Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been cooking for years and one question I get asked a lot is what to serve alongside baked stuffed shrimp. Today, I’m gonna share my favorite pairings that’ll make your seafood dinner absolutely amazing Let’s dive right in!
Why Choosing the Right Side Dishes Matters
When we’re serving baked stuffed shrimp as our main dish, picking the right sides can make or break the meal. The goal is to complement those succulent shrimp without overshadowing them Here’s my tried-and-tested guide to creating the perfect plate
Best Side Dishes for Baked Stuffed Shrimp
1. Fresh Salad Options
-
Roquefort Pear Salad
- Tangy blue cheese
- Sweet fresh pears
- Crunchy caramelized pecans
- Light mustard vinaigrette
This fancy-looking but easy-to-make salad adds a perfect balance of flavors!
-
Greek Salad
- Fresh cucumbers
- Juicy tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
A light, refreshing option that won’t weigh down your shrimp.
2. Vegetable Sides
-
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Simple garlic seasoning
- Crispy parmesan coating
We love this one because it’s quick and pairs perfectly with seafood!
-
Fresh Broccoli Salad
- Crunchy texture
- Light dressing
- Packed with nutrients
- Ready in 30 minutes
3. Starchy Sides
-
Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin
- Individual portions
- Creamy texture
- Perfect presentation
- Great for dinner parties
-
Oven Roasted Red Potatoes
- Crispy outside
- Soft inside
- Non-greasy
- Simple seasoning
Light & Fresh Options
1. Zoodle Dishes
I personally love serving Pesto Zoodles with baked stuffed shrimp because:
- Low-carb alternative
- Fresh taste
- Topped with chickpeas
- Light but satisfying
2. Couscous Options
Couscous Primavera
- 10-minute prep time
- Seasonal vegetables
- Light and fluffy texture
- Perfect summer side
Seasonal Suggestions
Summer Sides
- Grilled Fruit and Vegetable Kabobs
- Perfect for BBQ season
- Colorful presentation
- Can be prepped ahead
- Great with parmesan cheese
Winter Comfort Sides
- Warm Orzo Salad
- Baby spinach base
- Hearty pasta
- Warm and comforting
- Easy to customize
Tips for Pairing Success
-
Balance is Key
- Mix textures
- Combine light and rich dishes
- Include different colors
- Consider temperature contrasts
-
Timing Matters
- Prep sides first
- Time everything to finish together
- Some sides can be made ahead
- Consider reheating needs
Make-Ahead Options
For busy nights, these sides can be prepped in advance:
- Broccoli salad
- Potato dishes
- Couscous
- Most salads (just add dressing before serving)
My Personal Favorite Combinations
-
Elegant Dinner Party Menu
- Baked stuffed shrimp
- Roquefort pear salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Muffin tin potatoes
-
Casual Family Dinner
- Baked stuffed shrimp
- Greek salad
- Oven roasted potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcomplicate things
- Choose sides that can cook at the same oven temperature
- Consider prep time and kitchen space
- Think about your guests’ preferences
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t serve too many heavy sides
- Avoid competing flavors
- Skip complicated dishes that require constant attention
- Never forget about timing and temperature
Final Thoughts
When serving baked stuffed shrimp, remember that simple often works best. We want the shrimp to be the star while the sides play supporting roles. Mix and match from these suggestions based on your preferences and what’s in season.
Quick Reference Table
| Side Dish Type | Prep Time | Best Season | Make Ahead? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pear Salad | 15 mins | Fall/Winter | No |
| Roasted Asparagus | 20 mins | Spring | No |
| Potato Gratin | 45 mins | Any | Yes |
| Couscous | 10 mins | Any | Yes |
| Grilled Kabobs | 30 mins | Summer | Partial |
Remember, these are just guidelines – feel free to experiment and find your own perfect combinations! What’s your favorite side dish to serve with baked stuffed shrimp? I’d love to hear about it!
There ya have it! Now you’re ready to create the perfect meal around your baked stuffed shrimp. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just making a nice family meal, these sides will definitely impress. Happy cooking!
More Side Dish Recipes
Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of side dish recipes to serve with shrimp. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
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Best Side Dishes for Shrimp
Take fresh-off-the-grill corn on the cob and turn it into a light, flavourful summer corn salad, topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and cheese.
Easy coconut rice is light, fluffy, delicious, and flavorful. Its a quick and easy side dish that compliments all Thai, South Asian, and tropical dishes.
Lemon parmesan asparagus is a delicious way to serve a classic spring vegetable. This side dish is quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes.
This vegan Buddha Bowl is the perfect hybrid of a salad and grain bowl that is packed with nutritious ingredients like grains, vegetables, and protein.
Quick and easy pesto penne pasta is a simple and light Italian pasta dish made with just five ingredients in under 15 minutes. The easiest dinner.
Fresh, crisp, classic coleslaw salad is a must-have recipe for a summer barbecue or picnic, or as an easy make-ahead lunch. Make it in less than 10 minutes.
Mexican street corn (elote) is a delicious corn on the cob loaded with a cheesy sauce elevated with cilantro and lime. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful.
Vegetarian Paella is a delicious flavorful classic Spanish rice dish that is hearty and filling — perfectly cooked rice with saffron and vegetables.
Quick and easy Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender inside, packed with a Greek flavour blend of lemon, garlic and herbs.
Making perfect fluffy quinoa at home is quick and a lot easier than you think! Learn how to cook quinoa perfectly every time using our simple recipe.
Caprese Frittata is light and fluffy, laced with fresh basil and topped with melted mozzarella cheese and blistered balsamic tomatoes. Ready in 10 minutes!
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi is quick and easy comfort food made all in one pot with chewy bites of gnocchi, a simple tomato-based sauce, and gooey melty cheese.
Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and delicious side dish to make this fall. Easy to make ahead and reheats well — perfect for Thanksgiving holiday dinner.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. Its packed with classic ingredients including couscous, fresh veggies, and feta.
Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it’s quick and easy and all made in one pot in just over 30 minutes.
Oven Roasted Vegetables are a delicious flavorful side dish that goes well with almost any dinner main. Customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Lemon butter pasta is quick and easy to make, light yet filling, and loaded with flavor. A delicious twist on classic buttered noodles ready in 15 minutes.
Simple tomato cucumber avocado salad with a delicious lemon vinaigrette is a light and refreshing salad that comes together in literally 5 minutes.
Mushroom Risotto is a rich creamy one pot rice dish made with simple ingredients that deliver bold flavors. Making homemade risotto from scratch is easy!
Balsamic Roasted Broccoli is a quick easy side dish made with tender, crispy broccoli tossed in a flavorful 5-ingredient glaze and is ready in 25 minutes.
Sweet and savoury, buttery rosemary cornbread is soft and moist with golden crispy edges, flavourful and delicious, and so easy to make this holiday season.
Cilantro lime rice is a fresh, bright and vibrant side dish that will add extra flavour to any meal you serve it with. Its a quick, easy, one pot recipe.
Fresh mango salsa is sweet, tangy, and delicious. Its a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up with just 6 ingredients and in under 10 minutes.
Baked Sweet Potato takes almost no effort to make (in the oven or grill) and always taste amazing. Theyre soft and tender, naturally sweet, and delicious!
Potato Onion Pierogi is a flavorful delicious dumpling recipe made from scratch with simple ingredients, filled potatoes, caramelized onions, and cheese.
Chickpea Greek salad is a fresh, healthy, vibrant, and colorful salad, packed with traditional Mediterranean ingredients, superfoods, and nutrients.
Cheesy Garlic Bread is toasty and crispy on the outside, tender and soft inside with a garlic butter and melty cheese on top. Make in under 20 minutes!
Baked Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp | Chef Capon
FAQ
What side dishes go with baked stuffed shrimp?
- Meat. • 1 Brussels sprouts & bacon.
- Produce. • 1 Blackened broccoli. …
- Canned Goods. • 1 Clam chowder.
- Condiments. • 1 Green salad with red wine vinaigrette.
- Pasta & Grains. • 1 Feta pasta, Baked. …
- Bread & Baked Goods. • 1 Root vegetable tart tatin.
- Frozen. …
- Deli.
What is a good side dish with shrimp?
- 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.
How many stuffed shrimp per person?
Stuffed shrimp is great as an appetizer or main course
While this dish may look fancy, baked stuffed shrimp is a straightforward recipe. You can serve it as an appetizer (2-3 per person) or the main course (3-5 per person) with a few other side dishes.