Hey there! I’m Laura from Pairing Plates, and today I’m super excited to share my favorite side dishes that go perfectly with shrimp cakes. After years of experimenting in my kitchen and serving these delicious seafood patties to my family and friends, I’ve discovered some amazing combinations that’ll make your meal extra special.
Quick Answer
The best sides for shrimp cakes include light vegetables like steamed broccoli and asparagus refreshing salads, and starchy sides like rice pilaf or pasta. Mediterranean and Southern-inspired sides work particularly well.
Why These Sides Work So Well
Before diving into specific dishes, lemme tell you why choosing the right side dish matters:
- They balance the rich, savory flavors of shrimp cakes
- Add different textures to your meal
- Provide nutritional balance
- Make the meal more filling
- Can complement or contrast with the seafood flavors
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Cakes
Light & Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli
- Super quick (ready in 3-4 minutes)
- Add butter and garlic powder
- Great vitamin-packed option
- Provides nice color contrast
- Asparagus Sous Vide
- Perfectly tender-crisp texture
- Elegant presentation
- Maintains bright green color
- Light and healthy
- Roasted Broccoli
- Crispy edges, tender inside
- Simple olive oil and seasoning
- Rich in fiber and antioxidants
Refreshing Salads
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Light and refreshing
- Quick to prepare
- Mediterranean vibes
- Perfect for summer
- Three-Bean Salad
- Protein-rich
- Make ahead friendly
- Tangy dressing
- Great for picnics
- Zucchini Pasta Salad
- Low-carb option
- Creamy dressing
- Fresh and light
- Nice texture contrast
Grains & Starches
- Lemon-Infused Pasta
- Zesty flavors
- Quick to make
- Light yet satisfying
- Citrus complements seafood
- Israeli Couscous with Tomatoes
- Mediterranean inspired
- Pearl-shaped texture
- Easy to prepare
- Fresh flavors
- Fluffy Garlic Rice
- Aromatic
- Comfort food vibes
- Soaks up sauces
- Family favorite
Comfort Sides
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Creamy texture
- Fall-inspired
- Rich and elegant
- Great for special occasions
- Easy Hush Puppies
- Southern classic
- Crispy outside
- Soft inside
- Perfect for dipping
Slaws & Crunchy Sides
- Hawaiian Coleslaw
- Tropical twist
- Sweet and tangy
- Make ahead
- Crunchy texture
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- Unique texture
- Tangy mustard dressing
- Fresh and crunchy
- Healthy option
Pro Tips for Pairing
Here’s what I’ve learned from serving shrimp cakes countless times:
- Consider the season (light salads for summer, warm comfort sides for winter)
- Think about your guests’ preferences
- Plan your cooking timeline (some sides can be made ahead)
- Balance textures and flavors
FAQ
Q: Can I make these sides ahead of time?
A: Many sides like coleslaw, bean salads, and rice can be made ahead. Fresh veggies are best prepared just before serving.
Q: What’s the easiest side dish to prepare?
A: Steamed broccoli or tomato cucumber salad are super quick and simple options.
Q: How many sides should I serve?
A: I usually go with 2-3 sides: one veggie, one starch, and maybe a salad.
My Personal Experience
Y’all, I gotta tell you – when I first started making shrimp cakes, I was kinda lost about what to serve with them. But after lots of trial and error (and some interesting combinations!), I’ve found these pairings to be total winners. My family especially loves when I serve them with the garlic rice and roasted broccoli combo – it’s become our go-to weeknight dinner!
Remember cooking should be fun and these are just suggestions – feel free to mix and match based on what you and your family enjoy. The most important thing is that you’re creating delicious memories around the dinner table!
Would love to hear what sides you end up trying with your shrimp cakes! Drop me a comment below with your favorite combinations!
Happy cooking!
Laura from Pairing Plates
Ingredients in Shrimp Cakes
To make the shrimp patties, you’ll need:
- Eggs
- Sriracha
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Green onions
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon zest
- Smoked paprika
- Fresh shrimp
- Olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
And for the spicy mayo, you’ll need:
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Cakes
You could probably reduce the size of each shrimp cake and make 5 or 6 smaller shrimp cakes or about 7 to 8 mini cakes. Bigger was better for me — less to form into patties, less to cook and flip, and the results were hearty shrimp cakes. One is great as an appetizer and two easily make a meal along with a nice side dish.
I added sriracha to the shrimp cake batter and while it does add flavor, I don’t think it makes them spicy. It just gives them a bit of oomph so they aren’t bland.
The spicy mayo on the other hand does have a kick but you can easily customize it to make it less spicy if you prefer. It’s a great complement to the shrimp cakes.
