Hey there, shrimp lovers! If you’re anything like me, you probably love a good boiled shrimp feast but sometimes struggle with what sides to serve. Well, worry no more! I’ve put together this ultimate guide of amazing side dishes that’ll take your boiled shrimp game to the next level.
Classic Must-Have Sides
1. Corn on the Cob
Nothing beats the sweet crunch of corn on the cob alongside boiled shrimp! Here’s my pro tip: let it soak in that seasoned broth after removing the shrimp – it soaks up all that yummy flavor. You can serve it:
- Plain with butter
- Seasoned with cajun spices
- Grilled for extra smokiness
2. Potatoes Three Ways
We’ve got options, folks!
- Mashed Potatoes: Make ’em extra creamy with brown butter
- Potato Salad: Perfect for summer gatherings
- Boiled Potatoes: Simple but delicious when they soak up the seafood flavors
3. Garlic Bread Variations
- French bread with garlic butter
- Cheesy garlic bread
- Sourdough dinner rolls
Fresh & Crunchy Sides
4. Coleslaw Options
Y’all, a good coleslaw is ESSENTIAL! Try these versions:
- Classic creamy coleslaw
- Spicy sriracha slaw
- Creole-style coleslaw
5. Fresh Salads
- Watermelon feta salad (perfect for summer!)
- Cucumber avocado salad
- Caesar salad
Southern Comfort Sides
6. Classic Southern Favorites
These sides are practically mandatory at any proper shrimp boil
- Hushpuppies
- Fried okra
- Cornbread
- Collard greens
7. Mac & Cheese
Let’s be real – everything’s better with mac & cheese! Try these versions
- Classic cheddar
- Smoked gouda
- Cajun-spiced
Rice-Based Sides
8. Rice Dishes
- Cilantro lime rice
- Cajun dirty rice
- Simple white rice
Unique & Creative Sides
9. Unexpected But Delicious Pairings
- Fried pickles
- Dill pickle pasta salad
- Hawaiian macaroni salad
- Spicy pickled vegetables
Quick & Easy Options
10. Last-Minute Sides
When you’re in a hurry but still want something tasty:
- Steamed vegetables
- Quick garlic green beans
- Simple garden salad
Tips for Serving
- Temperature Balance: Serve some hot sides and some cold sides
- Timing: Prep cold sides ahead, finish hot sides just before serving
- Portions: Plan for about 2-3 side dishes per meal
- Variety: Mix textures and flavors for the best experience
My Personal Recommendations
As someone who’s hosted countless shrimp boils, here’s what I usually serve:
- One starchy side (usually mac & cheese or potatoes)
- One fresh/cold side (coleslaw or salad)
- One bread option
- Corn on the cob (non-negotiable!)
Common Questions I Get
Q: How many sides should I serve?
A: For a casual dinner, 2-3 sides work great. For parties, I’d go with 4-5 options.
Q: Can I prep anything ahead?
A: Yes! Most cold sides like coleslaw and potato salad actually taste better when made a day ahead.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the best sides for boiled shrimp are ones that:
- Balance out the spicy seafood flavors
- Provide different textures
- Can soak up those delicious juices
- Are easy to serve and eat
And hey, don’t be afraid to mix it up! While these are tried-and-true options, feel free to experiment with your own combinations. That’s what makes cooking fun!
Want more serving ideas or specific recipes? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear what sides y’all serve with your boiled shrimp!
Happy cooking, y’all! Now excuse me while I go make some of that mac & cheese…
The Best Side Dishes for a Shrimp Boil
Typical side dishes include hush puppies, sweet potato fries, and a simple potato salad.
Usually, with this easy seafood dish, I don’t include anything but a simple salad. However, if you’re wanting to serve a crowd, it’s nice for them to bring something. Plus, not everyone likes tender shrimp or juicy crawfish! So having some good side dishes will help round out the meal, and give everyone something they enjoy!
One way to help get a few more veggies on the menu is to make some vegetable skewers. Fill a skewer with bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and anything else you like. Grill it while your shrimp dish is cooking, and you’ll have one of the best sides!
Garlic Butter Seafood Sauce — Buerre Blanc is THE perfect sauce to serve with your shrimp boil! And, if you’re adding crab legs to the boil, this sauce is a must-have! Fresh garlic, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice are all gently whisked into melted butter for the ultimate decadent dipping sauce for any seafood.
Seafood Boil Sauce — Butter, garlic, and plenty of seasoning! This sauce was made for dipping shrimp, corn, and everything in between!
Another entertaining tip for a great idea for outdoor events when hosting a crawfish boil (or any kind of boil!) is to line your tables with parchment paper first. Then, top with kraft paper. People will line their tables with newspapers, but it’s often very dirty! And, this meal you eat right off the table, no plates or silverware involved. So! Using a heavy-duty kraft paper is nice. But, the pre-lining of parchment paper helps keep your table safe, and clean up a breeze!
Classic Macaroni Salad – Filled with surprising veggies and a creamy dressing, this pasta salad is a classic side dish that’s welcome on any dinner table!
Southern Cucumber and Tomato Salad — nothing screams summer entertaining more than a deliciously classic cucumber and tomato salad. It’s so refreshing to have summer’s fresh harvest on your table and enjoy the (literal!) fruits of your labor. People make theirs all different ways, but this recipe is a pure classic Southern recipe! Give it a try!
Spicy Coleslaw — It’s the classic creamy coleslaw recipe but with a bit of a spicy kick from some mild green Tabasco sauce. Love the idea of adding that kick to an ordinary side dish to make it extraordinary!
Fourth of July Fruit Salad — if you’re hosting your gathering during a patriotic holiday, this watermelon salad is a great addition! Plus, the festive star-shaped apples are a fun way to make the buffet look extra exciting!
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic — Sauteed spinach is a great side dish to add to your menu. It’s easy to prepare while your seafood is cooking, and it adds some extra veggie excitement to the meal. It’s super simple with olive oil, fresh garlic, and a little salt and pepper.
Cilantro Rice — everyone loves rice! And this is a flavor-packed side dish your people will love! White rice is combined with cilantro for a side dish everyone will love.
Air Fryer Cornbread — The crispy exterior of air-fried cornbread is incredible! It’s the classic southern dish, either homemade or using a Jiffy mix, but made in your air fryer. Saving your oven space, y’all!! Woo hoo!!
Jalapeno Cornbread — Alright, y’all, if you’d like a spicy cornbread for dipping in the flavorful broth, this is the recipe you’ve got to try!
Crock Pot Green Beans — Everything you love about Southern cooked green beans, but made in the slow cooker! And this accompanies the main dish so well. Green beans are plentiful during the summer months, and this is a great recipe to share your bounty with your people. Plus, by using your crock pot, the oven space is saved, and if you’re doing your boil outside, everything can stay outside. No heating up your house!
Cheesy Potatoes — This is a great option for a baked potato casserole. Filled with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions, these creamy potatoes will be the classic dish everyone reaches in for.