Tempura shrimp is a crispy, crunchy appetizer that deserves an equally delicious accompaniment. But figuring out what to serve alongside battered and fried shrimp can be tricky You want something that complements the flavors and textures, without overpowering the star of the show
After frying up more than my fair share of tempura over the years, I’ve narrowed down the most mouthwatering side dishes that pair perfectly with this Japanese favorite. From starchy rice and noodles to bright, acidic salads and slaws, keep reading for 33 sensational sides to serve with tempura shrimp.
Classic Pairings for Tempura Shrimp
These traditional side dishes are easy wins alongside tempura shrimp:
Steamed Rice
A bowl of fluffy white rice is the quintessential pairing. The mild flavor soaks up any leftover sauce or oil from the shrimp. For a twist, try brown rice or rice seasoned with furikake or rice vinegar.
Tentsuyu Dipping Sauce
Also called tempura sauce this thin mixture of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin provides salty-sweet flavor. Mix in grated daikon radish for added crunch and freshness.
Miso Soup
The savory umami broth makes a soothing, salty accompaniment between bites of fried shrimp. Opt for dashi-based miso soup for authentic flavor.
Vegetable Tempura
Batter and fry vegetables like eggplant, zucchini or sweet potatoes to round out the meal. They soak up the oil, keeping the tempura shrimp lighter.
Seaweed Salad
The briny ocean flavor of seaweed salad balances the fried food. Look for a mix of seaweed like wakame and hijiki for variety.
Noodle and Rice Dishes
Carbs pair perfectly with shrimp tempura. Try these creative noodle and rice recipes:
- Yakisoba noodles stir-fried with soy sauce and ginger
- Udon noodle salad with shredded cucumber and carrots
- Curry udon with shrimp tempura mixed in
- Donburi rice bowl topped with tempura shrimp
- Onigiri (Japanese rice balls) wrapped around tempura shrimp
- Fried rice with kimchi and sesame oil
Pickled & Fermented Foods
The brightness of pickled vegetables cuts through the fried coating:
- Quick-pickled daikon radish or cucumber
- Kimchi, for spice and acidity
- Fermented soybeans (natto)
- Vinegar-based coleslaw
- Lightly pickled ginger
Fresh Vegetable Sides
Crisp, raw vegetables add nice contrast. Consider:
- Cucumber sunomono salad dressed with rice vinegar
- Blanched spinach or bok choy
- Shredded cabbage salad with sesame dressing
- Stir-fried snap peas with soy sauce and garlic
Dips & Sauces
In addition to tentsuyu, whip up:
- Wasabi mayo for heat
- Sweet chili sauce for a kicks
- Ponzu dipping sauce (soy sauce + rice vinegar + citrus)
- Spicy sesame oil and garlic drizzle
- Japanese mustard for zing
Something Sweet
Counter the saltiness with:
- Mochi ice cream balls
- Matcha green tea cake
- Azuki bean paste filled dorayaki pancakes
- Sweet red bean soup
Fried Sides
More crispy, crunchy foods make good companions:
- Fried lotus root chips
- Japanese-style fried chicken (karaage)
- Tempura sweet potato fries
- Agedashi tofu
Grilled & Seared Items
Smoky, charred foods stand up well to tempura:
- Ginger pork potstickers
- Grilled eggplant with miso
- Wagyu beef sando
- Seared scallops with lemon butter
Hearty Salads and Slaws
Pile shrimp tempura on top of:
- Cold soba noodle salad
- Kale and brussels sprouts salad
- Shredded napa cabbage slaw
- Quinoa salad with edamame and carrots
House Specialties
Some restaurant favorites work nicely:
- Miso butter lobster
- Beef negimaki (scallion-wrapped beef)
- Takoyaki octopus balls
- Okonomiyaki savory pancake
Western-Inspired Dishes
For a fusion feast, try:
- Shrimp po’ boy sandwich
- Fish and chips with tempura shrimp
- Jalapeno poppers
- Caesar salad with fried shrimp
- Corn fritters
Perfectly Paired Sides for Tempura Shrimp
With so many tasty options, from starchy staples to veggies and fusion dishes, you’ll never get bored pairing sides with your crispy tempura shrimp. Branch out from just rice and explore the variety of flavors, textures, and global cuisines that complement this Japanese favorite.
Tempura Shrimp Secrets 海老の天ぷら
What to serve with tempura shrimp?
This will take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. A salad is the perfect side dish to accompany tempura shrimp. Not only is it healthy and refreshing, but it’s also incredibly versatile. There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can put in a salad, so you can easily tailor it to your own taste.
Is shrimp healthy to eat?
Shrimp is very healthy to eat, unless you have an allergy to shellfish. Shrimp is great because it is a low calorie, high protein food that is relatively inexpensive. Shrimp is also very versatile, so there are many recipes out there, meaning that you can eat shrimp multiple times a week each time in a different way. Don’t make shrimp your only protein source, because a healthy diet is also a varied diet.
Do you serve tempura shrimp with sweet and sour sauce?
Tempura shrimp is traditionally served with sauce on the side. I love sweet and sour sauce because it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Tempura shrimp can be quite greasy, and adding sweet and sour sauce as a side dish helps to cut through the grease and adds a bit of extra flavor.
What dipping sauce goes with tempura shrimp?
Tempura shrimp can be served with various dipping sauces, including a traditional soy sauce and mirin mixture, a spicy chili sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and ginger dipping sauce. Tempura shrimp is also usually served with tempura dipping sauce, made from dashi stock.