The Best Sides to Pair with Garlic Shrimp

Garlic shrimp is a classic and delicious recipe that combines sautéed shrimp with lots of garlic, butter, and herbs. The shrimp are bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that is irresistible. While the shrimp definitely shine as the star of the dish, you’ll want to round out the meal with some tasty side dishes.

The right side dishes can complement and enhance the flavors of the garlic shrimp They also add variety and nutrition to make it a well-rounded meal, Here’s an overview of some of the best side dish options to consider when making garlic shrimp

Rice

Rice makes an ideal side dish with garlic shrimp The garlic butter sauce from the shrimp perfectly seasons and enhances the rice Rice soaks up flavors beautifully while providing texture contrast to the tender, juicy shrimp.

Some specific types of rice that pair well with garlic shrimp include:

• Brown rice – Nutty, chewy brown rice stands up well to the garlicky sauce. It also provides more nutrients like fiber, magnesium, and vitamins compared to white rice.

• White rice – Fluffy, mild white rice absorbs flavors well and lets the garlic butter shine. Jasmine or basmati rice are great options.

• Lemon rice – Bright, zesty lemon rice provides a refreshing contrast to rich garlic shrimp. Cooking the rice with lemon zest and juice gives it a citrusy kick.

Rice is satisfying but neutral enough not to compete with the pronounced garlic flavors. Serving garlic shrimp over a bed of rice makes for a well-balanced, highly craveable meal.

Vegetables

Crunchy, fresh vegetables help to balance out and lighten the richness of garlic shrimp. Veggies also provide nutrients, color, and texture contrast on the plate.

Some vegetables that pair especially well with garlic shrimp include:

• Broccoli – Broccoli florets sautéed in olive oil or steamed make a healthy, tasty side. The bright green color looks beautiful with shrimp.

• Asparagus – Slender asparagus spears have a bit of crispiness and complementary flavor. Roast or grill them to bring out sweetness.

• Green beans – Crisp green beans provide fiber, vitamins, and mineral. Sauté in olive oil or roast them with garlic.

• Brussels sprouts – Roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize and become sweet, melding nicely with garlic shrimp. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with produce like snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. A medley of sautéed veggies soaked in the garlic butter is divine.

Bread

Crunchy, freshly baked bread makes for satisfying side to mop up the garlicky sauce. Bread adds hearty carbs and soaks up the butter in the best way. Chewy bread also provides texture contrast to tender shrimp.

Some excellent bread options include:

• French bread – A crusty baguette is perfect for dipping in garlic sauce. The chewy interior soaks up butter and garlic flavor.

• Focaccia – Fluffy focaccia bread with olive oil and herbs is ideal for mopping up sauce. Try rubbing a garlic clove on top for added flavor.

• Ciabatta – The porous structure of ciabatta absorbs sauce beautifully. It’s another great bread for dipping or making bruschetta.

• Garlic bread – For ultimate garlic intensity, make your own garlic bread! Spread toasted bread with garlic butter or brush with olive oil mixed with minced garlic.

Warm, fresh bread makes any meal feel cozier. Plus, you won’t want to waste a drop of that amazing garlic butter sauce!

Pasta

For a heartier meal, add some carbs by including pasta alongside the shrimp. Garlicky shrimp served over a bed of noodles or linguine is a match made in heaven.

Some particularly good pasta shape and noodle options include:

• Linguine – Thin linguine noodles cradle the shrimp and soak up sauce nicely. Linguine has a flatter surface area for maximum sauce adherence.

• Fettuccine – Ribbon-like fettuccine stands up well to the rich garlic sauce without overpowering the shrimp.

• Angel hair – Delicate angel hair pasta lets the shrimp and garlic flavors take center stage. Its thinner strands highlight the sauce.

• Spaghetti – Classic spaghetti soaks up and carries flavors wonderfully. It’s a great choice for garlic shrimp. Break the noodles in half before cooking for easier twirling with shrimp.

• Capellini – Dainty capellini (or angel hair) pasta nicely adheres to shrimp and absorbs garlicky sauce without overpowering it.

Beyond classic wheat pastas, you can also try varieties made from vegetables, legumes, rice, or quinoa for a nutrient boost. Just avoid heavy or very thick pastas that detract from the shrimp.

Complementary Flavors and Textures

When considering side dishes and accompaniments for garlic shrimp, keep complementary flavors and textures in mind. You want foods that work together well and provide satisfying contrasts as you eat the full meal.

Some guidelines for complementary garlic shrimp sides:

• Brightness – Bright, acidic flavors like citrus, tomatoes, or tangy vinaigrettes help cut the rich garlic butter. Think lemon wedges, tomato salad, or avocado with lime.

• Crunch – Crisp, fresh vegetables, salad greens, or toast provide needed crunch. They contrast nicely with tender shrimp.

• Savory – Umami-rich sides made with mushrooms, soy sauce, cheese, or roasted garlic amplify the savory appeal.

• Hearty – Dense carbohydrates like rice, pasta, or bread offer filling satisfaction. They balance the light shrimp.

• Color – Vibrant greens, reds, oranges, purples, etc. from veggies and herbs make the plate more appetizing.

Following these pairings and textures, it’s easy to create a balanced, full-flavored garlic shrimp meal. From lemony asparagus to cheesy garlic bread, the possibilities are endless.

Full Meal Ideas

Here are some full meal ideas to give you inspiration for serving garlic shrimp:

• Garlic shrimp over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli and carrots. Serve with lemon wedges.

• Pasta linguine tossed with shrimp in garlic butter sauce. Pair with a fresh green salad with vinaigrette and garlic bread.

• Garlic shrimp skewers with roasted cauliflower spiced with cumin and paprika. Include a quinoa pilaf on the side.

• Garlic shrimp served over spinach with artichoke hearts and Parmesan cheese. Serve with focaccia bread for dipping in sauce.

• Angel hair pasta with shrimp in garlic butter. Serve with roasted brussels sprouts and a side of tomato basil salad.

You really can’t go wrong pairing garlic shrimp with fresh, vibrant side dishes. The shrimp are so full of flavor that simple sides are all you need to round out the meal. Using this guide, you can come up with endless combinations to please any palate. Just put together a starch, vegetable, and bread, and dinner is served!