Are you trying to find a tasty side dish to go with the shrimp recipe you want to make for dinner? We love making shrimp because it’s a flavorful seafood that can be used in many ways. It’s also very quick and easy to make, which is great for busy weeknights! Let us know what you think of when you hear “shrimp.” We’re going to show you more than 25 of the best and most popular side dishes that go with shrimp. These include fresh salads, creamy pastas, vegetable sides, starchy sides like rice and potatoes, and so much more.
Steamed shrimp is a light and delicious meal but the right side dishes can take it to the next level. The key is finding sides that complement the natural sweetness of shrimp without overpowering its subtle flavor. After researching numerous food blogs and cooking sites, I’ve compiled this guide on fantastically tasty pairings for steamed shrimp.
From vibrant salads to indulgent starches, read on for 15 side dish ideas that will make your shrimp shine.
Overview of Steamed Shrimp
Before diving into side dishes, let’s look at some key attributes of steamed shrimp that impact pairing:
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Delicate, mildly sweet flavor that shouldn’t be overwhelmed.
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Light protein-rich meal that benefits from nutritious vegetable sides.
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Simple preparation, so side dishes can shine with zesty flavors and interesting textures.
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Versatile ingredient that pairs well with an array of cuisines and cooking styles.
With those factors in mind, let’s explore some winning combinations!
15 Sensational Sides for Steamed Shrimp
1. Lemon Garlic Asparagus
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Bright, crisp-tender asparagus sauteed in lemon garlic butter.
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Vibrant flavor and color complements the shrimp.
2. Coconut Jasmine Rice
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Nutty coconut rice with fluffy, fragrant jasmine grains.
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Subtle sweetness doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
3. Creamed Spinach
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Rich, savory creamed spinach provides comfort food flair.
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Tangy accent complements the shrimp’s sweetness.
4. Roasted Red Potatoes
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Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
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Hearty counterpart to the steamed shrimp.
5. Avocado Citrus Salad
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Refreshing salad with creamy avocado and tangy citrus.
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Bright, lively flavors contrast the shrimp.
6. Cajun Corn on the Cob
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Grilled corn coated in spicy Cajun seasoning and butter.
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Smoky and bold, great for outdoor shrimp boils.
7. Cilantro Lime Rice
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Zesty rice punctuated with cilantro and lime juice.
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Vibrant citrus flavors enhance the shrimp.
8. Air Fryer Okra
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Crispy okra fries with creole seasoning for a kick.
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Crunchy, bold texture and flavor.
9. Caprese Pasta Salad
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Pasta loaded with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.
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Fresh and invigorating side dish.
10. Hawaiian Cole Slaw
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Sweet slaw with cabbage, pineapple and a tangy dressing.
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Tropical flavors complement shrimp.
11. Cheesy Garlic Bread
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Warm, crisp bread smothered in garlic butter and melty cheese.
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Comforting richness pairs well with the shrimp.
12. Corn and Edamame Succotash
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Sauteed corn, edamame and red peppers in a zesty dressing.
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Sweet and spicy flavors liven up the meal.
13. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
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Crispy, spice-dusted sweet potato fries.
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hints of cinnamon and sugar add flair.
14. Sauteed Brussels sprouts
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Pan seared Brussels sprouts with crispy edges.
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Savory profile contrasts the sweet shrimp.
15. Tomato Cucumber Salad
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Bright salad with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.
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Simple, light and refreshing side.
Recap: Key Tips for Steamed Shrimp Side Dishes
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Seek out sides with bright, lively flavors to invigorate the palate.
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Nutrient-dense vegetable dishes provide balance.
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Starchy options like rice or pasta absorb flavors beautifully.
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Grilled and crispy textures add appealing contrast.
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Keep seasoning bold but don’t overpower the shrimp’s taste.
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Infuse dishes with garlic, lemon and herbs to enhance the shrimp’s flavor.
How to Make Ahead and Store Side Dishes
Many of these shrimp side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a few days or the freezer for up to three months. Otherwise, you can prepare the ingredients and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and/or cook. Check the individual recipes for full make ahead and storing instructions.
To warm up leftovers, either put them in the oven or air fryer at 300F for 10 to 15 minutes, or heat them up on the stove over medium-low heat (depending on the recipe). If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp
Fresh corn on the cob from the grill can be turned into a light and tasty summer corn salad with basil, cheese, and cherry tomatoes.
Easy coconut rice is light, fluffy, delicious, and flavorful. Its a quick and easy side dish that compliments all Thai, South Asian, and tropical dishes.
Lemon parmesan asparagus is a delicious way to serve a classic spring vegetable. This side dish is quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes.
This vegan Buddha Bowl is the perfect mix of a salad bowl and a grain bowl. It’s full of healthy foods like grains, vegetables, and protein.
Five simple ingredients are all you need to make this quick and easy pesto penne pasta dish in less than 15 minutes. The easiest dinner.
For a summer barbecue or picnic, or for an easy lunch you can make ahead of time, you can’t go wrong with this fresh, crisp coleslaw salad recipe. Make it in less than 10 minutes.
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a tasty corn on the cob that comes with a cheesy sauce that is made better with cilantro and lime. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful.
Paella vegetariana is a traditional Spanish rice dish that is hearty and filling, made with perfectly cooked rice, saffron, and vegetables.
Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes are easy to make and taste great with a mix of Greek herbs, garlic, and lemon. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Making fluffy quinoa at home is faster and easier than you think! Use our simple recipe to learn how to cook quinoa right every time.
It’s light and fluffy, with fresh basil running through it and melted mozzarella cheese and blistered balsamic tomatoes on top. Ready in 10 minutes!.
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi is a quick and easy comfort food that goes together in one pot. It has chewy gnocchi bites, a simple tomato-based sauce, and melty cheese.
Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and delicious side dish to make this fall. Easy to make ahead and reheats well — perfect for Thanksgiving holiday dinner.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. Its packed with classic ingredients including couscous, fresh veggies, and feta.
Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it’s quick and easy and all made in one pot in just over 30 minutes.
Oven Roasted Vegetables are a delicious flavorful side dish that goes well with almost any dinner main. Customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Lemon butter pasta is quick and easy to make, light yet filling, and loaded with flavor. A delicious twist on classic buttered noodles ready in 15 minutes.
A quick and easy 5-minute tomato, cucumber, and avocado salad with a tasty lemon vinaigrette is a light and refreshing salad.
Mushroom Risotto is a rich creamy one pot rice dish made with simple ingredients that deliver bold flavors. Making homemade risotto from scratch is easy!.
Balsamic Roasted Broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that only takes 25 minutes to make. It is made with tender, crispy broccoli tossed in a tasty five-ingredient glaze.
This buttery rosemary cornbread is both sweet and savory. It’s soft and moist in the middle and golden and crispy on the edges. It’s flavorful and delicious, and it’s so easy to make this holiday season.
Fresh, bright, and lively cilantro lime rice is a side dish that will make any meal taste better. Its a quick, easy, one pot recipe.
Fresh mango salsa is sweet, tangy, and delicious. This is a quick and easy recipe that you can make in less than 10 minutes with only 6 items.
Baked Sweet Potato takes almost no effort to make (in the oven or grill) and always taste amazing. Theyre soft and tender, naturally sweet, and delicious!.
Potato Onion Pierogi are a tasty dumpling recipe made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients: cheese, caramelized onions, and potatoes.
Chickpea Greek salad is a fresh, healthy, bright, and colorful salad full of superfoods, nutrients, and traditional Mediterranean foods.
Cheesy Garlic Bread has garlic butter and melty cheese on top. The outside is toasty and crispy, and the inside is tender and soft. Make in under 20 minutes!.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
What to serve with shrimp?
A Greek-inspired veggie salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese will make a nice refreshing side along a more heavy shrimp dish. If you’re serving your shrimp in a cheesy pasta dish or any equally hearty entree, you’ll want something light and fresh to balance it out. A low-in-fat Greek salad will do just the trick! 5.
What side dishes go well with shrimp?
Another star side dish, caprese is always a crowd pleaser. Stick with a classic mozzarella, red tomato, and basil stack, or mix things up with honeydew melon, green tomatoes and burrata. Either way you get a bright, refreshing, and delectable salad that goes oh so well with hot-off-the-grill shrimp. 10. Elote-Style Corn
What goes well with shrimp on the grill?
Fresh herbs, crisp green beans, fun-shaped pasta, and a citrusy vinaigrette come together to form this bursting-with-flavor lemon herb pasta salad. It’s the perfect complement to shrimp on the grill! 38. Mango guacamole For more tropical vibes, consider making mango guacamole.
What salad goes with Shrimp Pasta?
Singing with a simple red wine vinaigrette, this super-easy, tossed green salad is the perfect pairing for creamy shrimp pasta. Every refreshing bite will cleanse your palate, allowing you to enjoy your dinner even more. Use mild iceberg lettuce or crunchy romaine hearts for a salad that will balance, but not compete with a richer main.