Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m Emily, and today I’m super excited to share my absolute favorite veggie sides that’ll make your coconut shrimp dinner absolutely perfect. After years of experimenting in my kitchen (and yes, making quite a few mistakes!), I’ve figured out which vegetables really make coconut shrimp shine.
Why Picking the Right Vegetable Sides Matters
Before we dive in, lemme tell ya – coconut shrimp is already amazing on its own, but pairing it with the right veggies can take your meal from “meh” to “WOW!” The key is finding vegetables that:
- Balance the richness of the fried coconut coating
- Add different textures to your plate
- Bring complementary flavors without overshadowing the shrimp
Top Vegetable Side Dishes for Coconut Shrimp
1. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
This is my go-to when I’m in a hurry! Here’s why it works
- Takes just 10 minutes to make
- Light and earthy flavor
- Perfect bed for serving your coconut shrimp
- Adds beautiful color contrast
Quick Recipe
- Heat olive oil in a pan
- Add minced garlic
- Toss in fresh spinach
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes
- Cook until just wilted
2. Grilled Pineapple
Okay, technically it’s a fruit, but trust me on this one! It’s absolutely incredible with coconut shrimp. The slight char brings out the natural sweetness and adds a whole new dimension.
Pro tip: Brush with a brown sugar glaze before AND after grilling for extra yumminess!
3. Asian-Style Green Beans
These are seriously addictive! Here’s what you need:
- Fresh green beans
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I love making these kung pao style! They get:
- Crispy on the outside
- Tender on the inside
- Covered in sweet and spicy sauce
- Topped with crunchy peanuts
5. Vegetable Spring Rolls
These are perfect when you want something fancy:
- Filled with fresh veggies
- Crispy wrapper
- Light and refreshing
- Great for dipping
Easy Vegetable Combinations
Sometimes one veggie isn’t enough! Here are my favorite combos:
-
Tropical Mix:
- Grilled pineapple
- Sautéed bell peppers
- Sweet potato wedges
-
Asian-Inspired:
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Sugar snap peas
- Carrots
-
Light & Fresh:
- Mixed green salad
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
Tips for Preparing Vegetable Sides
-
Timing is Everything:
- Start with vegetables that take longer to cook
- Quick-cooking veggies should be last
- Aim to finish everything when shrimp is done
-
Seasoning Suggestions:
- Keep it simple with salt and pepper
- Use Asian-inspired seasonings (ginger, garlic, soy)
- Try tropical flavors (lime, coconut, sweet chili)
-
Cooking Methods:
- Roasting
- Grilling
- Sautéing
- Steam-frying
Making It Work for Different Diets
Let’s be real – everyone’s got different needs! Here’s how to adapt:
For Keto:
- Focus on low-carb veggies
- Add more healthy fats
- Skip the sweet glazes
For Vegan Friends:
- Make extra veggie sides
- Include protein-rich vegetables
- Offer plant-based dipping sauces
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trust me, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to!
-
Overcrowding the Plate:
- Keep portions reasonable
- Leave room for dipping sauces
- Consider separate serving dishes
-
Over-seasoning:
- Let the coconut shrimp shine
- Keep veggie seasonings complementary
- Balance flavors carefully
My Personal Take
After trying literally dozens of combinations, I gotta say – my absolute favorite is a mix of sautéed spinach with garlic as a bed, some grilled pineapple on the side, and a small portion of Asian-style green beans. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Wrapping It Up
Remember, the best vegetable sides for coconut shrimp are ones that:
- Complement without overwhelming
- Add different textures
- Bring fresh flavors to the plate
- Are easy to prepare
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match. And hey, if you mess up (like I did many times), there’s always next time!
What’s your favorite veggie side for coconut shrimp? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
P.S. Don’t forget to pin this for later – you’ll definitely want to come back to it!
How to make crispy coconut shrimp
My simple recipe spells out the best way to make this crunchy shrimp dish.
Your options are to bake in the oven or air fryer, pan fry or deep fry the succulent shrimp.
The main ingredients are easily available from your grocery store and consist of juicy shrimp, Panko, breadcrumbs, and sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes for the coating.
Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce. There are lots of options like a Thai sweet chili sauce, spicy tartar sauce, sweet barbecue sauce or make your own pineapple or mango salsa to go with it.
If you don’t have time to make your own coconut shrimp recipe, you can purchase it frozen in the freezer aisle of your grocery store.
Some specialty stores may offer sweet coconut shrimp fresh in their seafood section for purchase.
What are the best sides to serve with coconut shrimp?
Frozen French fries are easy to bake or air fry at home. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can cut fresh potatoes into fries and deep fry them.
Buy frozen sweet potato fries and make it at home or follow this easy recipe for sweet potatoes with a spicy barbecue seasoning.
I love to serve simple, steamed green beans with coconut shrimp and a side of rice. Or add bacon or pancetta and shredded cheese for a special treat.
Enjoy this sweet salsa with chips or use this as a topping to any fresh fish. It’s delicious on Mahi Mahi, salmon and swordfish.
Slice up a few cucumbers and red onion and toss it with a simple dressing consisting of of 1/4 cup each of apple cider vinegar and water, a tablespoon of white sugar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
This crunchy Chinese slaw recipe with ramen noodles is sweet and delicious and matches well with the sweetness of the coconut shrimp.
This delicious recipe was shared by my neighbor, who makes the best authentic Chinese potstickers I’ve ever tasted. Or try my butternut squash potstickers instead.
Peaches pair deliciously with shrimp and the sweetness of the coconut shrimp makes this salad an great option for getting in your greens.
I’m a big fan of Costco‘s veggie spring rolls. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s also carry premade Spring rolls. Or stop by your local Asian market.
Scrub clean plenty of Idaho potatoes and bake them in a 450 degree oven for an hour. Drizzle each potato with olive oil and kosher salt for an extra special treat.
Grill your favorite fruit like peaches, watermelon, strawberries and kiwi and serve as is or drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.
Coconut Shrimp, Simple, Crispy and Delicious
FAQ
What vegetables go well with coconut shrimp?
Nothing makes you feel better than eating a hot and healthy meal. Keep it fit with pairing our sweet and crunchy shrimp with some hot steamed veggies! We have plenty of options to choose from: Broccoli, peas, asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, and so many combinations you’ll be all set!
What to serve with coconut curry shrimp?
- Mango Salsa with a Kick. …
- Pineapple Fried Rice with a Twist. …
- Creamy Coconut Rice. …
- Spicy Asian Slaw. …
- Tropical Fruit Salad with a Hint of Mint. …
- Grilled Pineapple with a Balsamic Glaze. …
- Avocado and Tomato Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing. …
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries.
What vegetables go well with coconut?
Vegetables. Cauliflower, chile peppers (red or green), cucumber, ginger, green beans, and sweet potatoes.
What pairs well with shrimp as a side?
- 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. …
- Build Your Menu Around Gulf Shrimp.