There’s nothing better than cooking this Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab at home. It only takes 10 minutes in the oven.
Baked stuffed shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser. The juicy shrimp baked with a flavorful stuffing is a seafood lover’s dream! But coming up with the perfect side dishes to complement this show-stopping entrée can be tricky. After scouring blogs and recipe sites, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 21 side dishes that pair wonderfully with baked stuffed shrimp. Keep reading to find your new favorite shrimp dinner!
Balancing Flavors and Textures
When selecting sides for baked stuffed shrimp, it’s important to consider how the flavors and textures will work together. The stuffing in the shrimp already provides rich flavors like butter, garlic, crackers and often cheese. You’ll want sides that balance out the heaviness. Bright, acidic flavors from lemon or vinegar work nicely. Crunchy textures from veggies or toast provide contrast to the soft, lush shrimp. Starchy sides like rice or potatoes help soak up any extra sauce or butter.
We aimed for a mix of lighter and more filling sides to satisfy all appetites. Options range from salads and roasted veggies to creamy risotto and oven-baked pasta. No matter your tastes you’re sure to find a shrimp companion you’ll love on this list!
21 Sensational Sides for Baked Stuffed Shrimp
1. Lemon Rice
Fluffy buttery rice gets a refreshing dose of lemon juice and zest. The bright citrus flavor balances the richness of the shrimp. Rice also helps fill up the plate.
2. Roasted Carrots with Thyme
Carrots turn tender and sweet when roasted. The herby thyme adds freshness.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky potatoes are comfort food at its finest. They’ll happily soak up any leftover butter or sauce from the shrimp.
4. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Smoky bacon and nutty sprouts are a match made in heaven Crisp bacon provides nice textural contrast.
5. Caesar Salad
Cool, crunchy romaine with creamy dressing and nuts, croutons and Parmesan. A lighter option.
6. Blackened Broccoli
Charred broccoli florets have a slightly smoky flavor. Red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat.
7. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Like mashed potatoes but lighter, with health benefits from cauliflower. Garlic flavor abounds.
8. Yukon Gold Potato Salad
Creamy Yukon gold potatoes shine in this fresh, tangy potato salad with dill pickles.
9. Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted squash has sweet, nutty flavors similar to baked shrimp. Great texture contrast.
10. Panzanella Salad
A bright and hearty Italian bread salad with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion.
11. Spinach Salad
Fresh spinach, sweet apples, avocado, nuts and tangy feta make a balanced salad.
12. Rosemary Wild Rice
Nutty wild rice with fresh rosemary and goat cheese adds texture and herby flavor.
13. French’s Green Bean Casserole
A comfort food classic, with tender green beans and crunchy fried onions.
14. Vegetarian Succotash
Sauteed corn, lima beans and peppers make a fresh, bacon-free succotash.
15. No-Mayo Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw in a tangy vinegar dressing, with no mayo in sight.
16. Asparagus Risotto
Creamy, cheesy risotto studded with fresh asparagus. Elegant but filling.
17. Root Vegetable Tart
A show-stopping tart with caramelized veggies like sweet potatoes and parsnips.
18. Sweet Potatoes and Zucchini
Tender sweet potatoes and zucchini roasted together make a colorful, healthy duo.
19. Baked Feta Pasta
Creamy, garlicky pasta loaded up with tomatoes and baked feta cheese.
20. Cajun Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob coated in spicy Cajun seasoning and butter.
21. Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with soft, garlicky, buttery bread alongside seafood.
Putting It All Together
Baked stuffed shrimp deserves an equal culinary partner. With this extensive list of diverse and delicious sides, you’re sure to find the perfect match. Bright salads, hearty roasted veggies, creamy pastas and risottos, or classic potato and rice dishes can round out your meal beautifully.
Get creative with your side pairings and think about contrasting flavors and textures. A crisp spinach salad balances the richness of cheesy shrimp. Smoky bacon makes a great counterpart to sweet corn. Herby wild rice complements the briny seafood.
The next time you’re whipping up a batch of baked stuffed shrimp, reference this list for side dish inspiration. Let us know your new favorite shrimp and sides combo!
Stuffed Shrimp Recipe Ingredients
- shrimp: We’ll start with jumbo shrimp that have been cooked and deveined. Some stuffed shrimp recipes start with raw shrimp, but this recipe bakes up much faster with cooked shrimp. I promise the shrimp will still stay juicy and tender.
- crab meat—The star of the stuffing is the soft and luxurious lump crab meat You can use claw meat instead of lump crab meat if you can’t find it.
- Panko bread crumbs give the stuffing a great crunch. Gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed Corn Chex cereal can be used to make the dish gluten-free.
- Old Bay seasoning is my favorite mix of spices for almost any great seafood dish. I do buy it, but if you have a lot of spices, you can make your own Old Bay seasoning.
- Garlic powder gives the stuffing a warm, savory taste.
- paprika: gives it a little smoke flavor and color
- Dijon mustard gives the crab a tangy kick that cuts through its weight.
- This baked stuffed shrimp recipe needs mayonnaise to hold the stuffing together and make it creamier.
- chives – adds a mild onion flavor without being overpowering.
- lemon juice – brightens up the whole dish!
- salt—sprinkled on the shrimp at the end to make it just right
Home Chef Tips for Stuffed Shrimp
- When you fold the stuffing together, be careful not to squash the crab meat, which is a good thing.
- If you are using frozen shrimp, let them thaw in a bowl of cool water for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure to change the water several times.
