22 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Garlic Shrimp

Garlic shrimp is a quick and easy dinner recipe that delivers big on flavor. The combination of tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter is simply spectacular. However, on its own, this dish can seem a bit one-note. That’s why pairing garlic shrimp with the right side dishes is key.

Complementary side dishes add texture color, and contrasting or complementary flavors to create a complete and satisfying meal. In this article I’ll recommend 22 of my favorite side dish pairings for garlic shrimp. From rice and grains to vegetables and salads, keep reading for mouthwatering recipe ideas!

Why Pair Side Dishes with Garlic Shrimp?

Before diving into the recipes let’s look at why side dishes are so important when serving garlic shrimp

• Nutrition – Shrimp aren’t the most nutritious entree on their own Serving shrimp with vegetable side dishes adds vitamins, minerals and fiber.

• Texture – Crisp, fresh sides provide contrasting crunch against the tender shrimp.

• Flavor – Sides like rice or salads allow you to complement the garlic flavor or add new flavors.

• Satiety – Hearty sides increase portion sizes so the meal is more filling and satisfying.

• Presentation – Colorful sides surrounding the shrimp make for an attractive dinner plate.

Now that you know the benefits of sides with shrimp, let’s look at 22 recipe ideas!

1. White Rice

You can’t go wrong with a classic pairing like white rice. The mild taste soaks up the garlicky butter sauce beautifully. For best results, serve shrimp over steamy rice fresh from the cooker. Jasmine and basmati rice are ideal choices.

2. Brown Rice

For more nutrition, try brown rice instead of white. It has a pleasantly chewy texture and nutty flavor that stands up well to garlic shrimp. Toss the shrimp with a forkful of rice to soak up the sauce.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro and lime give this rice a refreshing Latin flavor. The bright, tangy rice provides the perfect complement to rich, savory garlic shrimp. Garnish with more cilantro.

4. Coconut Rice

For a tropical twist, serve shrimp with coconut rice. The subtle sweetness plays off the garlic perfectly. Add coconut milk to the rice as it cooks for full coconut flavor.

5. Quinoa

Protein-packed quinoa provides a healthy, gluten-free alternative to rice. Its fluffy texture soaks up butter sauce nicely. Try quinoa tossed with chopped cilantro or scallions.

6. Orzo Pasta

Tiny orzo pasta resembles rice but offers a more substantial texture. Cook orzo until al dente, then stir in pesto or herbs. The garlicky shrimp and pasta combine for a quick, easy meal.

7. Couscous

Couscous is made from semolina wheat so it has a unique pasta-like texture. Cook couscous according to package directions, then add shrimp on top or stir together. Fresh herbs give it a flavor boost.

8. Crusty Bread

There’s nothing like dipping crusty slices of bread into those delicious pan juices and sauce left behind by the shrimp. Focaccia, baguette and ciabatta are all excellent choices.

9. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad complements shrimp beautifully with its cool, crisp lettuce, creamy dressing and savory Parmesan. Scatter shrimp over the salad or serve salad alongside.

10. Greek Salad

For another hearty salad pairing, try a Greek salad. The feta, olives, tomato and cucumber provide bright flavors and textures to contrast the shrimp.

11. Veggie Kebabs

Assemble colorful kebabs with zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes and onion. Grill or broil the kebabs to caramelized perfection. Serve alongside shrimp for a fun and healthy dinner.

12. Roasted Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, comforting side for garlic shrimp. Potatoes soak up all the rich flavor of the pan sauce. Potatoes caramelized with garlic are ideal.

13. Vegetable Medley

For variety, make an easy veggie medley. Saute any mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, broccoli and carrots in olive oil and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

14. Sauteed Spinach

Sauteed spinach offers a pop of color and dose of nutrients. Cook spinach with olive oil and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Squeeze fresh lemon over the shrimp and spinach.

15. Asparagus

Slender spears of tender-crisp asparagus make an elegant side for fancy shrimp dinners. Roasted or sauteed asparagus tips caramelize for a sweet, nutty flavor.

16. Coleslaw

For crunch, try classic coleslaw with your shrimp. The sweet and tangy cold slaw balances the richness of the shrimp beautifully. Use a light vinegar dressing on the slaw.

17. Bok Choy

For something different, saute baby bok choy halves to tender-crisp. The mild, slightly sweet flavor of bok choy complements shrimp nicely. Drizzle with soy sauce or sesame oil.

18. Bell Peppers

Bright bell peppers add color, crunch and subtle sweet flavor. Saute pepper strips until tender-crisp or enjoy them raw with shrimp layered on top.

19. Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn on the cob is classic summer fare, perfect with shrimp. Boil or grill corn until the kernels are tender. Roll corn in butter then sprinkle with salt and parsley.

20. Green Beans

For extra green veggies, quickly steam or saute green beans. Toss them with minced garlic or lemon juice to complement the shrimp. Crisp-tender beans pair nicely.

21. Garlic Bread

Warm slices of garlic bread can mop up any sauce left behind by the shrimp. Brush bread slices with garlic butter then toast or broil until crisp on the edges but still soft inside.

22. Edamame

Boiled, salted edamame beans make for simple shrimp pairing. The nutty edamame complement the sweet shrimp beautifully, while adding protein.