What Goes Good with Spicy Shrimp: 20 Amazing Side Dishes

Spicy shrimp packs a flavorful punch, but it can be tough to find sides that complement (rather than compete with) the heat. After scouring the web, we’ve uncovered 20 of the very best side dishes to serve with spicy shrimp. Keep reading for recipes, tips, and more!

First off, what makes shrimp spicy? Many spicy shrimp recipes get their kick from cajun or creole seasoning blends. These robust mixes contain spices like cayenne, black pepper, paprika, onion, and garlic. The shrimp is then sauteed, fried, or grilled to allow the seasoning to permeate the seafood. No matter how it’s prepared, spicy shrimp delivers some serious heat!

With such intense flavor in the main course, the sides need to strike the right balance. You want something cooling and refreshing to offset the spiciness. Crisp, tangy salads are a great choice, as are fresh, vibrant salsas and simple cooked grains. Starchy carbs like pasta or rice help temper the heat and make a meal.

We scoured the web’s top food sites to find the very best side dishes for spicy shrimp. Here are our picks for 20 fantastic options to complement shrimp with a kick

1. Cilantro Lime Rice

Rice is a classic companion for spicy shrimp, sopping up any extra sauce while providing a mild base. To make it next level, cook the rice in cilantro lime broth. The bright grassy cilantro and tart lime cut through the shrimp’s heat. Cook up a batch of cilantro lime rice to complete your plate.

2. Black Bean and Corn Salad

For a fresh, crunchy salad packed with contrasting flavors and textures, nothing beats black bean and corn. The corn provides a sweet pop while the beans add heft. Dress it with a simple lime vinaigrette to echo the acidic flavors of the shrimp. Make this black bean and corn salad in just 5 minutes for an easy, healthy side.

3. Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula makes a fantastic spicy shrimp salad. Its pleasant bitterness and crunch stands up well to the seafood’s heat. For the easiest salad ever, toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. No lengthy prep required! Get the simple arugula salad recipe.

4. Pan Fried Broccoli

Broccoli is an easy, inexpensive veggie side, but pan frying amps up its flavor. The high heat caramelizes natural sugars in the broccoli, bringing out nutty sweetness. Crunchy florets pair perfectly with spicy shrimp. Check out the pan fried broccoli recipe for tips.

5. Pesto Gnocchi

Buttery, soft potato gnocchi offers the perfect starchy accompaniment for spicy shrimp. Toss the dumplings with pesto for an herby, garlicky green sauce that cools the palate. Using storebought pesto and no-boil gnocchi, you can make this pesto gnocchi skillet recipe in just 10 minutes.

6. Angel Hair Pasta

For an elegant Italian take, serve shrimp over angel hair pasta. These delicate strands have a lovely light texture. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then shower with Parm. Check out tips for making perfect angel hair pasta.

7. Lemony Broiled Asparagus

Asparagus spears make an easy oven side to accompany spicy shrimp. Toss the stalks with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Add lemon slices then simply broil until tender – it takes just 5 minutes but packs tons of flavor. Get the lemony broiled asparagus recipe.

8. Sauteed Peppers and Onions

For a simple veggie side, you can’t top sauteed bell peppers and onions. Their natural sweetness balances the shrimp’s heat. Cook them in olive oil over medium high heat until softened and lightly browned at the edges. Season with salt and pepper.

9. Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

While any roasted veggie would pair nicely, we especially love Brussels sprouts with spicy shrimp. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. To take them over the top, toss the sprouts with Parmesan cheese before roasting for crispy, nutty edges. Get the Parmesan Brussels sprouts recipe.

10. Creamy Polenta

Smooth, creamy polenta makes a satisfying base for spicy shrimp. Made from cornmeal cooked in liquid, it has a lovely mellow corn flavor. Stir in olive oil and Parmesan to finish it. Polenta comes together in just 25 minutes – get the easy creamy polenta recipe.

11. Roasted Mini Potatoes

For a simple starchy side, roasted potatoes are the way to go. Their mild flavor soaks up spice and sauce beautifully. Opt for mini potatoes, which cook quickly and get ultra crispy in the oven. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and paprika before roasting.

12. Skillet Cornbread

You can’t go wrong with a wedge of cornbread alongside spicy shrimp. For an easy version, bake cornbread in a cast iron skillet, which makes the edges extra crispy. The cornmeal and touch of honey provide just enough sweetness to balance the heat. Get the skillet cornbread recipe.

13. Wedge Salad

Cool and creamy, an iceberg lettuce wedge salad offers relief from spicy shrimp. We love the textural contrast of crunchy lettuce against rich blue cheese dressing. Make it feel special by topping with bacon crumbles, tomatoes, and chives. Here’s how to put together a classic wedge salad.

14. Lemon Pasta

Buttery lemon pasta makes a refreshing, tangy base for spicy shrimp. Cook up some linguine or fettuccine, then toss it with a lemony cream sauce brightened with tons of zest. The tart citrus mellows the heat. Get the easy lemon pasta recipe.

15. Succotash

For an easy veggie side with a gourmet feel, whip up succotash. The lima bean and corn medley offers contrasting colors, flavors, and textures. Dress it with just olive oil, salt, and pepper to let the veggies shine. Here’s how to make quick succotash.

16. Simple Spring Mix Salad

A bowl of spring mix greens makes a great starting point for a spicy shrimp salad. Toss the delicate lettuces with a bright vinaigrette and garnish with fresh toppings like cucumber, tomato, onion, and avocado to provide crunch. Get tips for building a simple spring mix salad.

17. Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread completes any meal. For an easy version, toast thick slices of crusty bread, then brush with butter and garlic. Finish under the broiler for crispy edges. Crunchy garlic bread helps temper the heat of spicy shrimp. Get the classic garlic bread recipe.

18. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad offers the ideal crunch factor alongside spicy shrimp. For homemade, blend garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and mayo into the creamy dressings. Toast homemade croutons and shave Parmesan to top the romaine. Make this classic Caesar salad for a winning combo.

19. Coleslaw

Cool and crunchy, coleslaw makes a fantastic refrigerator salad alongside spicy shrimp. The shredded veggies in a creamy mayo-based dressing provide the perfect contrast. Play with add-ins like cabbage,