Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’m super excited to share my favorite side dishes that’ll make your spicy shrimp dinner absolutely incredible As someone who’s tried countless combinations, I know finding the right sides can be tricky – you want something that complements the heat without overshadowing those juicy shrimps!
Why You Need Great Side Dishes with Spicy Shrimp
Just like adding the perfect accessories to your outfit, side dishes can make or break your spicy shrimp meal They help
- Balance out the spiciness
- Add different textures and flavors
- Make the meal more filling
- Create a more complete dining experience
Best Side Dishes for Spicy Shrimp
1. Fresh and Cool Salads
Macaroni Salad
This classic never disappoints! The creamy, slightly sweet dressing perfectly balances spicy shrimp. I love adding:
- Bell peppers
- Celery
- Boiled eggs
- Fresh herbs
Greek Veggie Salad
A refreshing mix with:
- Crisp cucumbers
- Juicy tomatoes
- Red onions
- Kalamata olives
- Crumbly feta cheese
Caprese Salad
Simple yet elegant
- Fresh mozzarella
- Ripe tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Balsamic drizzle
2. Starchy Sides
Cilantro Lime Rice
The perfect base that soaks up all that yummy spicy sauce! The citrus kick adds an extra layer of flavor.
Pesto Zoodles
For my health-conscious friends, these zucchini noodles are amazing! They’re:
- Low-carb
- Fresh tasting
- Super nutritious
- Quick to make
3. Veggie-Based Sides
Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
We’re talking simple but delicious:
- Fresh asparagus
- Good olive oil
- Sea salt
- Parmesan cheese
- Minced garlic
Grilled Kabobs
These are perfect for summer BBQs:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Pineapple chunks
- Melons
4. Comfort Food Sides
Couscous Primavera
Light yet satisfying with:
- Seasonal veggies
- Fresh herbs
- Light seasoning
- Quick cooking time
Elote-Style Corn
This Mexican-inspired side is to die for:
- Grilled corn
- Mayo
- Chili powder
- Lime juice
- Cotija cheese
- Chopped cilantro
Tips for Pairing Sides with Spicy Shrimp
- Consider the Heat Level
- Milder sides work better with super spicy shrimp
- Heartier sides can handle medium heat
- Fresh, cooling sides help balance intense spiciness
- Think About Texture
- Creamy sides
- Crunchy vegetables
- Soft starches
- Crispy elements
- Season Appropriately
- Don’t overseason sides when serving with spicy shrimp
- Let the shrimp’s flavors shine
- Focus on complementary tastes
Make-Ahead Options
Many of these sides can be prepped in advance:
- Salads (except dressed greens)
- Rice dishes
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled items
My Personal Favorites
I gotta tell ya, after trying all these combinations, my top 3 go-to sides are:
- Cilantro lime rice (perfect for soaking up sauce!)
- Greek veggie salad (so refreshing!)
- Grilled kabobs (especially during summer!)
Final Tips
Listen up! Here’s what I’ve learned from countless shrimp dinners:
- Always have something cooling on the plate
- Include at least one starchy side
- Add something fresh and crunchy
- Don’t forget the bread for sauce-soaking!
Wrapping Up
P.S. Don’t forget to grab some extra napkins – these spicy shrimp combos can get messy, but that’s half the fun!
Got any amazing side dish ideas I missed? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’m always looking to try new combinations!
Our Favorite Shrimp Recipes
Need some extra inspo on shrimp dishes to make for dinner. Here are some of our favorites!
For more, see our 30 Best Shrimp Recipes.
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.
Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce
FAQ
What to pair with spicy shrimp?
- Coleslaw. Creamy and cool, coleslaw is a perfect for any time of year. …
- Grits. This Southern staple is quick and easy to prepare. …
- French Fries. …
- Fresh Vegetables. …
- Rice Pilaf.
What do you serve with shrimp?
- 01 of 14. Roquefort Pear Salad. …
- 02 of 14. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan. …
- 03 of 14. Amish Macaroni Salad. …
- 04 of 14. Pesto Zoodles. …
- 05 of 14. Good for You Greek Salad. …
- 06 of 14. Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin. …
- 07 of 14. Fresh Broccoli Salad. …
- 08 of 14.
What is a good dish with shrimp?
Try our one-pot shrimp primavera, our shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, or our creamy chipotle shrimp pasta. Love Asian food? Shrimp makes a great addition to all your faves, like in our shrimp kung pao noodles, our shrimp pad Thai, or our honey walnut shrimp.
What pairs well with hot honey shrimp?
- Rice: A bed of fluffy rice is an excellent choice to accompany your easy shrimp dinner idea. …
- Vegetables: Get creative with your vegetable pairings. …
- Salad: To add freshness and lightness to your meal, consider serving a refreshing salad alongside the dish.