Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably fallen in love with tempura shrimp – that perfectly crispy, light-as-air battered shrimp that’s become a staple at Japanese restaurants. But what should you serve alongside it to create a complete meal? I’ve tested tons of combinations and put together this ultimate guide to help you build the perfect tempura shrimp feast
Traditional Japanese Sides (The Classics!)
These traditional pairings never disappoint
1. Steamed Japanese Rice
- Perfect for soaking up tempura sauce
- Keeps things light and simple
- Pro tip: Use short-grain Japanese rice for the best texture
2. Miso Soup
- Balances the fried tempura with warm umami flavors
- Usually includes tofu, seaweed, and green onions
- Super comforting alongside crispy shrimp
3. Vegetable Tempura
Since you’ve already got the batter ready why not fry up some veggies too? My favorites include
- Sweet potato
- Broccoli
- Kabocha squash
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
Fresh & Light Accompaniments
4. Japanese-Style Salads
These refreshing options cut through the richness:
- Cucumber Sunomono: A vinegary cucumber salad that’s super refreshing
- Seaweed Salad: Adds wonderful ocean flavors
- Japanese Spinach Salad (Gomaae): With nutty sesame dressing
- Asian Slaw: Crunchy and tangy
5. Pickled Vegetables
- Pickled daikon radish
- Pickled ginger
- Japanese cucumber pickles
- These help cleanse your palate between bites!
Noodle Options
Want something more substantial? Try these noodle pairings:
6. Soba Noodles
- Served cold or hot
- Light buckwheat flavor
- Great with tempura dipping sauce
7. Udon
- Thick, chewy noodles
- Can be served in:
- Hot soup
- Curry sauce
- Cold with dipping sauce
Modern & Fusion Ideas
Let’s get creative! Here are some non-traditional but totally delicious options:
8. Tempura Shrimp Tacos
- Stuff into warm corn tortillas
- Add:
- Shredded cabbage
- Spicy mayo
- Pickled onions
- Fresh cilantro
9. Asian-Style Fries
- Japanese sweet potato fries
- Regular potato wedges with wasabi mayo
- Serves as a fun fusion side
Essential Sauces & Condiments
No tempura shrimp is complete without these:
10. Traditional Dipping Sauces
- Tentsuyu: Classic tempura dipping sauce
- Ponzu: Citrusy soy sauce
- Spicy Mayo: For a modern twist
- Wasabi Aioli: Creamy with a kick
Tips for Creating Your Perfect Meal
When planning your tempura shrimp dinner, keep these principles in mind:
-
Balance textures:
- Crispy (tempura)
- Soft (rice)
- Crunchy (fresh vegetables)
- Chewy (noodles)
-
Mix temperatures:
- Hot (tempura shrimp)
- Cold (salads)
- Room temp (pickles)
-
Consider portions:
- 4-5 pieces of tempura shrimp per person
- 2-3 side dishes
- At least one fresh/light option
My Personal Favorite Combination
When I’m making tempura shrimp at home, here’s my go-to lineup:
- Tempura shrimp (obviously!)
- Steamed Japanese rice
- Simple miso soup
- Cucumber sunomono
- Tentsuyu dipping sauce
It’s simple but hits all the right notes!
Quick Tips for Success
- Serve tempura immediately while hot and crispy
- Keep sides simple – the shrimp is the star
- Always include at least one fresh element
- Don’t forget the dipping sauce!
Remember, these are just suggestions – feel free to mix and match based on what you like! The key is creating a balanced meal that lets your perfectly crispy tempura shrimp shine.
Light & Refreshing Add-ons:
This crisp cucumber salad has a sweet-vinegar dressing that cuts through the oiliness of fried dishes. This refreshing side complements the light tempura batter.
Seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce, this vibrant salad brings a chewy texture and umami-rich flavor that complements the clean taste of crispy tempura prawns.
- Edamame with Sea Salt
Lightly boiled edamame sprinkled with salt is a popular Japanese appetizer. The pop of the beans and their slight saltiness make them a great match for fried shrimp.
With its light texture and subtle flavor, soba noodles pair well with tempura
The combination of thick, chewy noodles in a hearty broth is perfect for crunchy shrimp, especially during the winter.
Best Sides to Serve with Tempura Prawns
A classic, neutral base that brings out the lightness of tempura prawns without overpowering their flavor.
Warm and comforting, miso soup made with fermented soybean paste adds depth. Its umami taste balances the crispness of tempura, making it a staple in Japanese cuisine.
- Pickled Ginger or Pickled Radish
These traditional Japanese pickles bring a pungent, sour kick. As palate cleansers, they let tempura prawns taste as fresh as the first bite.
- Japanese Omelet (Tamagoyaki)
This rolled egg dish is mildly sweet and soft, offering a comforting contrast to the crunchy tempura. It is commonly found in bento and sushi bars as a traditional side dish.
- Sweet Potato Tempura or Kakiage
Add variety with additional vegetable tempura like sweet potato or kakiage. These crunchy delights enhance the overall menu and make the meal feel more festive.
How to Cook the Best Shrimp Tempura
FAQ
What side dishes go with shrimp tempura?
What to Serve with Prawn Tempura for Dinner? For a satisfying dinner menu, serve tempura prawns with steamed rice, soba noodles, or vegetable fried rice.May 4, 2025
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 to serve tempura prawns with for dinner?
… tsuyu, a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine), and dashi, plus shredded daikon radish and ginger for stirring into the …Jul 31, 2022
What to serve as a 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.