Want to know what to serve with fried shrimp? These tasty side dishes go perfectly with this classic seafood dish.
Those of you who like seafood like I do know how hard it is to say no to golden brown fried shrimp. If you’re looking for ideas for what to eat with fried shrimp, you’re in the right place.
It doesn’t matter if you make traditional southern fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, or pan-fried shrimp; the right side dish can really make your meal. These 15 mouthwatering options will tantalize your taste buds and make your fried shrimp dinner even better.
It goes well with fried shrimp. A fresh potato salad with hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and a creamy sauce is a great side dish.
Hushpuppies are a classic side for a fried shrimp recipe or any fried seafood for that matter. The subtly sweet deep-fried balls of cornmeal add the perfect flavor to the meal.
Kick up the freshness with a zesty bell pepper slaw. Thinly sliced red and green bell peppers are mixed with a sour dressing made of olive oil and lime juice. They add a crunchy and colorful contrast to the juicy shrimp.
Swap out regular fries for a healthier twist with crispy sweet potato fries. When you eat fried shrimp with potatoes, the natural sweetness of the potatoes goes well with the saltiness of the shrimp.
Embrace a low-carb option with Parmesan-coated zucchini noodles. When mixed with garlic powder and olive oil, these zoodles make a tasty and guilt-free side dish for your shrimp feast.
Crispy, golden breaded butterfly shrimp make for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal But what sides do you serve with these shrimp to make it a complete dish? The possibilities are endless, but I’ve narrowed down 12 of my favorite pairings
As a seafood lover and amateur chef, I’ve cooked my fair share of breaded butterfly shrimp. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that the best companions are ones that provide contrasting flavors, textures, and colors to create a well-rounded plate.
In this article, I’ll share my top recommended sides to take your crispy breaded shrimp to the next level From fresh salads and slaws to hot sides and dipping sauces, these accompaniments will perfectly complement the shrimp’s crunch and lightly fried flavor Let’s get cooking!
12 Delicious Sides for Breaded Butterfly Shrimp
1. Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is a classic pairer Thinly shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy mayo or yogurt based dressing provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to hot shrimp I love adding sliced apples or raisins for sweetness.
2. Potato Salad
For another classic, potato salad is a must-try. Chunky potatoes in a creamy vinegary dressing cut through the fried coating of the shrimp. Use red or sweet potatoes for extra color and serve chilled.
3. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad is a great shrimp side. Toss cooked pasta with a bold vinaigrette, plenty of fresh veggies, olives, cheese and fresh herbs. I love ones with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and feta.
4. Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad is always a good idea. I like spring mix or romaine topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, grated carrots and homemade croutons or garlicky breadsticks. It balances the fried shrimp nicely.
5. Greek Salad
For a heartier salad, make a classic Greek one. Romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, onions and feta cheese with a red wine vinaigrette perfectly complements the shrimp.
6. Fried Rice
For a fun Asian-inspired pairing, make quick veggie fried rice. Cook up rice, carrots, peas, onions and eggs in sesame oil. The crunch and mild flavors contrast the shrimp wonderfully.
7. Vegetable Stir Fry
Another tasty Asian side is quick stir-fried veggies. I love broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, baby corn and mushrooms cooked until crisp-tender with soy, sesame, garlic and ginger.
8. Cajun Corn
Add a pop of color with Cajun seasoned corn on the cob. Boil or grill corn then coat with spicyseasoned butter. The sweetness balances shrimp’s richness.
9. Cheesy Garlic Bread
Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for serving with shrimp. Load sliced baguette with melted butter, garlic and cheese for an indulgent dipper. Parmesan, mozzarella or fontina work great.
10. Dinner Rolls
Fluffy dinner rolls are another good bread pairing. They love soaking up any leftover sauce or butter. Brush warm rolls with garlic butter or sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning on top.
11. Hushpuppies
Of course, classic shrimp sidekicks like hushpuppies must be included! Fry up these cornmeal dumplings until golden brown to serve with the shrimp. I love adding scallions and cheddar to the batter.
12. Tartar Sauce
And what shrimp is complete without tartar sauce for dipping? Mix mayo, chopped pickles, lemon juice, herbs and a touch of hot sauce for the ideal dip.
Putting Together a Complete Meal
When building your breaded butterfly shrimp dinner, keep these tips in mind:
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Pick 1-2 complementary sides to avoid overdoing it. A salad and starch or veggie pair well.
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Go for color contrast like coleslaw next to cheesy bread.
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Vary textures with something creamy alongside something crunchy.
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Add acidic elements like vinaigrettes to balance fried foods.
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Get creative with globally inspired sides like fried rice or Greek salad.
Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta
Transform plain pasta into a flavorful delight by mixing it with a generous serving of fresh basil pesto. The aromatic pesto enhances the overall dining experience, making it a great choice for shrimp lovers.