Hey there, shrimp lovers! As a food enthusiast who’s tried countless tempura shrimp combinations I’m excited to share my favorite pairings that’ll take your crispy shrimp to the next level. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or hosting a fancy Japanese-themed party I’ve got you covered with these amazing side dishes.
Quick Answer
The best companions for tempura shrimp include traditional Japanese sides like seasoned rice, tentsuyu dipping sauce and veggie tempura. For a modern twist try pairing with Asian slaw, sweet potato fries, or a wagyu beef sando.
Traditional Japanese Accompaniments
1. Tentsuyu (Tempura Dipping Sauce)
This is my absolute must-have with tempura shrimp! Here’s what makes it special:
- Salty-sweet umami flavor
- Light and refreshing
- Enhanced with grated daikon
- Works great with other Japanese dishes too
2. Seasoned Japanese Rice
Not your boring plain rice! This version includes:
- Scallions for freshness
- Rice vinegar for tang
- Furikake topping for nutty umami
- Perfect base for tempura shrimp
3. Veggie Tempura
Why stop at shrimp? Try these veggies in tempura batter
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Kabocha squash
- Lotus root
- Eggplant
- Broccoli
- Green beans
Modern Fusion Sides
1. Sweet Potato Fries
I love serving these alongside tempura shrimp for a fun fusion twist:
- Japanese sweet potatoes work best
- Baked instead of fried
- Crispy exterior, fluffy interior
- Great with wasabi mayo dip
2. Asian Slaw
This refreshing side adds great crunch and color:
- Shredded cabbage and carrots
- Fresh herbs
- Sesame ginger dressing
- No cooking required!
Healthy Green Options
1. Japanese Spinach Salad (Goma-ae)
Super simple but packed with flavor:
- Blanched spinach
- Sesame seed dressing
- Served cold
- Only 5 ingredients needed
2. Stir-fried Baby Bok Choy
A quick and nutritious side:
- Crispy stalks
- Wilted leaves
- Seasoned with soy sauce
- Touch of sesame oil
- Optional red pepper flakes
Noodle Companions
1. Curry Udon
Perfect for cold days:
- Chewy udon noodles
- Rich curry broth
- Made with dashi or chicken stock
- Hearty and filling
2. Soba Noodles
A lighter alternative:
- Buckwheat noodles
- Cold or hot serving options
- Simple soy-based sauce
- Add sesame seeds for extra flavor
Pro Tips for Serving
- Temperature Balance
- Serve tempura immediately while hot
- Keep cold sides chilled
- Warm sides should be ready when shrimp is done
- Presentation Ideas
- Use bamboo serving plates
- Separate dipping sauces in small bowls
- Garnish with shredded daikon
- Add lemon wedges for freshness
- Make-Ahead Options
- Prepare sauces in advance
- Cut vegetables early
- Cook rice ahead and reheat
- Make salads just before serving
My Personal Favorite Combination
When I’m hosting dinner parties, here’s my go-to tempura shrimp meal setup:
- Main: Crispy tempura shrimp
- Sauce: Traditional tentsuyu
- Starch: Seasoned Japanese rice
- Veggie: Stir-fried baby bok choy
- Fresh: Asian slaw
- Extra: Pickled daikon for palate cleansing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t serve tempura shrimp with:
- Heavy cream-based sides
- Strong-flavored dishes that overpower the shrimp
- Too many fried accompaniments
- Timing issues:
- Making sides too far in advance
- Letting tempura get soggy
- Serving hot and cold dishes at wrong temperatures
Quick Weeknight Dinner Ideas
When you’re short on time but want something tasty with your tempura shrimp, try these quick options:
- 15-Minute Sides:
- Microwaved rice with furikake
- Pre-made Asian slaw mix
- Steam-in-bag edamame
- Quick pickled cucumbers
- 30-Minute Meals:
- Simple miso soup
- Basic stir-fried vegetables
- Quick curry udon
- Japanese spinach salad
Note: Most of these sides can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Feel free to play around with seasonings and ingredients to make them your own!
What to Serve with Tempura Prawns?
Now that you understand how important pairing is, let’s talk about the best side dishes that enhance the flavors of tempura prawns. Here I have put together a list of pairings with tempura shrimp appropriate to add flavor, texture, and authenticity to your Japanese dish.
Desserts to End on a High Note:
With its delightful chewy texture and creamy core, mochi ice cream contrasts beautifully with the hot tempura.
How to Cook the Best Shrimp Tempura
FAQ
What side dish goes with tempura shrimp?
- Delicious dipping sauce
- Shrimp tempura sushi roll
- Spicy sriracha aioli
- Tempura dipping sauce made with mirin, dashi, soy sauce and sugar
- Daikon radish
- Steamed white rice or noodles
- Rice bowl such as my salmon bowl
- Topping to soup such as miso noodle soup
What is tempura usually served with?
Tempura is commonly served with tentsuyu, a rich dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Usually, tempura is a dish rooted in savory flavors, but many chefs enjoy getting creative and using tempura batter to put a spin on ice cream and other sweet treats.Sep 4, 2019
What sides go with fried shrimp?
Good fried shrimp sides include Charleston red rice, corn on the cob, a wedge salad, cheese grits, coleslaw, baked beans, okra and tomatoes, cowboy baked beans, and Southern cornbread.
What meat goes with tempura?
Tempura is a very versatile dish that can be made with seafood, chicken, or beef and any of your favorite vegetables. This recipe is done with king prawns, broccoli, mushrooms and red peppers, but among my favorite is chicken, zucchini, green beans, carrots and sweet potatoes.”