Shrimp is a tasty seafood that many people enjoy. It’s great on its own, but adding side dishes can make your meal even better. The right sides can bring out the flavor of the shrimp and make your dinner more filling.
You have many options when picking sides for shrimp. Some classic choices are rice, vegetables, and salads. But you can also try new ideas to make your meal more exciting. Whether you want something light or hearty, there’s a perfect side dish for your shrimp dinner.
Garlic butter shrimp is a tasty dish that can be both an appetizer or main course. It has a tender texture and sweet, buttery flavor that many people love.
The shrimp turn a beautiful pink color when cooked. The garlic and butter create a rich sauce that coats each piece.
You can serve garlic butter shrimp on its own or pair it with other foods. It goes well with many side dishes to make a complete meal. Some good options are vegetables, rice, or pasta.
Lemon herb asparagus makes a perfect side dish for shrimp. You can easily prepare it in just a few minutes. Start by washing and trimming the asparagus spears.
Toss the asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your favorite herbs. Rosemary, thyme, or basil work well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Roast the seasoned asparagus in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. The spears should be tender but still crisp. For added flavor, grate some lemon zest over the asparagus before serving.
This bright and zesty side complements shrimp dishes beautifully. The lemon adds a fresh kick that pairs well with seafood.
Creamy risotto makes a delicious side dish for shrimp. This Italian rice dish is rich and comforting. To make it, you’ll need Arborio rice, broth, and Parmesan cheese.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter. Add the rice and toast it briefly. Pour in wine and let it absorb. Gradually add warm broth, stirring constantly.
The rice will become creamy as it cooks. Finish with butter and Parmesan for extra richness. You can add cooked shrimp directly to the risotto or serve them on top.
For extra flavor, try adding saffron or lemon zest. Asparagus or peas make great veggie additions too.
Grilled zucchini is a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. You can easily prepare it on the same grill as your shrimp for a quick and convenient meal.
To make grilled zucchini, slice it into long strips or rounds. Brush the pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, Italian herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. The smoky taste of grilled zucchini complements the sweetness of shrimp perfectly.
Spinach and artichoke dip makes a tasty side for shrimp. This creamy dip blends tangy artichokes with savory spinach and cheese.
You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
For extra flavor, try adding some chopped shrimp to the dip itself. This combines the dip and shrimp into one delicious appetizer.
The rich, cheesy dip balances nicely with the light, sweet flavor of shrimp. It’s a crowd-pleasing combo that’s perfect for parties or game day snacking.
Cajun corn on the cob adds a spicy twist to a classic summer side dish. You’ll love this zesty take on corn that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
To make it, brush hot corn with butter and sprinkle on a mix of Cajun spices. The blend often includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs.
For extra flavor, grill the corn before adding spices. This brings out its natural sweetness. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy kick.
Cajun corn complements the flavors of shrimp dishes well. It’s a great choice for barbecues, seafood boils, or any meal where you want to spice things up.
Quinoa salad is a tasty and healthy side dish for shrimp. This protein-packed grain provides a light, nutty flavor that complements seafood well.
You can mix cooked quinoa with fresh veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers for added crunch and color. Toss in some herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
A zesty dressing made with lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey ties it all together. The bright, citrusy notes pair perfectly with shrimp.
This versatile salad can be served warm or chilled. It’s a great make-ahead option that gets even better as the flavors meld.
Garlic roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for shrimp. You can easily prepare them on a sheet pan in about 20 minutes.
Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until crispy on the outside and tender inside.
For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sprouts after roasting. The citrus complements both the Brussels sprouts and shrimp nicely.
This side dish adds a nice crunch and garlicky taste to your shrimp meal. It’s also a nutritious option packed with vitamins and fiber.
Creamed spinach makes a great side dish for shrimp. Its rich, creamy texture pairs well with the tender seafood. You can easily make this classic at home by sautéing spinach with garlic and cream.
The savory flavors of creamed spinach complement shrimp nicely. Try serving it alongside grilled or pan-seared shrimp for a delicious meal. You can also mix cooked shrimp directly into the creamed spinach for a one-dish option.
For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese to your creamed spinach. A sprinkle of nutmeg can also enhance the taste. Serve this comforting side warm for the best results with your shrimp.
Mango avocado salsa is a fresh and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with shrimp. You can make it by combining diced mango, avocado, tomatoes, and jalapeño in a bowl.
Add some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
This salsa is versatile and can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. Just wait to add the avocado until right before serving to keep it fresh.
Mango avocado salsa adds a tropical twist to your shrimp dishes. It’s great with grilled shrimp tacos or as a topping for chili lime shrimp bowls.
Sweet potato fries make a tasty side dish for shrimp. They offer a sweet and savory flavor that complements seafood well.
You can bake or fry these orange-hued treats. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
For dipping, try aioli or a spicy mayo. These sauces pair nicely with both the fries and shrimp.
Sweet potato fries add color and nutrition to your plate. They’re rich in vitamins A and C. Plus, their natural sweetness balances out the salty shrimp.
Greek salad is a perfect side dish for shrimp. This fresh and colorful salad brings a Mediterranean flair to your meal.
The main ingredients are crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. Red onions add a sharp bite, while Kalamata olives bring a rich, salty flavor.
A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano ties everything together. The acidity of the dressing complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
You can customize your Greek salad by adding bell peppers or using different types of olives. For extra protein, toss in some grilled shrimp right on top of the salad.
Cilantro lime rice adds a zesty kick to your shrimp dish. This flavorful side brings a fresh, citrusy taste that pairs well with seafood.
To make it, cook white rice as usual. Then mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of butter. The result is a light, fluffy rice with bright flavors.
You can serve cilantro lime rice hot or cold. It works great as a base for shrimp tacos or bowls. The rice also complements grilled or blackened shrimp nicely.
For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or a dash of cumin to the rice. This simple side dish is quick to make and adds a tasty twist to your shrimp meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Side Dishes
Shrimp side dishes offer many health benefits. They can boost your protein intake, help with weight management, and provide important nutrients.
Rich in Protein
Shrimp is packed with protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein. This helps build and repair muscles.
Protein also keeps you feeling full longer. This can help you eat less overall.
When you pair shrimp with protein-rich sides like quinoa or beans, you get even more protein. This combo is great for active people or those trying to build muscle.
Low in Calories
Shrimp is low in calories but high in nutrients. This makes it a good choice if you’re watching your weight.
A 3-ounce serving of shrimp has only about 85 calories. That’s less than chicken or beef.
Many shrimp side dishes use veggies. These add flavor and nutrients without many calories. Think salads, roasted vegetables, or zucchini noodles.
Vitamins and Minerals
Shrimp contains several important vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of selenium, which helps your immune system.
Shrimp also provides vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. These nutrients support your body’s energy production and immune function.
Side dishes can add even more nutrients. Leafy greens offer vitamin K and folate. Colorful veggies provide antioxidants. Whole grains add fiber and B vitamins.
By mixing different sides with shrimp, you create a well-rounded meal. This gives your body a wide range of nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Balancing Flavors with Shrimp
Shrimp has a delicate taste that pairs well with many flavors. The key is to complement without overpowering. Spices and vegetables can enhance shrimp dishes when used thoughtfully.
Complementary Spices
Garlic and lemon are classic pairings for shrimp. They bring out the natural sweetness without masking it. Try sprinkling garlic powder and a squeeze of lemon juice on grilled shrimp.
Paprika adds a mild, sweet heat that works nicely. Use it in shrimp tacos or sprinkle on before grilling.
Cayenne pepper gives a spicy kick in small amounts. Add a pinch to shrimp stir-fries for extra zing.
Dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil can add depth. Mix them into breadcrumbs for crispy baked shrimp.
Pairing with Vegetables
Asparagus makes a great side for shrimp. Its mild flavor won’t compete. Try sautéing both together with garlic and olive oil.
Bell peppers add color and crunch. Dice them for shrimp fajitas or stir-fries.
Zucchini noodles are a light, fresh pairing. Top them with sautéed shrimp and tomato sauce for a low-carb meal.
Corn complements shrimp’s sweetness. Mix grilled corn kernels into a shrimp salad.
Leafy greens like spinach or kale work well too. Wilt them into shrimp pasta dishes for added nutrition.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Sides
The right cooking method can make or break your shrimp side dishes. These techniques will help you create delicious accompaniments that complement your seafood perfectly.
Grilling and Roasting
Grilling and roasting add a smoky flavor to vegetables. Brush corn on the cob with butter and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning often. This creates a sweet, charred taste.
For roasted vegetables, toss asparagus or broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. The high heat caramelizes the edges, bringing out rich flavors.
Grilled or roasted potatoes make a hearty side. Cut them into wedges, season, and cook until crispy outside and tender inside.
Steaming and Boiling
Steaming keeps vegetables crisp and colorful. Place a steamer basket in a pot with an inch of water. Add veggies like green beans or carrots. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
Boiling works well for starchy sides. For perfect rice, use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 18-20 minutes.
Boiled new potatoes are simple and tasty. Cook them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Toss with butter and herbs before serving.
Sautéing Techniques
Sautéing is quick and adds flavor to vegetables. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced zucchini or bell peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often.
For a flavorful twist, sauté garlic in oil before adding veggies. This infuses the dish with a rich taste. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Sautéed greens like spinach or kale make nutritious sides. Cook them just until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
