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.
Shrimp is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From shrimp scampi to coconut shrimp and shrimp tacos, the options are endless when it comes to main shrimp dishes. However, finding the perfect side dish to complement shrimp can sometimes be a challenge. The good news is that shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides that can enhance the flavor of the shrimp without overpowering it. Here are 15 of the best side dish options to consider when serving shrimp.
Veggie Sides
Veggies make great accompaniments to shrimp. Since shrimp has a delicate flavor, it won’t get lost beside bright, fresh vegetable sides.
1. Succotash
Succotash is a classic southern side dish that combines fresh corn and lima beans. To make succotash extra delicious, sauté some diced red bell pepper and onion before adding the corn and beans. Season everything with salt, pepper and a touch of fresh thyme. The mélange of vegetables perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli becomes super flavorful when roasted in the oven with some olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes The caramelized florets pair nicely with shrimp, adding some needed crunch and char. Toss the broccoli with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
3. Asparagus with Breadcrumbs
Blanched asparagus topped with toasted breadcrumbs parmesan and lemon zest makes an elegant side for shrimp. The bright green asparagus looks beautiful beside shrimp and offers a lighter complement to balance a rich main dish.
4. Roasted Carrots
For a sweet, earthy side, roast carrots with thyme, coriander, and cumin. The spices enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots. They add beautiful color to the plate as well.
Starchy Sides
In addition to fresh veggies, starchy sides like rice, potatoes and beans also make great pairings with shrimp. The starch soaks up any extra sauce or seasonings, making these sides satisfying.
5. Rice Pilaf
A rice pilaf seasoned with lemon and herbs is a classic pairing with shrimp. The lemon brightens up the pilaf and complements seafood beautifully. For extra flavor, use chicken or shrimp stock instead of water when cooking the rice.
6. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are like the ultimate comfort food, with tender potato slices baked in a creamy cheese sauce. The rich potatoes are delicious served alongside simply sautéed or grilled shrimp.
7. Southern-Style Grits
Buttery grits are a quintessential southern side dish. Top shrimp with a spoonful of creamy grits to create an indulgent spoonful in one bite. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of the grits for even more flavor.
8. Beans and Rice
Beans and rice are a staple side dish in Louisiana Creole cooking. Pair black beans or red kidney beans with white rice cooked in shrimp stock. The beans add protein and the rice soaks up all the delicious cooking liquid.
9. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
What’s better than a heaping scoop of creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes? The rich potatoes pair perfectly with sautéed, grilled or baked shrimp.
Crunchy Sides
Crunchy sides add great texture contrast to tender shrimp. A crispy side dish helps balance out the softness of the shrimp.
10. Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is a classic pairing with shrimp. The sweet cabbage also helps cut through the richness of fried or sauced shrimp dishes. For a tangy slaw, dress shredded cabbage and carrots with mayo, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper.
11. Cornbread
A wedge of moist, fluffy cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to shrimp and grits or gumbo. For an easy cornbread, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, egg, and melted butter. Bake until golden brown.
12. Corn Fritters
What better side to serve with shrimp than crispy bites of fresh corn? Make easy corn fritters by combining corn, flour, egg, milk, and baking powder. Fry spoonfuls until golden brown and enjoy alongside shrimp.
13. Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are a classic southern specialty. These fried cornbread balls are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Serve shrimp with a side of hushpuppies for guests to dunk in cocktail or tartar sauce.
14. Green Salad
A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes adds freshness and lightness to balance a shrimp dish. Make it more filling by adding chickpeas, cheese or roasted nuts. Dress with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
Elegant Sides
For special occasions, elevate shrimp with one of these elegant vegetable sides. They add flair worthy of fine dining to weeknight shrimp dinners.
15. Risotto
Creamy parmesan risotto is a elegant, rich side that pairs beautifully with shrimp. As a finishing touch, stir some extra shrimp into the risotto along with the cheese.
16. Ratatouille
This Provençal dish combines eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes simmered in an herby tomato sauce. Spoon ratatouille over shrimp or stir shrimp into the vegetable mixture for an easy one-pot meal.
Shrimp is one of those versatile proteins that pairs well with an array of sides. Whether you want something light or heavy, crunchy or creamy, the possibilities are endless. Use this list as a guide for pairing shrimp with complementary vegetable, starch, or elegant sides. With endless options, you’ll never get bored serving shrimp!
Our Favorite Shrimp Recipes
Need some extra inspo on shrimp dishes to make for dinner. Here are some of our favorites!
For more, see our 30 Best Shrimp Recipes.
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!.