Hey there! I’m super excited to share some amazing side dishes that’ll take your blackened shrimp to the next level As someone who’s cooked tons of shrimp dishes, I know how important it is to pair them with the right sides Let’s dive into my favorite combinations that’ll make your dinner absolutely perfect!
Classic Sides That Never Fail
1. Rice-Based Companions
-
Cilantro Lime Rice
- Fresh and zesty
- Perfect for soaking up those spicy blackened seasonings
- Takes just 20 mins to make
- Pro tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving!
-
Dirty Rice
- Traditional Cajun style
- Adds extra protein and flavor
- Great for making the meal more filling
2. Potato Options
-
Cumin Lime Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet and spicy combo
- Roasted to perfection
- Complements the blackened seasoning perfectly
-
Chili Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Extra kick of heat
- Crispy outside, soft inside
- Budget-friendly option
Fresh and Light Sides
1. Veggie-Based Options
-
Warm Corn and Avocado Salad
- Creamy and fresh
- Adds beautiful colors to your plate
- Perfect summer side dish
-
Creamy Coleslaw
- Cool and crunchy
- Balances the spicy shrimp
- Made with:
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Tangy mayo dressing
- Green onions for extra zip
Pro Tips for Pairing
-
Balance the Heat
- If your shrimp is super spicy, go for cooling sides
- Creamy elements help tame the heat
- Fresh veggies add nice contrast
-
Think About Texture
- Mix crunchy with soft
- Add creamy elements
- Include something fresh and crisp
My Personal Fave Combos
-
Summer Vibes Plate
- Blackened shrimp
- Cilantro lime rice
- Corn avocado salad
- Squeeze of fresh lime
-
Comfort Food Style
- Blackened shrimp
- Dirty rice
- Creamy coleslaw
- Roasted sweet potatoes
Quick Tips for Success
- Don’t overcomplicate things – sometimes simple is best!
- Prep your sides while the shrimp marinates
- Make extra for awesome leftovers
- Trust ur taste buds – if it tastes good to you, that’s what matters!
Make It a Complete Meal
Quick Weeknight Dinner Menu
- Blackened shrimp (main)
- Choose 1 starch (rice or potatoes)
- Add 1 veggie side
- Include something creamy
- Don’t forget fresh herbs or lime for garnish!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not making enough sides (shrimp goes fast!)
- Choosing all spicy sides
- Forgetting about texture variety
- Making everything too heavy
Listen, I’ve made these mistakes before so you don’t have to!
Budget-Friendly Options
Sometimes we gotta watch our spending, right? Here are some wallet-friendly sides:
- Rice with added seasonings
- Roasted potatoes
- Simple green salad
- Homemade coleslaw
Time-Saving Tips
When ur in a hurry:
- Use microwaveable rice
- Buy pre-shredded coleslaw mix
- Choose quick-cooking veggies
- Prep sides while shrimp defrosts
Y’all, serving the perfect sides with blackened shrimp isn’t rocket science! Just remember to balance flavors, mix up your textures, and most importantly – have fun with it! These combinations have never let me down, and I’m sure they’ll work great for you too.
What’s your fave side to serve with blackened shrimp? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your ideas! And don’t forget to save this article for your next shrimp dinner night!
Would you like me to explain anything in more detail? I’m always happy to help make your cooking adventure easier and more delicious!
How Many Does This Recipe Serve?
The batch below is fairly small because I only had a half pound of shrimp on hand. With 30/40 count shrimp that meant I had 18 individual shrimp. I put three shrimp in each taco, so that gave me six tacos. Whether you eat 2 or 3 tacos per “serving” is really subjective, so I just listed the price as per taco rather than a suggested servings size.
Toast Your Tortillas For More Flavor
One tip that I always give for tacos is to always toast the corn tortillas first. It really magnifies their flavor and helps strengthen the tacos so that you can stuff ’em full without them ripping apart. I’ve included a photo of my favorite brand, which have proven to be quite sturdy, in the step-by-steps below.
Blackened Shrimp
FAQ
What sides go well with blackened shrimp?
This Blackened Shrimp recipe is a flavor explosion! Smoky, spicy shrimp meet crunchy breadcrumbs, paired with aromatic yellow rice, a cool veggie salad, and creamy avocado.
What is a good side dish for shrimp?
A great side dish for shrimp depends on how the shrimp is prepared and your personal preference, but some excellent choices include rice, pasta, salads, and vegetables.
What to serve with blackened shrimp tacos?
Blackened shrimp are the perfect match for a tangy, crisp slaw and creamy avocado. Catherine Jessee is an Assistant Digital Food Editor at Southern Living.
What pairs well with grilled shrimp?