Coconut shrimp is a popular and tasty appetizer that combines the sweet taste of coconut with the succulent taste of shrimp. But what should you serve alongside this tasty dish to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal?.
From classic comfort foods to lighter options, weve got you covered with these 16 fantastic side dishes. So, lets dive in and discover the perfect partners for your coconut shrimp.
Flavored onion sticks, fried rice, grilled pineapple, mango salsa, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, Asian noodle salad, cucumber salad, corn on the cob, avocado and tomato salad, Hawaiian rolls, and cheese dip are some of the best side dishes to go with coconut shrimp.
French fries are a classic and comforting side dish that pairs well with coconut shrimp. Serve golden, crispy fries with a dipping sauce of your choice, like ketchup, aioli, or even a sweet chili sauce. This will make your food taste great and please everyone.
A blooming onion is a fun and flavorful side dish that complements the taste of coconut shrimp. Deep-fry a whole, sliced onion until it’s golden and crispy. Serve with a sour dipping sauce like ranch dressing or horseradish sauce for a tasty and eye-catching side dish.
Chicken nuggets are a kid-friendly and versatile side dish that works well with coconut shrimp. Serve tender, crispy nuggets with a range of dipping sauces, like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sweet and sour sauce, for a fun and tasty treat.
A warm, gooey cheese dip is an indulgent and tasty side dish that pairs beautifully with coconut shrimp. Mix your favorite cheeses, like Monterey Jack and cheddar, with cream cheese and spices. Serve with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetables to dip.
Coconut shrimp is a crowd favorite appetizer or main dish featuring large shrimp coated in a sweet and crunchy coconut breading. While the coconut shrimp provides plenty of flavor on its own pairing it with the right side dishes can take the meal to the next level.
When deciding what to serve alongside coconut shrimp, you’ll want to consider sides that complement the sweet coconut flavor rather than compete with it. Starchy foods like rice, potatoes or pasta make excellent bases to soak up any excess sauce or coconut crumbs. Fresh, crisp vegetables provide contrasting flavors and textures. You can also opt for another sweet side dish to double down on the dessert-like flavors.
Here are 10 delicious side dish ideas to serve with coconut shrimp:
1. Rice
Rice is one of the most classic and versatile side dishes to pair with coconut shrimp White rice provides a neutral base that soaks up any remaining sauce or coconut flakes For more flavor, try coconut rice made with coconut milk or jasmine rice. Fried rice loaded with veggies and eggs also makes a satisfying pairing. The light sweetness of coconut shrimp calls out for a side of sticky rice.
2. French Fries
Crunchy, salty french fries are a foolproof pairing with the sweet coconut breading on the shrimp. The starchy potatoes soak up any excess sauce or coconut crumb mix. Opt for classic french fries, waffle fries, or sweet potato fries. Dip them in the same sweet chili or orange marmalade sauce as the shrimp for extra flavor.
3. Roasted Potatoes
If you want a healthier potato option, roasted potatoes are another excellent side. Cubed red potatoes roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs provide plenty of starch to balance the coconut as well as contrasting flavors and textures. A coconut shrimp and roasted potato bowl makes a simple yet satisfying meal.
4. Pasta
Any type of pasta combines well with coconut shrimp. Buttered noodles, linguine with white wine sauce, or pad thai noodles complement the sweet coconut coating. The pasta soaks up any leftover sauce or flavors. Toss the shrimp right into the pasta for a one-pan meal.
5. Steamed Vegetables
Fresh steamed vegetables provide a lighter, healthier accompaniment to the fried coconut shrimp. Options like broccoli, carrots, snap peas or green beans give you filling fiber and nutrients. Drizzle the vegetables with a sweet glaze or peanut sauce to pick up the flavors of the coconut shrimp.
6. Twice Baked Potatoes
For an easy, hearty side dish, twice baked potatoes are just the thing with coconut shrimp. Scoop out baked russet potatoes, mix the insides with cheese, bacon, and cream, then stuff them back into the shells. The stuffed potatoes provide even more substance alongside the shrimp. Sour cream served on top accentuates the sweetness of the coconut breading.
7. Coleslaw
The crunchy freshness of coleslaw contrasts perfectly with the tropical, fried coconut shrimp. An acidic, vinegar-based coleslaw cuts through the richness. For more sweetness, try an Asian slaw made with a sesame-peanut dressing rather than mayo. The crisp cabbage maintains its texture next to the breading.
8. Tropical Fruit Salad
Double down on the tropical flavors by serving a fruit salad with the coconut shrimp. Fresh mango, pineapple, kiwi, banana, and other fruits remind you of the sweet coconut. The juicy, bright fruits paired with creamy coconut shrimp make you feel like you’re on vacation. Drizzle the fruit with rum or add toasted coconut for even more overlap.
9. Macaroni Salad
A cold macaroni salad with a mayo or sour cream-based dressing provides an excellent starchy, creamy counterpoint to the coconut shrimp. The pasta and vegetables absorb any drips from the coconut breading, while the creamy dressing highlights the dessert-like flavors. Feel free to add pineapple or coconut to the salad.
10. Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread rounds out the meal beautifully with coconut shrimp. The crisp toasted bread provides substance to balance the rich shrimp. Rubbing the slices with garlic butter before toasting adds savory flavor and aroma. Let excess coconut crumbs and sauce soak into the bread. Cheesy garlic bread makes an upgrade.
With sides ranging from white rice to sweet tropical fruit, you have lots of options to complement your coconut shrimp entree. Round out the meal with bright, fresh flavors and plenty of starch to soak up the delicious sauce. Now it’s time to cook up a batch of coconut shrimp and pair it with your favorite accompanying side dishes. Enjoy this taste of the tropics in your own kitchen.
1 Asian Noodle Salad
Asian Noodle Salad is a light and flavorful side dish that complements the tropical taste of coconut shrimp. Prepare your favorite noodles, like soba or rice noodles, and mix them with a sour sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add julienned vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber, for a delicious, colorful salad.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be tailored to complement your coconut shrimp. Sauté cooked rice with vegetables, protein, and seasonings like soy sauce and sesame oil. Add a touch of pineapple or mango for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with coconut shrimp.
Coconut Shrimp, Simple, Crispy and Delicious
What to serve with coconut shrimp?
Here are 15+ delicious side dishes to serve with coconut shrimp. Try this Hawaiian Coleslaw. Made with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw. Combine cabbages, carrots, pineapple, green onions and cilantro in a large bowl and set aside.
What goes well with shrimp?
This is an excellent idea because it pairs well with the shrimp and gives you some more complex flavors to enjoy. You can use a store-bought salsa or make it at home from fresh pineapple, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Then you mix it and serve. This goes well with the shrimp if you want something healthier or all green things on your plate.
Do you like coconut shrimp?
I absolutely love coconut shrimp! The coconut flakes contribute a tropical touch to the shrimp that works like magic. I definitely could eat a ton of these little shrimp bites, so I prefer to use some tasty sides to make a meal out of them!
What goes with coleslaw & coconut shrimp?
Few dishes can be more comforting than creamy coleslaw, and coconut shrimp go together as peanut butter goes with jelly. The refreshing crisp taste from fresh vegetables mixed into tangy mayonnaise topped off by crispy onions and a drizzle of sweet honey mustard sauce will make this dish a definite crowd favorite.