Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been cooking seafood for years, and lemme tell you – steamed shrimp is amazing, but it’s the sides that really make the meal pop! Today, I’m gonna share my favorite side dishes that’ll make your steamed shrimp dinner absolutely irresistible.
Quick Navigation
- Veggie-Based Sides
- Grain and Pasta Sides
- Salads and Fresh Sides
- Potato-Based Sides
- Tips for Pairing
Veggie-Based Sides
1. Garlic Butter Asparagus
OMG, this is my absolute fave! Here’s how I make it:
- Trim fresh asparagus
- Sauté in garlic butter until tender-crisp
- Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh lemon juice
- Pro tip: Don’t overcook! You want that bright green color
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These little guys are game-changers when done right:
- Toss with olive oil and balsamic glaze
- Roast until edges are caramelized
- Optional: Add crispy bacon bits (trust me on this!)
3. Pan-Fried Broccoli
Quick, easy, and super tasty:
- Crisp-tender texture
- Seasoned with garlic powder
- Ready in under 10 minutes
Grain and Pasta Sides
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
This ain’t your boring plain rice:
- Use jasmine or basmati rice
- Add fresh cilantro and lime zest
- Perfect for making shrimp bowls
- Great for soaking up seafood flavors
2. Lemon Herb Quinoa
Healthy and delish
Cooking tip: Use veggie broth instead of water for extra flavor!3. Angel Hair Pasta
Super quick and light:
- Cooks in just 4 minutes
- Toss with olive oil and garlic
- Sprinkle with parsley
- Perfect with scampi-style shrimp
Salads and Fresh Sides
1. Avocado Mango Salad
This tropical combo is to die for
- Creamy avocado chunks
- Sweet mango pieces
- Zesty citrus dressing
- Optional: Add red onion for kick
2. Cucumber Dill Salad
Light and refreshing:
- Thin cucumber slices
- Fresh dill
- Light vinaigrette
- Perfect for summer
3. Black Bean and Corn Salad
Ready in 5 minutes:
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can corn
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
Potato-Based Sides
1. Crispy Potato Wedges
Who doesn’t love these?
- Golden exterior
- Fluffy inside
- Season with:
- Garlic powder
- Rosemary
- Sea salt
2. Sweet Potato Mash
A healthier alternative
- Creamy texture
- Add cinnamon
- Drizzle with honey
- Sprinkle with chives
Tips for Pairing
Here’s what I’ve learned about pairing sides with steamed shrimp:
- Balance is Key
- Light sides for rich shrimp dishes
- Heartier sides for simple steamed shrimp
- Consider Cooking Method
- If grilling shrimp, grill your veggies too
- For steamed shrimp, fresh sides work great
- Sauce Compatibility
- Cocktail sauce? Go lighter on side seasonings
- Plain shrimp? More flavored sides work well
My Personal Favorites for Different Occasions
Quick Weeknight Dinner
- Steamed shrimp + garlic broccoli
- Ready in 15 minutes!
Fancy Dinner Party
- Steamed shrimp
- Lemon pasta
- Roasted asparagus
- Caprese salad
Summer BBQ
- Steamed shrimp
- Corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Cucumber salad
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Can I prep any sides ahead?
A: Yep! Most salads actually taste better when made ahead. Potato dishes can be prepped and reheated.
Q: What’s the quickest side to make?
A: Black bean and corn salad – literally 5 minutes!
Q: How many sides should I serve?
A: For casual dining, 2 sides work great. For parties, I’d go with 3-4 options.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Always have lemons on hand – they’re perfect for both shrimp and sides
- Don’t forget fresh herbs – they elevate every dish
- Keep some frozen veggies for quick sides
- Prep ahead when possible
Listen y’all, these sides ain’t just random picks – they’re tried and true combinations that I’ve served countless times. Whether you’re throwing a party or just making dinner for the fam, these sides will make your steamed shrimp shine!
Final Thoughts
Remember, the best side dish is one that YOU enjoy! Don’t be afraid to mix and match or put your own spin on these suggestions. And hey, if you come up with an awesome combo, drop me a comment – I’d love to hear about it!
Now go forth and create some amazing shrimp dinners! And don’t forget to save this article for later – trust me, you’ll want to come back to it!
P.S. – If you’re like me and love experimenting in the kitchen, try combining different sides for variety. Sometimes the weird combos turn out to be the best ones!
How to Make Ahead and Store Side Dishes
You can make many of these shrimp side dish recipes ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer for up to 3 months. Otherwise, you can prepare the ingredients and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and/or cook. Check the individual recipes for full make ahead and storing instructions.
To reheat, place any leftovers in the air fryer or the oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat (depending on the recipe). If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.
More Side Dish Recipes
Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of side dish recipes to serve with shrimp. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
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