Are you trying to find a tasty side dish to go with the shrimp recipe you want to make for dinner? We love making shrimp because it’s a flavorful seafood that can be used in many ways. It’s also very quick and easy to make, which is great for busy weeknights! Let us know what you think of when you hear “shrimp.” We’re going to show you more than 25 of the best and most popular side dishes that go with shrimp. These include fresh salads, creamy pastas, vegetable sides, starchy sides like rice and potatoes, and so much more.
Sauteed shrimp is a quick and easy dinner staple that works for busy weeknights or impromptu guests With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, lemon, butter or olive oil, shrimp cooks up fast and packs a flavorful punch The only question is what should you serve with it to make it a complete meal?
Luckily, sauteed shrimp pairs well with a wide variety of sides that can complement, contrast, or bring out new flavors. Choosing the right side dish can take your sauteed shrimp from boring to brilliant! In this article, I’ll share 17 of my favorite pairings so you can decide what to serve with sauteed shrimp next time.
What to Look for in a Side Dish
When brainstorming what to serve with sauteed shrimp. consider the following factors
Flavor – Choose sides that will enhance the flavor of the shrimp. citrusy, herby, garlicky dishes tend to pair well. Avoid flavors that will clash instead of complement.
Texture – Add some contrast with sides that offer crunch, creaminess, or heartiness to balance the shrimp’s delicate texture.
Color – Vibrant, colorful sides are both pretty and appetite-boosting. Aim for a variety of bright hues
Cooking Time – Pick a side that can cook in sync with the quick shrimp cook time. Steer clear of sides requiring hours of simmering or oven roasting.
Seasonality – When possible, pair the shrimp with fresh, in-season produce like summer corn or crisp greens.
Dietary Needs – Consider any gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, or vegan needs. Modify the sides as needed.
Keep these tips in mind as you browse these 17 delicious side dish ideas for sauteed shrimp!
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
Fresh lime juice and zest, cilantro, and rice are transformed into an easy, flavor-packed side dish. The bright citrus flavors pair perfectly with sauteed shrimp. Cook the rice while the shrimp sautes for a fast weeknight dinner.
2. Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread dripping with buttery garlic goodness. The classic Italian flavors complement shrimp scampi or any lemony garlic shrimp recipe. Whip it up in minutes in the oven or toaster oven.
3. Sauteed Vegetables
Almost any vegetable tastes delicious sauteed in olive oil with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Try zucchini, carrots, peppers, broccoli – whatever you have on hand. The medley of sauteed veggies makes a fast, healthy, and colorful accompaniment.
4. Pesto Pasta
Toss hot pasta with pesto for an instant herbaceous, creamy green side. The basil and pine nuts in pesto work brilliantly with shrimp. Cook the pasta while the shrimp sautes for a meal in minutes.
5. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf adds fluffy, buttery grains along with onions, garlic, and aromatic spices like turmeric. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors of the shrimp as you enjoy them together.
6. Coleslaw
Creamy cool coleslaw balances out hot crispy shrimp. Shredded veggies like cabbage and carrots make it a not-too-heavy pairing. The tart, tangy dressing cuts through the richness.
7. Caprese Salad
A fresh caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic is an instant classic Italian appetizer and side dish. The lighter flavors complement, not compete with the starring shrimp.
8. Dinner Rolls
Sometimes simple is best. Warm, soft dinner rolls straight from the oven are a comforting accompaniment for sauteed shrimp. Dip them in any leftover pan sauces for a tasty bite.
9. Lemon Orzo
Tiny orzo pasta tossed in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs makes a zesty Mediterranean-inspired side. The bright acidity balances the shrimp’s richness. No boiling required – just stir and serve.
10. Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are a hearty, savory side dish that pairs well with any protein. Toss mini potatoes or wedges in oil, garlic, and herbs for an easy addition. Roast while the shrimp cooks.
11. Quinoa
Protein-packed quinoa makes a fast and healthy side rich in vitamins and minerals. Toss it with lemon, herbs, olive oil, and garlic to complement shrimp’s flavors. Rinse and cook the quinoa simultaneously with the shrimp.
12. Succotash
The classic combo of lima beans and corn is a tasty savory side. The mix of textures and corn’s sweet pop of flavor balance the shrimp beautifully. Use frozen limas to make it fast.
13. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach turns this superfood green into a savory, garlic-infused accompaniment. Wilt it down in the same pan after cooking the shrimp to get every last drop of flavor.
14. Asparagus
Quick-cooking asparagus needs only a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. The elegant green spears make an easy veggie side for special occasions or everyday meals.
15. Sauteed Bell Peppers & Onions
Cook colorful bell peppers and onions in the same skillet as the shrimp once done. Their sweet flavors perfectly accent the shrimp. Add vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning for extra flair.
16. Greek Salad
A light Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta adds freshness and texture contrast. The tangy vinaigrette complements sauteed shrimp seasoned with lemon and garlic.
17. Cheesy Grits
Rich, creamy grits are an irresistible Southern staple. Sprinkle in sharp cheddar for even more decadence. The cheesy grits team up flawlessly with spicy or garlicky shrimp.
Putting it All Together
With so many tasty options, it can be tough to choose just one side for sauteed shrimp! Luckily, you can serve shrimp multiple times a week while trying out different pairings.
I suggest picking 2-3 of these side dish ideas each week to add to your regular rotation. Shop for and prep the ingredients when you meal plan for the week. Having ready-to-cook sides on hand makes whipping up shrimp dinners fast and easy.
Some of my personal go-tos are lemony orzo, sauteed spinach, and cilantro lime rice. But there are no wrong choices with all of these delicious possibilities!
The next time you make sauteed shrimp for dinner, reference this list for inspiration on what to serve with it. Then dig in and enjoy the flavors! Pairing shrimp with the right side dish can really take your meal from basic to beautiful.
More Side Dish Recipes
Let me know what you thought of this collection of shrimp side dish recipes by rating and commenting below. Take a picture and tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can follow along.
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Best Side Dishes for Shrimp
Fresh corn on the cob from the grill can be turned into a light and tasty summer corn salad with basil, cheese, and cherry tomatoes.
Easy coconut rice is light, fluffy, delicious, and flavorful. Its a quick and easy side dish that compliments all Thai, South Asian, and tropical dishes.
Lemon parmesan asparagus is a delicious way to serve a classic spring vegetable. This side dish is quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes.
This vegan Buddha Bowl is the perfect mix of a salad bowl and a grain bowl. It’s full of healthy foods like grains, vegetables, and protein.
Five simple ingredients are all you need to make this quick and easy pesto penne pasta dish in less than 15 minutes. The easiest dinner.
For a summer barbecue or picnic, or for an easy lunch you can make ahead of time, you can’t go wrong with this fresh, crisp coleslaw salad recipe. Make it in less than 10 minutes.
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a tasty corn on the cob that comes with a cheesy sauce that is made better with cilantro and lime. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful.
Paella vegetariana is a traditional Spanish rice dish that is hearty and filling, made with perfectly cooked rice, saffron, and vegetables.
Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes are easy to make and taste great with a mix of Greek herbs, garlic, and lemon. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Making fluffy quinoa at home is faster and easier than you think! Use our simple recipe to learn how to cook quinoa right every time.
It’s light and fluffy, with fresh basil running through it and melted mozzarella cheese and blistered balsamic tomatoes on top. Ready in 10 minutes!.
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi is a quick and easy comfort food that goes together in one pot. It has chewy gnocchi bites, a simple tomato-based sauce, and melty cheese.
Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and delicious side dish to make this fall. Easy to make ahead and reheats well — perfect for Thanksgiving holiday dinner.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. Its packed with classic ingredients including couscous, fresh veggies, and feta.
Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it’s quick and easy and all made in one pot in just over 30 minutes.
Oven Roasted Vegetables are a delicious flavorful side dish that goes well with almost any dinner main. Customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Lemon butter pasta is quick and easy to make, light yet filling, and loaded with flavor. A delicious twist on classic buttered noodles ready in 15 minutes.
A quick and easy 5-minute tomato, cucumber, and avocado salad with a tasty lemon vinaigrette is a light and refreshing salad.
Mushroom Risotto is a rich creamy one pot rice dish made with simple ingredients that deliver bold flavors. Making homemade risotto from scratch is easy!.
Balsamic Roasted Broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that only takes 25 minutes to make. It is made with tender, crispy broccoli tossed in a tasty five-ingredient glaze.
This buttery rosemary cornbread is both sweet and savory. It’s soft and moist in the middle and golden and crispy on the edges. It’s flavorful and delicious, and it’s so easy to make this holiday season.
Fresh, bright, and lively cilantro lime rice is a side dish that will make any meal taste better. Its a quick, easy, one pot recipe.
Fresh mango salsa is sweet, tangy, and delicious. This is a quick and easy recipe that you can make in less than 10 minutes with only 6 items.
Baked Sweet Potato takes almost no effort to make (in the oven or grill) and always taste amazing. Theyre soft and tender, naturally sweet, and delicious!.
Potato Onion Pierogi are a tasty dumpling recipe made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients: cheese, caramelized onions, and potatoes.
Chickpea Greek salad is a fresh, healthy, bright, and colorful salad full of superfoods, nutrients, and traditional Mediterranean foods.
Cheesy Garlic Bread has garlic butter and melty cheese on top. The outside is toasty and crispy, and the inside is tender and soft. Make in under 20 minutes!.
How to Make Sauteed Shrimp
What side dishes go well with shrimp?
Another star side dish, caprese is always a crowd pleaser. Stick with a classic mozzarella, red tomato, and basil stack, or mix things up with honeydew melon, green tomatoes and burrata. Either way you get a bright, refreshing, and delectable salad that goes oh so well with hot-off-the-grill shrimp. 10. Elote-Style Corn
What to eat with sauteed shrimp?
your plate to complement a meal of sauteed shrimp. Shrimp, rice, and okra always play well together. Get your fill with this casserole that showcases the latter two alongside corn kernels. A scoop of casserole is a simple side for shrimp, and this one incorporates a craveable blend of squash and green chiles.
What to serve with shrimp?
A Greek-inspired veggie salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese will make a nice refreshing side along a more heavy shrimp dish. If you’re serving your shrimp in a cheesy pasta dish or any equally hearty entree, you’ll want something light and fresh to balance it out. A low-in-fat Greek salad will do just the trick! 5.
What to eat with fried shrimp?
If you have a big crowd to feed, au gratin potatoes make a tasty and filling side. Delicious Yukon gold potatoes, plenty of cream and cheese, and a little bit of garlic and spice make for a totally hearty, and absolutely ideal side dish next to some crunchy fried shrimp.