This Southern Fried Shrimp recipe is easy, delicious, super easy to make. Crunchy on the outside and bursting with flavor. You can make a tasty meal of crispy seafood in 15 minutes, from start to finish.
Not sure about you, but I love shrimp more than anything else, and I think most people would agree. Shrimp is an extremely popular food around the world, and apparently, it has been for thousands of years.
These shrimp are really crispy, and I like shrimp that are fried with just flour better than these. I’m not a fan of a panko or cornmeal coating for fried shrimp.
I have countless shrimp recipes simply because I can’t get enough of it and neither can my family. We like to make Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp, Saucy Shrimp, and Honey Garlic Shrimp all the time.
Fried shrimp is a classic Southern dish that is crunchy, flavorful and downright addictive When battered and fried, the shrimp become the star of the show. However, every good main dish needs some tasty side dishes to make the meal complete
In this article I’ll suggest 10 delicious options for side dishes that pair perfectly with fried shrimp. From fresh salads to hearty grains these recipes will balance out and complement the fried shrimp for a mouthwatering meal.
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a flavorful rice dish that originated in New Orleans and combines inspiration from Spanish and French cuisines. This Creole dish contains rice, vegetables, meat and robust seasonings.
Jambalaya makes an excellent side dish for fried shrimp because it provides a spicy, savory counterbalance to the crispy shrimp. The variety of textures from the tender rice, peppers, onions and meat also complement the crunchy batter on the shrimp. This dish adds color, warmth and zest to a fried shrimp dinner.
Some good options for meat to include in jambalaya are Andouille sausage, chicken or shrimp. The rice soaks up the delicious flavors of the vegetables and spices for a hearty accompaniment.
Tartar Sauce
What better dipping sauce for fried shrimp than homemade tartar sauce? This creamy, cool condiment can cut through the crispy batter coating on the shrimp and provide a tangy complement.
Tartar sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, dill pickles, onion, capers, parsley and lemon juice. These ingredients provide briny, acidic and herby notes that pair perfectly with seafood dishes like fried shrimp. The mayonnaise-based sauce has a rich mouthfeel that adheres well to the nooks and crannies of the battered shrimp.
When making tartar sauce at home, I recommend dicing the pickles, onions, capers and parsley by hand for the best texture. Mix in lemon zest as well for extra bright citrus flavor. Tartar sauce can be prepared ahead of time so it’s ready to dip into when your fried shrimp is piping hot.
Mushroom Tacos
For a lighter option alongside indulgent fried shrimp, try mushroom tacos. Sautéed mushrooms have a meaty, umami flavor that satisfies. When wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with onion, cilantro and lime, they create a flavorful vegetarian taco.
The crispy and earthy textures of the mushroom tacos pair nicely with the contrasting crunch of fried shrimp. Tacos are also a fun interactive way to enjoy a meal, letting everyone assemble their own combination of flavors.
For the filling, consider using a blend of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake and oyster for depth of flavor. Onion and garlic add savory notes while lemon juice brightens it up. Top with shredded lettuce, queso fresco and hot sauce for a delicious taco your guests will love.
Mango Avocado Salad
A light and refreshing mango avocado salad is a perfect summery side for fried shrimp. Mangoes and avocados provide creamy, bright flavors and textures to balance out the fried shrimp.
For added nutrition, you can make this salad a meal by topping it with grilled shrimp instead of frying them. Either way, the combination of juicy mango, smooth avocado and tender greens complements shrimp wonderfully.
This salad comes together quickly by dicing the mango, avocado and onion, then tossing with olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper and a dash of chili powder for a kick. For extra crunch, you can add pepitas on top. The sweet, tangy and creamy flavors make this salad a crowd-pleaser.
Chow Mein
For an Asian-inspired accompaniment, try chow mein. These stir-fried noodles are tossed with savory soy sauce and oyster sauce. Chicken, shrimp, vegetables and egg are often added for protein and texture.
The soft noodles and crunchy vegetables in chow mein pair nicely with fried shrimp. The sweet and salty sauce provides another layer of flavor that complements the seafood. Chow mein is a classic Chinese take-out dish that is easy to make at home for an authentic pairing.
When making chow mein, use fresh noodles rather than dried for the best texture. Cook them separately to avoid mushiness. For the vegetables, favorites like cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots and onions work well. A little sesame oil adds nuttiness while garlic and ginger provide punch.
Spanish Rice
Buttery, tomatoey Spanish rice is a simple and satisfying partner for fried shrimp. In this flavor-packed rice dish, rice is sautéed in oil and cooked until tender in a tomato sauce flavored with onion, garlic and spices.
The rich, salty tomato sauce plays off the sweetness of the fried shrimp beautifully. The soft yet toothsome rice soaks up the spices and provides a neutral base that lets the seafood shine.
Customize your Spanish rice by adding vegetables like peppers or peas. Additional seasonings like cumin, smoked paprika and cayenne can also amp up the flavor. This rice dish takes well to being kept warm, so it’s great for a crowd.
Pesto Pasta
Who can resist twirling pasta coated in bright, herby pesto sauce? This Italian classic is easy to whip up and is the ideal pairing for fried shrimp. The nutty basil pesto complements the crisp seafood without overpowering it.
To make pesto pasta, simply boil your favorite shape of pasta until al dente. While the pasta cooks, mix prepared or homemade pesto with a bit of the starchy pasta water to thin it out. Toss the hot pasta with the pesto to coat. Top with Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
The creamy pesto sauce adheres nicely to the battered exterior of the shrimp while cutting through the richness. For extra flavor and crunch, you can top the pasta with chopped toasted pine nuts. The pesto pasta’s bright green color looks beautiful next to golden fried shrimp.
Corn on the Cob
For a classic sweet and summery side, look no further than corn on the cob. Grilled or boiled corn pairs perfectly with fried seafood. The natural sweetness of the corn balances the salty savoriness of the shrimp.
The joy of eating corn on the cob also adds an interactive, hands-on element to the meal. Slather each ear with butter or mayonnaise and sprinkle with salt and pepper for simple flavor. For fun additions, try spices like chili powder, cotija cheese or lime juice on the corn.
Corn on the cob can be grilled in its husk which adds charred notes. Boiling is quicker if you’re crunched for time. No matter how you cook it, the juicy kernels pair perfectly next to crispy fried shrimp for a quintessential summer meal.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is another fitting partner for fried shrimp. The crunchy shredded cabbage in a mayonnaise-based dressing provides a cool, tangy crunch that balances the hot seafood.
Coleslaw comes together quickly by shredding cabbage and carrots, then tossing with mayo, vinegar, salt, pepper and a bit of sugar. For variety, try swapping in different shredded vegetables like kale, Brussels sprouts or broccoli. You can also add seeds or nuts for crunch.
The acidic vinegar in coleslaw helps cut through and balance the richness of the fried shrimp. For extra flavor, stir in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, dill or parsley. The pickled flavors complement seafood wonderfully.
Hush Puppies
Last but not least, no fried shrimp dinner is complete without hush puppies! These savory deep-fried cornmeal dumplings are a classic Southern specialty.
Hush puppies are the perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover tartar sauce or cocktail sauce on your plate after the shrimp is gone. Their crispy exterior gives way to a fluffy, moist interior infused with corn. Many recipes also include chopped onion, garlic, jalapeño or cheese for extra flavor.
Fry up a batch of hush puppies by combining cornmeal with flour, baking powder, egg, buttermilk and seasonings. Then simply drop spoonfuls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Enjoy these crispy fritters alongside your shrimp while they’re still warm.
Seafood Sides for Every Meal
Fried shrimp is one of the most iconic Southern meals. While the shrimp are undeniably delicious, every good cook knows the key to a great meal lies in the sides. These 10 recipes provide an array of complementary flavors, textures, colors and aromas to please all your senses.
So next time you fry up a batch of shrimp, try pairing it with a fresh, flavorful side dish. Jambalaya, coleslaw, pesto pasta and more await your appetite! Use this list for inspiration to create a mouthwatering meal that will have your guests begging for seconds.
How to Make Southern Fried Shrimp
- Soak the shrimp. In a large bowl, mix the milk, black pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt, half of the garlic powder, half of the paprika, and half of the oregano. Add in the shrimp and let soak for 10 minutes.
- Cover the shrimp—Once the shrimp are done soaking, shake them to get rid of any extra milk. Put the rest of the spices and flour on a plate, and mix them together. Coat the shrimp well. Make sure you coat the shrimp really well with flour. Coat them several times with the seasoned flour. The shrimp should be hidden by the flour.
- Fry the shrimp. Heat the oil to 375 degrees and fry a handful of shrimp at a time for one to two minutes, or until they are nice and crispy.
- Serve—Let the shrimp cool down a bit, then serve!
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Sauces to serve: If you like to dip your shrimp in sauces, you can serve these fried shrimp with honey mustard, tartar sauce, sriracha mayo, and other sauces. I served it with honey mustard.
- Use raw shrimp—The shrimp should be raw from the store so they can really soak up the smell and taste of the food. It means they’re already cooked if they’re pink in the package. They won’t really soak up any flavor during the preparation process. The right kind of shrimp are the ones that are gray. Be sure they’re deveined and peeled for your convenience.
- Add some cayenne pepper to the recipe to make it spicier.
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What do you serve fried shrimp with?
Serve – Allow the shrimp to cool a bit and serve! Serving sauces – If you enjoy dipping your shrimp in a sauce, you can serve these fried shrimp with honey mustard, tartar sauce, sriracha mayo, etc. I served it with honey mustard.
Is shrimp healthy to eat?
Shrimp is very healthy to eat, unless you have an allergy to shellfish. Shrimp is great because it is a low calorie, high protein food that is relatively inexpensive. Shrimp is also very versatile, so there are many recipes out there, meaning that you can eat shrimp multiple times a week each time in a different way. Don’t make shrimp your only protein source, because a healthy diet is also a varied diet.
Can you make fried shrimp?
Fried Shrimp is an absolute classic. You’ll find it on the menus of everything from fine dining to diners. Something about that crispy breading and tender, succulent meat that make these crispy fried shrimp totally irresistible. If you can make chicken fried steak, you can make fried shrimp.
What salad goes well with fried shrimp?
Macaroni salad is a classic summertime salad and staple picnic, BBQ, and cookout side dish. This recipe is a delicious blend of macaroni pasta, onion, red bell pepper, and other ingredients. What really brings it together is the creamy dressing. An inviting texture juxtaposition to your fried shrimp. 8. Orzo Salad