Don’t be shy—tell your friends about our (my) favorite deal this week: Coconut Shrimp!! Luckily, our shrimp is already breaded and ready to eat; all you have to do is heat it up in the way of your choice. But while our coconut shrimp tastes oh so delectable, it’s hardly a complete meal. Pair it with a few complementary sides for a true seafood feast. Check out some of the sides you can grab in our store while you’re picking up your shrimp!.
You can never go wrong with a classic side dish. Luckily, we’ve got you covered here! Straight cut, curly, waffle, and shoelace. We’ve got it all baby, come in and grab a bag while you’re picking up your shrimp!.
Crispy coconut shrimp is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or entree The tropical flavors and crunchy texture make this fried shrimp irresistible However, coconut shrimp alone does not make a complete meal. The right side dishes are key to complement the flavors and round out the dish into a full dinner.
In this article, I will share 10 of my favorite side dish ideas to pair with coconut shrimp. These sides range from classics like french fries to fresh flavors like mango salsa. With the perfect pairings, you can transform coconut shrimp from an appetizer into a show-stopping main dish.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Coconut Shrimp
1. French Fries
French fries are a no-brainer pairing for coconut shrimp. Both dishes are crispy golden, and fried to perfection. The starchy fries pair nicely with the sweet coconut breading on the shrimp. Fry up some thick cut fries or waffle fries to serve alongside the coconut shrimp. For a fresh twist, make sweet potato fries instead.
2. Coleslaw
Tangy coleslaw is another classic partner for fried coconut shrimp. The cool and creamy slaw balances the crispy, fried shrimp. For the best flavor, make coleslaw with shredded red and green cabbage. Toss the slaw in a light vinegar-based dressing rather than heavy mayo. The bright flavors pair perfectly without overpowering the shrimp.
3. Rice
Every good seafood dish needs a nice bed of rice. Fluffy white rice or coconut rice both make great bases for the shrimp. For more flavor, make fried rice or pineapple rice to complement the tropical vibe. The starchiness of rice balances the rich coconut shrimp.
4. Pasta
Buttery pasta makes a satisfying partner for fried coconut shrimp. For best results, opt for pasta tossed in a light sauce that won’t compete with the shrimp. Try fettuccine alfredo, lemon garlic pasta or simple garlic butter noodles. The pasta fills out the meal while the shrimp provides rich flavor.
5. Steamed Vegetables
For a lighter side, add a variety of steamed vegetables. Options like broccoli, carrots, snap peas and asparagus pair nicely with the shrimp. The fresh crisp vegetables offset the heavy fried shrimp. Drizzle the veggies with a little lemon butter for extra flavor.
6. Vegetable Spring Rolls
Take the meal to Southeast Asia with fresh spring rolls. The cool and crunchy vegetables wrapped in rice paper make a refreshing complement to the coconut shrimp. Dip both the shrimp and the spring rolls in a sweet chili or peanut sauce for the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
7. Mango Salsa
A fresh mango salsa is an amazing partner for coconut shrimp. The sweet mango, red onion and cilantro perfectly balance the rich coconut coating on the shrimp. The salsa’s bright acidity cuts through the fried shrimp for an explosion of flavors in every bite.
8. Twice Baked Potatoes
For ultimate comfort food, try baked potatoes as a side. Twice baked potatoes have a smooth, creamy filling that pairs deliciously with the crispy shrimp. Top the stuffed potatoes with extra shrimp, green onions and bacon bits for a baked potato feast.
9. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a great summery side for coconut shrimp. The chewy pasta, crunchy vegetables and creamy mayo dressing pair well with the texture of the crispy shrimp coating. Mix in shrimp for an easy shrimp pasta salad combo in one dish.
10. Dipping Sauces
Don’t forget sauces for dunking the shrimp! Whip up creamy dressings, like ranch, cocktail sauce, remoulade or tangy mango habanero sauce for dipping. Sweet chili sauce, duck sauce and honey mustard work well too. Sauces make the shrimp even more crave-worthy.
Tips for Serving Coconut Shrimp
Beyond just the sides, here are some additional tips for serving up a fantastic coconut shrimp dinner:
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Coconut shrimp is great for dinner parties and potlucks since you can make it ahead. Fry up the shrimp then reheat just before serving.
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Garnish the platter with lime wedges, fresh herbs and chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
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Set out fruity drinks like pina coladas or mai tais to match the tropical vibe.
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Add a green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to round out the meal.
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Kids and adults alike will love this crispy shrimp. Provide extra dipping sauces for dunking.
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For dessert, tropical fruits like pineapple and mango make perfect light endings after the heavy shrimp.
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Coconut shrimp also makes fantastic appetizers for parties. Cut the shrimp in halves or slices for bite-sized pieces.
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Serve the shrimp on a bed of shredded coconut or lettuce for a beautiful presentation.
With the right combination of sides, coconut shrimp can be transformed into an easy yet impressive dinner. The seafood is indulgent yet balanced by fresh, crisp vegetables and fruits. Pair the sweet and crunchy shrimp with bright, acidic flavors to create a colorful plate. So next time you fry up this crowd-favorite appetizer, turn it into a full meal with these perfect pairings.
Au Gratin Potatoes or Broccoli
Enough to pass! Our Au Gratin platters come ready to bake. Just pop it in the oven and you’ve got yourself a complete meal!.
Nothing makes you feel better than eating a hot and healthy meal. Pair our sweet and crunchy shrimp with some hot steamed vegetables to stay in shape. We have broccoli, peas, asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, and a lot of other vegetables, so you’ll be set.
Easy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
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 is a substitute for coconut coffee creamer?
How about almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk? However, almond milk has a nutty aroma and richness, but is not suitable for people with nut allergies. Soy milk is lighter in flavor than coconut milk, and oat milk has a similar nutty aroma.
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 slaw goes with coconut shrimp?
Coleslaw has a nice tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with coconut shrimp. Plus, if you use red and green cabbage to make it, you’ll get a vibrant and colorful slaw that will look so good on the dinner table. Opt for a vinegar-based instead of mayo dressing so that the flavors aren’t so heavy, though.