What to Serve with Peel and Eat Shrimp: 15 Delicious Side Dish Pairings

Peel and eat shrimp is a classic appetizer for any party or gathering. The sweet, briny flavor of the shrimp makes it a crowd-pleasing starter. But what should you serve alongside these tasty shellfish? The right side dishes can take your shrimp from basic to spectacular.

In this article we’ll recommend 15 of our favorite pairings for peel and eat shrimp. With options ranging from classic Southern sides to fresh salads and more you’ll find the perfect complements to create a mouthwatering shrimp-focused meal.

Classic Southern Sides

Some of the best side dishes for peel and eat shrimp come straight from the Southern kitchen These regional favorites add down-home flavor and comfort to balance out the lightness of the shrimp

Hushpuppies

No shrimp feast is complete without hushpuppies! These savory cornmeal fritters are a staple alongside fried seafood across the South. Our easy hushpuppy recipe yields light, crispy puffs with just the right amount of onion and garlic flavor. Served warm, they are ideal for scooping up shrimp juices and cocktail sauce.

Cheese grits

Grits and shrimp are a match made in Southern heaven. For an indulgent twist, try cheese grits loaded with cheddar alongside your peel and eat shrimp. The richness pairs perfectly with the sweet brininess of the shellfish.

Coleslaw

Cool, crisp coleslaw adds great texture and tang to balance out hot fried shrimp. We love this classic coleslaw recipe made with shredded cabbage, carrots, onion, and a zesty cider vinegar dressing. The crunch cuts through the richness of the shrimp.

Skillet cornbread

Warm skillet cornbread is another beloved Southern staple that complements shrimp so well. For a unique spin, try our butternut squash cornbread flavored with honey and spices. The natural sweetness takes shrimp dishes to the next level.

Fresh Salads and Veggies

Beyond Southern classics, fresh salads and vegetable sides also pair splendidly with peel and eat shrimp. Bright flavors and colors enliven the plate.

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad

This classic Caprese-style salad requires just a few ingredients but offers a sophisticated flavor contrast to briny shrimp. Slice up ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves for a light Italian-inspired pairing.

Grilled corn salad

Grilled corn brings irresistible smoky flavor and natural sweetness. For an easy summer side, grill corn cobs, slice off the kernels, and toss with cherry tomatoes, ricotta salata, basil, and a red wine vinaigrette.

Asparagus with lemon-herb butter

Quick-roasting or grilling turns fresh asparagus into the perfect veggie accompaniment for peel and eat shrimp. Toss spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast or grill until lightly charred. Serve drizzled with melted lemon-herb butter.

Watermelon, feta, and mint salad

This fresh summer salad combines juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and aromatic mint. The sweetness pairs perfectly with savory shrimp. Simply toss watermelon cubes with crumbled feta, torn mint leaves, olive oil, and a squeeze of lime.

More Creative Pairings

For a change of pace from the classics, get creative with globally inspired sides that offer intrigue alongside peel and eat shrimp.

Cajun dirty rice

Elevate your shrimp with the bold Creole flavors of Cajun dirty rice. This Louisiana specialty combines ground meat, onions, peppers, spices, and rice for a satisfying pairing. The spicy heat contrasts the cool sweet shrimp.

Israeli couscous salad

Israeli or pearl couscous has a wonderful chewy texture that pairs nicely with tender shrimp. We love it tossed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta, mint, and lemon vinaigrette for a Mediterranean-style shrimp side.

Coconut rice

Buttery coconut rice is a delicious complement to peel and eat shrimp. The subtle coconut flavor enhances the sweetness of the shrimp. Simply stir coconut milk into your rice along with ginger, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.

Polenta fries

For an irresistible twist, serve crispy oven-baked polenta fries alongside briny shrimp. Fry up wedges of chilled polenta tossed in oil and Italian seasoning until golden brown. Offer tangy marinara sauce for dipping.

Summer rolls

These fresh Vietnamese-style wraps stuffed with shrimp make an impressive appetizer presentation. Fill rice paper wrappers with cooked shrimp, rice vermicelli, cucumber, lettuce, mint, and cilantro. Serve with peanut or nuoc cham dipping sauce.

Tips for Serving Peel and Eat Shrimp

Here are a few final tips for flawlessly executing peel and eat shrimp and sensational sides:

• Chill boiled or fried shrimp before serving for easier peeling.

• Provide small plates, cocktail forks, and plenty of napkins for neat peeling.

• Serve shrimp with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for squeezing and dipping.

• Arrange shrimp around the edges of platters with sides in the middle for a beautiful presentation.

• Vary textures and flavors of sides to complement the shrimp.

With this guide of 15 delicious pairings, you can take your peel and eat shrimp from basic to spectacular. Let us know if you have any other favorite sides for shrimp! We’d love to hear your recipes.