Hey there shrimp lovers! As a food blogger who’s spent countless hours experimenting in the kitchen I’m super excited to share my favorite food pairings with shrimp. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner party or just want to jazz up your weeknight meals, I’ve got you covered with these amazing combinations that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Why Shrimp Makes an Awesome Main Dish
Before we dive into the pairings let’s talk about why shrimp is such a fantastic protein choice
- Quick cooking time (usually 2-3 minutes per side)
- Versatile (can be grilled, fried, boiled, or sautéed)
- High in protein but low in calories
- Takes on flavors really well
- Perfect for both casual and fancy meals
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp
1. Veggie-Based Sides
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
I’m telling ya, this is a match made in heaven! The crispy, cheesy asparagus complements shrimp perfectly. Just toss with olive oil, sprinkle some parmesan, and roast for 20 minutes. Super easy!
Fresh Broccoli SaladThis crunchy side dish adds amazing texture and nutrition to your shrimp meal. Pro tip make it ahead of time to let the flavors develop!
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
For my low-carb friends out there, zoodles with pesto make an awesome base for grilled or sautéed shrimp. Plus, they’re ready in like 10 minutes!
2. Grain-Based Companions
Couscous Primavera
Y’all won’t believe how quick this is – just 10 minutes! The light, fluffy texture pairs beautifully with shrimp, especially when you add fresh seasonal veggies.
Orzo Salad with Spinach
This is my go-to for summer parties! The combination of orzo pasta and baby spinach creates a refreshing side that works with any shrimp preparation.
3. Potato-Based Sides
-
Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin
- Perfect portion control
- Crispy edges, creamy center
- Great with fried shrimp
-
Oven Roasted Red Potatoes
- Crispy outside, soft inside
- Seasoned with herbs
- Ideal for grilled shrimp
Salads That Complete Your Shrimp Dish
Fresh and Fancy Options
- Roquefort Pear Salad
Components:- Blue cheese- Fresh pears- Caramelized pecans- Mustard vinaigrette- Greek Salad
Key Ingredients:- Crisp vegetables- Feta cheese- Kalamata olives- Light vinaigretteUnique Pairings You Might Not Have Tried
1. Tropical Twists
- Mango Guacamole: Trust me on this one! The sweet mango + creamy avocado = perfect with coconut shrimp
- Grilled Fruit Kabobs: Mix pineapple, mango, and peaches for a summery side
2. Comfort Food Companions
- Amish Macaroni Salad: Creamy, tangy, and perfect for shrimp boils
- Grilled Cinnamon Toast: Sounds weird, works amazing with spicy grilled shrimp!
Tips for Pairing Foods with Different Shrimp Preparations
Fried Shrimp Goes Best With:
- Light, acidic sides
- Crispy vegetables
- Creamy dips
Grilled Shrimp Loves:
- Smoky vegetables
- Fresh salads
- Citrus-based sides
Boiled Shrimp Pairs Well With:
- Corn on the cob
- Potatoes
- Spicy dips
My Personal Favorite Combinations
-
Summer Feast
- Grilled garlic shrimp
- Roasted asparagus
- Mango guacamole
- Citrus quinoa
-
Comfort Dinner
- Fried shrimp
- Potato gratin
- Fresh broccoli salad
- Warm bread
Pro Tips for Perfect Pairings
- Consider the cooking method of your shrimp
- Balance textures (crispy with soft, etc.)
- Think about temperature contrasts
- Don’t forget about sauces and dips!
Common Pairing Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t pair heavy sides with rich shrimp dishes
❌ Avoid competing strong flavors
❌ Skip super spicy sides with delicate shrimp preparations
Quick Reference Table for Shrimp Pairings
| Shrimp Style | Best Sides | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fried | Light salads, crispy veggies | Heavy cream sauces |
| Grilled | Smoky vegetables, rice | Fried sides |
| Boiled | Corn, potatoes, sausage | Delicate greens |
| Sautéed | Pasta, zoodles | Heavy starches |
Wrapping It Up!
There ya have it, folks! These pairings will definitely take your shrimp game to the next level. Remember, cooking should be fun and experimental – don’t be afraid to try new combinations! I’d love to hear about your favorite shrimp pairings in the comments below.
And hey, if you’re looking for more seafood pairing ideas or have questions about any of these combinations, just drop me a line! We’re all in this cooking adventure together! ✨
Happy cooking!
P.S. Don’t forget to share this guide with your seafood-loving friends – they’ll thank you later!
[Note: This article is regularly updated with new pairing suggestions and seasonal recommendations to keep it fresh and relevant!]
What to Serve with Shrimp: Flavors Profiles
There are many flavors, spices and seasonings that go with shrimp! When you think about what to serve with shrimp, there are a few that really stand out, such as garlic, lime juice, saffron, and chili powder. But let’s look more at the different flavor profiles that can go so well with shrimp. This is by no means a complete list of all of them, but rather a ‘taste’ of some profiles and shrimp dishes for inspiration.
Mexican – Shrimp is a wonderful main course option for Mexican recipes. It tastes amazing with cumin, chili powder, and chipotle. Just be careful not to bury the shrimp in sauce and cheese to the point that it is unrecognizable. A great option to use shrimp is in shrimp tacos. My Shrimp Baja Tacos with Mango Salsa and Chipotle Crema are easy to make and delicious. Or how about just grilled shrimp with Zippy Pineapple Salsa with Avocado (red bell peppers, jalapenos, cilantro, and pineapple) and tortilla chips for a more tropical vibe?
Italian – I’m sure Shrimp Scampi comes to mind. Italian cuisine uses shrimp in a wonderful way with just garlic, olive oil, white wine and lemon juice often. But you can also get creative and add it to Fettuccine Alfredo or this Garlic and Parmesan Pasta with Pancetta and Black Pepper.
French – French food is known for it’s amazing sauces, many of which are based in glorious butter. So this Best Orange Brown Butter Shrimp is a wonderful way to celebrate shrimp.
Asian – Whether Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, or other delicious cuisines, shrimp plays a large role. Flavors such as ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and chilis just to name a few, bring out the delicious flavor and texture of shrimp. Try this shrimp recipe: Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe {Singapore Rice Noodles} to see how amazing shrimp is with these flavors. There is also Creamy Chinese Coconut Shrimp Recipe with coconut milk.
Cajun – Cajun food pairs hot and spicy with cool and calming. And that’s just what you get with my recipe for Shrimp and Grits with Cream Sauce and Chicken Andouille Sausage.
Can Cheese Be Used with Shrimp?
There is a myth that you cannot pair cheese with seafood. Well, I say NONSENSE! You can pair cheese with anything you want! I will say that moderation is important with what cheese to serve with shrimp. If you pour a thick and rich cheese sauce all over the shrimp, they may get very lost. However, a dusting of parmesan cheese or cotija cheese, a sprinkle of feta cheese or cheddar cheese, a round of goat cheese will go far with shrimp. So, experiment and have fun with it, but don’t be held back by any no-cheese rules that you’ve heard when it comes to shrimp!
How to Cook Shrimp Scampi with Pasta | Allrecipes
FAQ
What does shrimp pair well with?
- Coleslaw : A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a nice contrast to the crispy shrimp.
- French Fries : Classic and always a favorite, crispy French fries are a great accompaniment.
- Hush Puppies : These deep-fried cornmeal balls are a Southern staple that pairs perfectly with fried shrimp.
- Corn on the Cob
- Rice