What to Serve with Peel and Eat Shrimp: 18 Mouthwatering Side Dishes That’ll Make Your Meal Perfect

Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been cooking up a storm lately, and I gotta tell you – there’s nothing quite like a big ol’ pile of peel and eat shrimp to get the party started But let’s be real here – even the most amazing shrimp needs some awesome sidekicks to make it a complete meal. So, I’ve put together this super helpful guide to make sure your next shrimp feast is absolutely perfect!

Classic Southern Sides That Never Disappoint

1. Hush Puppies

These golden-brown beauties are basically required eating with any seafood dish in the South. I mean, who can resist those crispy, cornmeal-based bites? They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your shrimp.

2. Three-Pickle Potato Salad

Y’all, this ain’t your regular potato salad! The zippy combination of three different pickles gives it an extra kick that pairs perfectly with seafood It’s my go-to for outdoor gatherings

3. Corn on the Cob

Nothing beats perfectly roasted corn on the cob! The best part? You don’t even need a grill – just pop it in the oven and you’re good to go. I like to serve mine with both butter and Old Bay seasoning for folks to choose their favorite.

Fresh and Light Options

4. Roasted Broccoli

• Quick to prepare
• Healthy choice
• Perfect for weeknight dinners
• Adds beautiful color to your plate

5. Lemony White Bean Salad

This refreshing combo of white beans, arugula, and broccoli with a lemony dressing is seriously amazing with shrimp. It’s light but filling, and the citrus complements seafood perfectly.

Southern Comfort Sides

6. Okra and Rice Casserole

This classic Southern dish brings together

• Fresh okra
• Tender rice
• Sweet corn kernels
• Creamy sauce

7. Asparagus with Cheese Sauce

Listen, I know cheese sauce might sound fancy, but trust me – this herb-breadcrumb topped asparagus is worth the extra effort!

Quick and Easy Options

8. Classic Coleslaw

Here’s why you need coleslaw with your shrimp:

• Adds crunch
• Provides cool contrast
• Super easy to make ahead
• Crowd-pleaser

9. Grilled Potatoes

When the grill’s already hot for your shrimp, throw on some potatoes! They get all crispy on the outside and tender inside – pure potato perfection!

Pasta and Grain Options

10. Orzo Salad

This light pasta salad with lemon dressing is:

• Refreshing
• Easy to make
• Great for crowds
• Perfect at any temperature

11. Cheese Grits

I mean, c’mon – it’s the South! Creamy cheese grits are basically required with any shrimp dish. They’re comfort food at its finest.

Veggie-Forward Sides

12. Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes

These crispy little potato bites are amazing with:

• Remoulade sauce
• Cocktail sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Any dipping sauce you’re using for your shrimp

13. Baked Zucchini Fries

Forget regular fries – these crispy zucchini versions are:

• Healthier
• Just as satisfying
• Perfect for dipping
• Super easy to make

14. Best-Ever Succotash

This ain’t just any succotash – it’s loaded with:

• Fresh corn
• Lima beans
• Bell peppers
• Fresh herbs

Tips for Serving

1. Always serve your peel and eat shrimp with:

   • Plenty of napkins
   • Small bowls for shells
   • Lemon wedges
   • Various dipping sauces

2. Temperature considerations:

   • Hot sides with hot shrimp
   • Cold sides with chilled shrimp
   • Room temp sides work with either

3. Plan your portions:

   • Figure about 1/2 pound of shrimp per person
   • One to two sides per person
   • Extra sides for bigger gatherings

Making It a Complete Meal

When planning your shrimp feast, try to include:

• Something starchy (potatoes, grits, or rice)
• Something fresh (salad or veggie)
• Something creamy (coleslaw or potato salad)
• Something crunchy (hush puppies or roasted veggies)

My Personal Tips

Listen, I’ve hosted plenty of shrimp boils and seafood feasts, and here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Don’t overdo it! Pick 2-3 sides max for a regular dinner, maybe 4-5 for a party.

2. Prep ahead when ya can. Most of these sides can be made earlier in the day.

3. Keep it casual! Peel and eat shrimp is meant to be fun and messy.

4. Don’t forget the basics – butter, cocktail sauce, and lemon are must-haves!

So there ya have it, folks! These sides will definitely take your peel and eat shrimp from good to absolutely amazing. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or just a casual backyard feast, you really can’t go wrong with any of these options.

Remember, the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family, so don’t stress too much about making everything perfect. Just pick a few sides you think everyone will love, and get ready for some serious eating!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk about shrimp has made me hungry. Time to head to the kitchen and whip up some of these dishes myself!

To eat peel and eat shrimp, you typically hold the shrimp, remove the head (if present), and then peel the shell away from the body, starting from the head or tail end. You can then remove the tail section and discard it, or eat the entire tail.