Tossing shrimp kabobs in a Mediterranean marinade with garlic and fresh herbs is a simple way to feed a small group. The kabobs are then quickly grilled and ready to eat.
For tips and a video on how to grill shrimp perfectly every time, check out my page. Don’t have a grill outside? You can cook these shrimp skewers on an indoor griddle or skillet.
I grew up on the Mediterranean, so I love seafood and love cooking all kinds of it. Unless it’s paella, I can usually make a simple fish dinner in just over 20 minutes, like baked cod or fish en papillote.
I would say the same thing about shrimp. I keep it in the freezer so I can make shrimp pasta or shrimp kabobs like I did today quickly during the week.
Put these kabobs on a platter with your favorite salad or side dish for a big party or dinner. And if the weather puts a damper on your plans, you can totally grill them indoors!.
Shrimp kabobs are always a crowd pleaser. The juicy, flavorful shrimp grilled on a skewer makes for a simple yet delicious meal. But what should you serve alongside these tasty kabobs to make it a complete dish?
Having the right side dishes can take your shrimp kabobs from basic to spectacular. The key is finding sides that complement the light taste of shrimp without overpowering it. You’ll want options that add flavor, textures, colors and nutrients to round out the meal.
After scouring many recipes, I’ve put together this list of 15 of the best side dishes to serve with shrimp kabobs. There’s a wide variety here, from fresh salads and cool slaws to hot sides like cheesy grits and garlic bread You’ll find recipes that are healthy as well as some that are a bit more indulgent.
No matter your tastes, you’ll discover the perfect pairings for shrimp kabobs among these delicious recipes. Keep reading to get inspired on what to serve next time you make these tasty kabobs!
Why Serve Side Dishes with Shrimp Kabobs?
Before jumping into the recipes you may be wondering why you need a side dish at all. Aren’t the kabobs enough?
While shrimp kabobs definitely make a great appetizer or light summer meal on their own, side dishes can add some major benefits:
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More balanced nutrition: A fresh salad, some roasted veggies or a bean side will add vitamins, minerals and fiber.
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Contrasting flavors: Cool, creamy potato salad balances out spicy Cajun shrimp. Fruity salsa cools the heat of jalapeno kabobs.
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Complementary textures: Crunchy slaw or toasted bread contrasts tender shrimp. Crackers provide a crispy vehicle for dipping sauces.
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A more complete meal: Adding starch, veggies and other sides makes the shrimp a heartier, more satisfying entree.
So don’t be afraid to serve up those kabobs with a delicious side or two! Now, let’s get to those recipes.
15 Side Dish Ideas to Serve with Shrimp Kabobs
1. Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous tossed with cucumber, tomato and feta makes a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad. It adds fiber, vitamins and herby flavor.
2. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Get twice the kabobs! Grill up a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and red onion.
3. Garlic Bread
Buttery, garlicky toast is a classic for a reason. Crunchy bread helps soak up any juices and sauces.
4. Cajun Rice
Spicy, seasoned rice complements blackened or Cajun shrimp. Tomato, green onion and spicy sausage make it hearty.
5. Coleslaw
Crunchy cabbage slaw with creamy dressing is a barbecue standard. The cool, vinegary slaw balances rich kabobs.
6. Pineapple Salsa
Fresh, tropical pineapple salsa served over the shrimp adds sweetness and acidity.
7. Cheesy Grits
Rich, creamy grits are a classic Southern pairing. Sprinkle on some cheese for extra decadence.
8. Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted red potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika are simple but tasty.
9. Macaroni Salad
Chilled macaroni salad with a creamy dressing and crunchy veggies is a potluck staple. The starch makes it a more filling meal.
10. Summer Salad
A crisp salad with lettuce, berries, feta and nuts adds freshness. Toss in a light vinaigrette dressing.
11. Rice Pilaf
Herby rice pilaf with mushrooms, peas and carrots rounds out the plate.
12. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Get the whole grill going by adding corn on the cob brushed with melted butter.
13. Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans pair perfectly with shrimp fresh off the barbecue.
14. Fruit Salad
Grilled pineapple, peaches and melon make a sweet, smoky fruit salad.
15. Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm rolls are ideal for soaking up butter and juices from the shrimp.
Top Side Pairings for Different Shrimp Kabobs
The variety of recipes above shows how many options you have for sides with shrimp kabobs. Here are some of my favorite pairings based on common kabob preparations:
- Lemon garlic shrimp kabobs – Couscous salad, grilled veggies, fruity salsa
- Cajun blackened shrimp – Cajun rice, coleslaw, corn on the cob
- Jalapeño bacon shrimp – Summer salad, pineapple salsa, cheesy grits
- Pesto shrimp kabobs – Garlic bread, pasta salad, roasted potatoes
You really can’t go wrong with any of these tasty sides. Mix and match to find your favorite combinations!
Tips for Rounding Out Your Shrimp Kabob Meal
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Cool, creamy sides help balance out spicy shrimp. Try coleslaw, mac salad or cucumber salad.
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Grilled veggies and fruit add great flavor from the grill without much work.
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Slice kabobs and toss with salad greens for a shrimp kabob salad.
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Crusty bread is ideal for dipping in any juices and sauce left behind.
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Add some cheese! Sprinkle on shredded cheddar, parmesan or feta.
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Don’t be afraid of leftovers! Grilled shrimp and veggies taste great the next day.
Time to Feast on Shrimp Kabobs!
There you have it – 15 side dish ideas for making memorable shrimp kabob meals. With options like juicy pineapple salsa, cheesy baked grits and crisp Greek salads, you’ll look forward to grilling up shrimp kabobs all season long.
The next time you skewer up these tasty shrimp, reference this list for pairing ideas. Try out some new recipes and discover fresh ways to complement the star of the show – those flavorful, grilled shrimp.
Now get outside and start grilling! Just be sure to invite me over when it’s time eat.
How to cook shrimp kabobs: two ways
I love making these shrimp kebabs all year long! When the weather is nice, I often make them on my grill outside. Once the shrimp has marinated, thread them on skewers. From there, you can grill them one of two ways:
- Outdoor Gas Grill. Turn the grill on high and then turn it down until it’s between 275 and 325 degrees F. Carefully grease the grates with a little oil, then place the shrimp skewers on them. Place the shrimp in the pan with the lid closed. Cook for two to three minutes. Then flip them over and cook for another two to three minutes with the lid closed. In my experience, this method produces super juicy grilled shrimp! .
- Indoor Griddle or Cast Iron Skillet. Set a dry griddle over medium-high heat and heat it until it’s hot but not smoking. Put the shrimp skewers in and cook for three to four minutes on one side. Turn shrimp over and cook another 2 to 3 minutes.
Tips for best grilled shrimp
A few simple tips make all the difference in achieving flavor packed and perfectly grilled shrimp.
- Start with large shrimp. I usually buy 20 to 25 shrimp per pound, or bigger ones if I can find them. Theyre meatier and easier to work. Buy shrimp that are easy to peel and do it yourself. It will save you money and make the shrimp taste better.
- Put the shrimp in a tasty marinade made with olive oil for a short time (at least 10 minutes will do, but 30 minutes is better). For more on the shrimp kabob marinade, see below. This is a great way to add flavor to the shrimp and keep them juicy while grilling.
- Use Skewers. I’ve grilled shrimp in a skillet without skewers before, but I only do that in a skillet or griddle most of the time. Sticks are the best way to keep shrimp from falling into the grill or overcooking by accident. Putting shrimp on sticks also makes them easier to turn over (I use tongs to hold and turn over my shrimp). If you use bamboo skewers, let them soak in water for 30 to 60 minutes before you use them.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. It only takes about 5 to 7 minutes to grill even the biggest shrimp.
When making the marinade for your shrimp kabobs, don’t use citrus fruits because the acid will change the way the shrimp feels. I hold off on adding lemon juice until the shrimp is cooked.
A marinade made of olive oil (Private Reserve Greek EVOO works great) and fresh garlic, lemon zest (not lemon juice), fresh parsley, dry oregano, paprika, coriander, and a pinch of red pepper flakes is what I like to use. You can change the spices to your liking.
The olive oil in the marinade will help in three ways:
- That way, the flavors from the spices and dried herbs will spread out more evenly on the shrimp.
- The fat in the olive oil will also keep the fresh garlic from burning and make it taste even better.
- And, especially if you’re grilling outside, it gives the shrimp a nice protective layer that keeps them plump and juicy while they get a little char on the grill.