp are a delicious and versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From grilled shrimp skewers to shrimp scampi pasta, the possibilities are endless! While the shrimp rightfully take center stage, it’s important not to overlook the sides that accompany them. The right sides can perfectly complement and enhance the flavors of your shrimp dish.

When deciding what to serve with shrimp aim for sides that provide contrasting textures and flavors. Crispy, crunchy sides pair well with the soft tenderness of shrimp. Tangy acidic sides help cut through the richness. And sides with bright, fresh flavors balance out any heaviness.

Here are 20 of the best side dish ideas for shrimp that will have your meal looking and tasting fantastic:

1. Succotash

This classic Southern side dish combines fresh corn, lima beans, and red bell peppers sautéed in butter. The medley of vegetables goes great with grilled or blackened shrimp. The creaminess of the lima beans and the sweet pops of corn are perfect complements.

2. Hushpuppies

These irresistible deep-fried cornmeal dumplings are a must with shrimp Hushpuppies provide a crispy, golden crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender shrimp Fry up a batch using cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, and onions.

3. Three-Pickle Potato Salad

Potato salad gets a tangy twist with the addition of chopped dill pickles, sweet pickle relish, and a dash of pickle juice in the dressing. These briny flavors cuts through rich, fried shrimp dishes.

4. Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob

The natural sweetness of corn is intensified when oven roasted. Rub with a blend of smoky paprika, cumin, cayenne, and garlic powder before roasting. The charred kernels pair perfectly with spicy shrimp tacos or fajitas.

5. Roasted Broccoli

For a quick and healthy side, toss broccoli florets with olive oil salt, and pepper then roast until caramelized and tender. The deep, roasted flavor is delicious alongside sauteed garlic shrimp.

6. White Bean Salad

Chill out rich shrimp dishes with this refreshing white bean salad. Toss tender cannellini beans with shredded broccoli, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and parsley. The bright acids cuts through heavy flavors.

7. Okra and Rice Casserole

In the South, shrimp and okra go hand-in-hand. Make this easy okra and rice casserole by baking okra, rice, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning together. It’s the perfect partner for shrimp jambalaya or etouffee.

8. Asparagus with Cheese Sauce

Elegant yet easy, oven-roasted asparagus gets topped with a rich cheese sauce and crisp herbed breadcrumbs. The combination of crunchy, tender, and creamy textures makes a great complement for grilled shrimp skewers.

9. Coleslaw

Cool, crisp coleslaw adds great crunch and tang to balance out hot, spicy shrimp dishes like shrimp po’ boys. Toss shredded cabbage with carrots, green onions, cider vinegar, mayo, and a touch of sugar.

10. Rice Pilaf

Buttery, fluffy rice pilaf soaks up any delicious juices and sauces from shrimp dishes like creole, gumbo, or stir fry. Sauté white rice with onions, garlic, and chicken broth for an easy side.

11. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is heavenly for dipping in pan sauces and broths from shrimp scampi or cioppino. Spread toasted bread with softened butter mixed with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

12. Corn Fritters

These southern-style corn fritters pair perfectly with shrimp tacos, quesadillas, or burritos. Mix creamed corn, flour, milk, egg, corn, onion, and cheddar. Scoop and fry spoonfuls until golden brown.

13. Fried Green Tomatoes

For an irresistible crunch, bread and fry slices of green tomato. The tart, acidic bite balances rich seafood baskets or platters. For extra flavor, season the cornmeal coating with Cajun spices.

14. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes make a fast, healthy side to serve with grilled shrimp kabobs. Rub wedges of sweet potato with oil and seasonings like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder before baking until tender.

15. Macaroni Salad

Cool, creamy macaroni salad is a classic pairing with shrimp rolls and platters. Toss al dente macaroni with mayo, vinegar, shredded carrots, diced celery, onion, and parsley for a perfect potato salad.

16. Corn on the Cob

Fresh sweet corn is an easy vegetable side that goes great with summery grilled and boiled shrimp. Boil or grill ears of corn then slather with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

17. Baked Beans

Tangy-sweet baked beans complement blackened, jerk, or barbecue shrimp recipes. Simmer navy beans in barbecue sauce, mustard, molasses, and bacon. The smoky flavor and tender beans are so satisfying.

18. Collard Greens

Slow cooked collard greens seasoned with smoked turkey and hot sauce make a soulful side for shrimp and grits. Chopped greens simmer for hours until meltingly tender. Ladle them over creamy grits and plump shrimp.

19. Fried Okra

For an irresistible crunch, dip okra slices into buttermilk, then cornmeal, and deep fry until golden. The crispy okra paired with juicy grilled shrimp is a match made in heaven.

20. Summer Squash Saute

Quick-cooking zucchini and summer squash lend their signature sweetness to seafood dishes. Saute sliced squash in olive oil with chopped garlic until caramelized around the edges. Toss with basil and lemon juice.

When planning what to serve with shrimp, think about contrasting the tender, succulent seafood with crisp, fresh textures and bright, acidic flavors. Choose one or more of these tasty side dishes to round out a fantastic shrimp meal from start to finish. With so many options for easily customizable pairings, the possibilities are endless!

How to Pair Sides and Shrimp Dishes

The key to creating a cohesive and delicious shrimp dinner is all about balance. Follow these tips for pairing sides with your shrimp entree:

Grilled Shrimp – Opt for fresh vegetable sides like grilled corn, roasted asparagus, or zucchini sauté. These complement the charred, smoky flavors.

Fried Shrimp – Cut through the crispy breading with tangy coleslaw, pickle potato salad, or tartar sauce for dipping.

Blackened Shrimp – Cool down the spicy Cajun seasonings with creamy coleslaw, potato salad, or collard greens.

Shrimp Tacos – Top with crunchy cabbage slaw and serve with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, rice and beans for a flavorful fill.

Shrimp Scampi – Soak up the garlicky butter sauce with crusty garlic bread. Fresh steamed broccoli also balances the richness.

Shrimp Boil – Complete the boil with halved small potatoes, corn on the cob, andouille sausage, and shell-on shrimp.

Coconut Shrimp – Play up the tropical flavors with pineapple fried rice, mango salsa, or stir-fried veggies.

Shrimp and Grits – Ladle creamy grits into bowls and top with spicy shrimp, sautéed greens, and hot sauce.

From coleslaw and hushpuppies to oven roasted veggies and fried green tomatoes, the possibilities for amazing shrimp side pairings are endless. Using contrasting textures like crispy, creamy, or crunchy and bright, fresh flavors will elevate your shrimp entree into a complete meal. Follow these tasty suggestions and guidelines to help you mix and match complementary sides to any shrimp dish.