When you dig into a bowl of etouffee, you want side dishes that can stand up to its strong flavors. Whether you love this Southern classic for its creamy texture or its spicy kick, the right sides can make your meal truly unforgettable.
So, what goes best with crawfish etouffee? These 16 side dishes really bring out the best in this Cajun and Creole masterpiece.
If you want to serve etouffee with sides, you should have wedge salad, eggplant parmesan, mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, roasted Brussels sprouts, southern-style collard greens, sweet potato fries, black-eyed pea salad, grilled asparagus, garlic knots, and apple coleslaw.
Jasmine rice and etouffee go together like peanut butter and jelly. The rice soaks up all the flavors from the etouffee, making for a delightful eating experience. Plus, the aromatic quality of jasmine rice adds an extra layer of complexity to the meal. Its not just a filler – its a side dish that contributes to the whole experience.
Cornbread is not just a slice of the South; its also an ideal partner for etouffee. Its sweet, crumbly texture pairs incredibly well with the spiciness of the main dish. It’s best served warm, and if you want to go all out, put a lot of butter on top. Honestly, each bite of cornbread alongside etouffee feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. You can even add some jalapenos to the cornbread mix for an extra kick!.
Are you on a health kick? No worries; cauliflower rice has got you covered. Its texture mimics that of regular rice but offers a lighter carb footprint. To make it taste even better, add some chopped parsley or a squeeze of lime juice. Its not just about cutting carbs; its about adding a new layer of taste to complement crawfish etouffee. Truly a guilt-free indulgence!.
Lets talk about quinoa. It’s not just for salads; its earthy, nutty taste makes it a great choice as a side dish for etouffee. Its protein-packed, so youre getting nutrients along with a mouthful of flavor. Plus, the grains have a wonderful ability to soak up all the etouffee goodness. Its a winning combination of health and taste, suitable for any day of the week, really.
Soft and creamy, polenta serves as a wonderful base for shrimp etouffee. Its smooth texture and mild taste provide balance against the robust flavors of the main dish. Add a touch of parmesan for extra flavor.
If youre looking for something lighter, a classic wedge salad can do the trick. When you eat shrimp etouffee, the crunchy iceberg lettuce and tasty toppings like bacon and blue cheese make it taste even better.
Shrimp etouffee is a flavorful Cajun dish that deserves equally tasty side dishes. The rich, spicy sauce begs for sides that can soak up the goodness while providing texture and flavor contrasts. Whether you want something hearty, fresh, or traditional, I’ve got you covered.
After researching popular recommendations from top food sites, I’ve compiled this list of 16 delicious options for what to serve with shrimp etouffee. From rice and breads to vegetables and salads, these sides are sure to take your etouffee meal to the next level!
The Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Etouffee
1. White Rice
You can’t go wrong with a hearty scoop of white rice alongside shrimp etouffee The rice soaks up the amazing sauce while providing a mild base Long grain or jasmine rice work great. I prefer jasmine rice for its pleasant floral aroma.
2. Dirty Rice
For a Cajun-style rice dish, try dirty rice. It’s made by cooking rice with small pieces of pork or chicken liver for flavor. The “dirty” appearance comes from the meats and spices. Dirty rice adds hearty protein to balance the shrimp.
3. Cheese Grits
Creamy cheese grits make an indulgent pairing with spicy etouffee. The smooth texture contrasts nicely with shrimp. Stir in sharp cheddar or Monterey jack for a flavor boost.
4. Cornbread
This Southern staple is a natural fit. Cornbread soaks up sauce and adds sweet corn flavor. Bake your own or use a pre-made mix for an easy addition. I like to add jalapenos or cheddar to cornbread for extra kick.
5. Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits work wonderfully with shrimp etouffee. They can soak up sauce without getting mushy. Serve biscuits warm right out of the oven and add honey or jam for extra flavor.
6. Garlic Bread
Buttery, garlicky bread is amazing for dipping in etouffee sauce. French bread, baguettes, or loaf bread work well. I love using fresh parsley and parmesan too. This easy side adds lots of flavor.
7. Quinoa
For a healthy grain option, try quinoa. It has a pleasant nutty taste and fluffy texture when cooked. Quinoa contains more protein than rice or pasta, making it very filling. Toss in herbs, lemon juice or roasted veggies for extra flavor.
8. Cauliflower Rice
If you want an even lower carb alternative, cauliflower rice is fantastic. Simply pulse raw cauliflower in a food processor until it mimics rice texture. Saute with oil, garlic and spices for a quick low-carb side. It soaks up sauce well.
9. Potato Salad
Cool, creamy potato salad balances the warmth of etouffee. This classic side adds potato bulk and tangy flavor from mustard and vinegar. Use red potatoes or sweet potatoes for fun color and texture contrasts. Add celery, onion and herbs to amp it up.
10. Coleslaw
For another fresh, tangy option, try coleslaw. Thinly shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing provides a lighter pairing for rich shrimp. Apple, lemon or lime juice add nice fruit accents to the slaw.
11. Collard Greens
Slow-cooked collard greens are a flavorful Southern side for etouffee. Braise the greens with smoked pork or turkey for depth. Collards provide vitamin-rich bitterness to balance the shrimp’s richness.
12. Green Beans
For a pop of color, serve fresh green beans. Blanch or steam them until crisp-tender and toss with browned butter or lemon juice. I also love green beans sautéed with sliced almonds for crunch. Such a tasty veggie accompaniment.
13. Creamed Spinach
Silky creamed spinach makes a fantastic pairing. Saute fresh spinach with garlic, nutmeg, cream and parmesan for an indulgent side. The creamy greens complement spicy etouffee wonderfully.
14. Roasted Broccoli
For another green veggie, try roasted broccoli florets. Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic and spices and roast until caramelized and crisp. The charred flavor and crunch stands up to rich etouffee.
15. Asparagus
For an elegant vegetable, grill or roast fresh asparagus spears. The grassy flavor pairs nicely with shrimp. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and lemon. Grill until lightly charred for added depth.
16. Corn on the Cob
Don’t underestimate sweet corn on the cob! Grilled or boiled corn provides a sweet, starchy balance with etouffee’s spice. Slather grilled corn with a compound butter for extra richness.
Putting Together the Perfect Meal
With so many tasty sides to choose from, it can be tricky deciding what to serve. Here are some tips for putting together a well-rounded etouffee meal:
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Pick 1-2 sides to avoid overdoing it. Choose a starch like rice or cornbread plus a vegetable or salad.
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Consider meal balance. Pair richer sides like cheesy grits with lighter ones like slaw or greens.
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Add crunch. Sides like corn, green beans or roasted broccoli provide nice textural contrast.
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Bring on flavor. Acidic, tangy sides like potato salad help cut through the rich sauce.
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Go traditional. Classic Southern pairings like collard greens, cornbread and coleslaw remind you of Louisiana cuisine.
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Make a theme. Doing a Cajun meal? Dirty rice, greens and corn on the cob are fun.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Dont roll your eyes just yet; Brussel sprouts have made a comeback. When roasted, they offer a rich, earthy flavor and a delightful crunch. Their slightly bitter taste can cut through the richness of the Etouffee, creating a balanced meal youll love.
If youre a fan of the sweet and spicy combo, sweet potato fries are your jam. Their natural sweetness pairs amazingly with the heat from the Etouffee, creating a fun play on flavors. Crisp them up in the oven with a dash of salt, and youve got a winning side.
1 Garlic Knots
For those of us who can’t say no to bread (and really, who can?), garlic knots are a sweet treat. They are warm, soft, and full of garlic and butter. They soak up the etouffee sauce so well that none of it goes to waste.