Hey there, fellow food lovers! As someone who’s always experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve discovered that BBQ shrimp is absolutely amazing, but picking the perfect sides can be tricky. Don’t worry though – I’ve got your back with this ultimate guide to the best BBQ shrimp pairings!
Why These Sides Work Great with BBQ Shrimp
Before diving into the specific dishes, let me tell you why these pairings work so well. BBQ shrimp has this amazing sweet-savory flavor profile that needs sides that can either:
- Complement the smokiness
- Balance out the richness
- Add different textures to your meal
- Bring fresh elements to the plate
Top Side Dishes for BBQ Shrimp
1. Classic Coleslaw
Y’all, I can’t even count how many times coleslaw has saved my BBQ parties! This crunchy creamy side dish is literally perfect with BBQ shrimp. Here’s my quick version
- Shredded cabbage and carrots
- Tangy mayo-based dressing
- A touch of lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob
This is seriously one of my fave sides! Just brush some butter on those corn cobs, sprinkle with salt, and throw ’em on the grill. The sweetness of the corn perfectly matches the BBQ shrimp’s flavors.
3. Zucchini Matchsticks
These are super easy to make
- Cut zucchini into thin strips
- Brush with olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper
- Grill for about 10 mins
4. Creamy Parmesan Orzo
OMG, this is like heaven on a plate! The creamy, cheesy pasta works amazingly well with BBQ shrimp. Plus, it’s pretty fancy-looking without being complicated.
5. Rice Options
- Lemon Butter Rice
- Jasmine Rice
- Creole Rice and Beans
6. Fresh Salad Options
- Cucumber Salad
- Mixed Greens with Goat Cheese and Pecans
- Tomato, Avocado, and Cucumber Salad
- Shaved Asparagus Salad
7. Potato-Based Sides
- Garlic Chive Butter Baby Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
8. Veggie Sides
- Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots
- Baked Asparagus with Garlic
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers
- Braised White Beans
Quick Tips for Serving
Here’s what I’ve learned from countless BBQ parties
- Temperature Balance
- Serve hot sides hot
- Keep cold sides chilled
- Time your cooking right
- Portion Planning
For each person, plan:
- 6-8 large shrimp
- 1 cup of starchy side
- 1-2 cups of veggies
- Presentation Tips
- Use different colored sides for visual appeal
- Serve sauces separately
- Garnish with fresh herbs
FAQ Section
Q: How long should I cook BBQ shrimp?
A: I usually grill them for 3-4 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and slightly firm.
Q: Can I prep these sides ahead?
A: Totally! Most cold salads and slaws actually taste better when made a day ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until serving time.
Q: What’s the best way to serve BBQ shrimp at a party?
A: I love setting up a buffet-style spread with 2-3 different sides. Makes it super easy for guests to mix and match!
My Personal Tips
Look, I’ve had my fair share of BBQ disasters (like that time I completely forgot about the corn on the grill – oops!), but here’s what I’ve learned:
- Don’t overcomplicate things! Pick 2-3 sides max for a regular dinner.
- Always have something fresh and something starchy.
- Consider your cooking space – if your grill’s full of shrimp, maybe stick to stovetop or cold sides.
Final Thoughts
Remember, these are just suggestions – feel free to mix and match based on what you and your family love! The best part about BBQ shrimp is how versatile it is. Whether you’re going for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a backyard party, these sides will definitely make your meal more awesome!
And hey, if you’re like me and sometimes forget to plan ahead, just remember that even a simple green salad can work wonders with BBQ shrimp. The key is to have fun with it and not stress too much about making everything perfect!
Now, get out there and start grilling those shrimp! And if you try any of these sides, lemme know how it goes in the comments below!
Let’s chat about Grilled Shrimp Side Dishes
There are so many delicious side dishes it’s hard to choose just a few! The best-grilled shrimp sides go well with your main dish, including tasty veggies and maybe one indulgent option!
First, you could make a Deviled Potato Salad. Not only can you make this the night before, but everyone loves it! It’s my favorite recipe for potato salad because it’s the best of egg salad and the best of potato salad. Super zippy and tangy with a vinegar bite. The sweetness from the pickle relish helps balance the entire easy side dish!
This Red Skin Potato Salad is a creamy blend of red-skinned potatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, crunchy celery, and bold spices. It’s a traditional side dish served at an outdoor picnic, barbecue, or summer cookout!
Another perfect side dish is Grandma Dorothea’s Corn Salad. This corn salad uses fresh produce, right from the garden! Talk about a summertime meal! It’s a healthy side dish that is filled with flavor.
This easy Cucumber Salad recipe combines thinly sliced cucumbers and onion with a tangy vinegar dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish that goes with absolutely EVERYTHING – perfect for any picnic, potluck, or backyard gathering!
Now, we can’t forget about making the perfect dish! Easy shrimp tacos and creating an all-in-one main course. Put out corn tortillas, a tangy coleslaw, and any other fresh taco toppings you like! Put these all out onto a big board, and let your people help themselves. Tortilla chips and salsa would go well with this recipe idea too! Pro Tip: if all of your people don’t like shrimp, or someone has an allergy, make a board with grilled meat on it, and serve with a side dish of rice or quinoa! People can make their own quinoa bowls and top them however they like.
First, let’s chat about grilled shrimp.
If you’re hosting the next shrimp dinner – the shrimp will be the main event. There are lots of delicious versions of grilled shrimp, and I’ll show you my favorite way!
I like buying frozen shrimp, then thawing in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes, depending on how many I’m making. It’s great to grill up a bunch of shrimp, then use them for the next few days in different ways for easy meal prep!
When I grill up shrimp, I keep to a simple recipe of sea salt, lemon zest, black pepper, and a little garlic powder. This is a great way to get some flavor but let the shrimp dish shine.
Be sure to make up a pot of plain white rice! A steaming bowl of jasmine rice with a squeeze of lime juice or even coconut milk is a great option for the right side dish that isn’t too heavy!
An Easy Shrimp Recipe has simple ingredients and makes a quick meal.
In a bowl, add your thawed, deveined, and peeled shrimp. Drizzle with olive oil and some seasoning over top. If you’re wanting a smoky flavor, my favorite seasoning blend is Smokehouse Maple. You can see how I made these shrimp with grits using that seasoning on a stovetop.
Fire up your outdoor grill (or your stovetop grill pan!) and get grilling! When planning your meal, choose a tasty side dish that you can grill the entire meal and keep your home cool without heating it up! Woo hoo!!