What to Serve with Shrimp De Jonghe: 12 Amazing Side Dishes That’ll Make Your Meal Shine

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been cooking Shrimp De Jonghe for years, and let me tell you – this Chicago classic is absolutely divine. But what really makes this buttery, garlicky shrimp dish pop is pairing it with the right sides. After countless dinner parties and family meals, I’ve put together my favorite side dishes that’ll take your Shrimp De Jonghe game to the next level.

Quick Answer

The best sides for Shrimp De Jonghe include:

• Light green salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Crusty bread or crostini
• Lemon sautéed asparagus
• Light grilled vegetables
• Rice pilaf or zucchini pasta
• Crisp white wine or light beer

Understanding Shrimp De Jonghe

Before we dive into the sides, let’s talk about what makes this dish special. Created by the De Jonghe brothers in Chicago back in the 1890s, this casserole combines plump shrimp with a heavenly mixture of garlic, butter, sherry, and herbed breadcrumbs. It’s rich and decadent, which means we need sides that can balance those intense flavors without overshadowing them.

12 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp De Jonghe

1. Lemon Sautéed Asparagus

This is my go-to side when serving Shrimp De Jonghe. The bright, lemony notes cut through the richness perfectly. Just blanch those green stalks until tender-crisp, then give them a quick sauté with:

• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

2. Burrata Salad

Y’all this one’s a game-changer! The creamy burrata cheese with fresh tomatoes and herbs creates an amazing contrast. I like to add

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Balsamic glaze
• Grilled nectarines (trust me on this one!)

3. Almond Rice Pilaf

When you want something a bit heartier, this rice pilaf is perfect. It soaks up all that amazing garlic butter sauce without being too heavy. Pro tip toast those almonds first for extra flavor!

4. Grilled Corn Salad

During summer, I love serving this fresh and crunchy salad. Mix together

• Grilled corn kernels
• Red onion
• Fresh basil
• Feta cheese
• Cherry tomatoes
• Lemon vinaigrette

5. Zucchini Pasta

Looking for a low-carb option? Zoodles (zucchini noodles) are your best friend! They’re light and fresh, plus they only take about 10 minutes to prepare.

6. Butternut Squash Cornbread

This ain’t your regular cornbread! The sweetness of butternut squash adds an amazing depth that works surprisingly well with the garlicky shrimp.

7. Classic Crostini

Sometimes simple is best! Slice up a baguette, brush with olive oil, and toast until golden. Perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce!

8. Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A simple mixed green salad with a light citrus dressing helps balance the rich flavors of the shrimp. I use:

• Mixed lettuce varieties
• Cucumber
• Shredded carrots
• Fresh herbs
• Light lemon vinaigrette

9. Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables

These veggies add color and nutrition to your plate:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onions
• Olive oil and herbs

10. Focaccia

Like crostini but kicked up a notch! The herbs in focaccia complement the shrimp perfectly.

11. Sautéed Spinach

Quick, easy, and healthy! Just wilt fresh spinach with garlic and a splash of lemon juice.

12. Greek Salad

The briny olives and tangy feta in a Greek salad make an excellent contrast to the rich shrimp.

Beverage Pairings

Don’t forget about drinks! Here’s what I recommend:

• Crisp white wines (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• Light beers (pilsner or pale ale)
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Dry prosecco

Pro Tips for Serving

1. Timing is Everything: I always time my sides to finish just as the shrimp comes out of the oven.

2. Temperature Balance: Serve hot sides hot and cold sides cold – no lukewarm salads!

3. Portion Control: Since Shrimp De Jonghe is rich, keep portions moderate and offer variety with sides.

4. Presentation Matters: I like using individual gratin dishes for the shrimp and arranging sides on a larger platter.

Remember, the key is balance – you want sides that complement without overwhelming the star of the show. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, these sides will help create an unforgettable meal.

A great side dish for shrimp depends on how the shrimp is prepared and your personal preference, but some excellent choices include rice, pasta, salads, and vegetables.

Shrimp scampi and Shrimp de Jonghe are both classic shrimp dishes, but they differ in their preparation and flavor profiles. Shrimp scampi is a garlicky, buttery dish, often served over pasta, with a base of white wine and lemon juice.