Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp dishes for years, and let me tell you – picking the right veggie to go with your shrimp can take your meal from good to absolutely amazing. Today, I’m gonna share my favorite vegetable pairings that’ll make your shrimp shine!
Why Vegetables and Shrimp Make a Perfect Pair
Before we dive into specific veggies, here’s why they work so well together:
- Vegetables add contrasting textures to tender shrimp
- Fresh veggies provide color and visual appeal
- The right veggie can complement shrimp’s natural sweetness
- Most vegetables cook quickly, matching shrimp’s fast cooking time
- It’s an easy way to make your meal more nutritious
Top 12 Vegetables to Serve with Shrimp
1. Asparagus
This spring vegetable is my absolute favorite with shrimp! The tender-crisp texture and subtle flavor pairs perfectly Try it
- Roasted with olive oil and garlic
- Steamed and finished with lemon
- Grilled alongside shrimp skewers
2. Sautéed Spinach
Quick and easy! The mild, earthy flavor works beautifully with shrimp’s sweetness. I like to
- Sauté with olive oil and garlic
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice
- Season with salt and pepper
3. Broccoli
This versatile veggie can be prepared several ways:
- Roasted until slightly charred
- Steamed until crisp-tender
- Riced and sautéed as a low-carb option
4. Green Beans
These snappy beans add great texture. Try them:
- Air fried until crispy
- Steamed and tossed with butter
- Sautéed with garlic and almonds
5. Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet and bright they’re perfect with shrimp
- Roasted until bursting
- Sautéed with herbs
- Raw in a quick salad
6. Bell Peppers
The sweet crunch works great! I love them:
- Grilled with onions
- Stir-fried
- Raw in fajitas
7. Zucchini
This summer squash is super versatile:
- Cut into noodles (zoodles)
- Grilled with herbs
- Roasted with Parmesan
8. Mushrooms
Their umami flavor complements shrimp nicely:
- Sautéed with garlic and thyme
- Grilled on skewers
- Added to pasta dishes
9. Cauliflower
A low-carb superstar that works as:
- Riced cauliflower
- Roasted florets
- Cauliflower “grits”
10. Brussels Sprouts
These little cabbages add great flavor:
- Roasted until crispy
- Shaved into salads
- Air fried with bacon
11. Corn
Sweet corn is amazing with shrimp:
- Grilled on the cob
- Cut off the cob and sautéed
- Added to succotash
12. Eggplant
This meaty veggie works well:
- Grilled with Mediterranean herbs
- Roasted with garlic
- Diced in stir-fries
Quick Cooking Tips
Here’s what I’ve learned about cooking veggies with shrimp:
- Timing is Everything
- Start longer-cooking veggies first
- Add shrimp last (they cook super quick!)
- Have everything prepped before you start
- Seasoning Suggestions
- Lemon brightens everything
- Garlic is your friend
- Don’t forget salt and pepper
- Cooking Methods
- Roasting brings out natural sweetness
- Grilling adds smoky flavor
- Sautéing is quick and easy
Easy Recipe: Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry
Here’s one of my go-to quick dinners:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, peppers, snap peas)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- Soy sauce to taste
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pan
- Stir-fry veggies until crisp-tender
- Add garlic and ginger
- Toss in shrimp, cook until pink
- Season with soy sauce
- Serve hot!
Final Tips
Remember these key points:
- Choose veggies that cook in similar times
- Don’t overcook your shrimp
- Keep seasonings simple to let flavors shine
- Mix colors for eye-appeal
- Have fun experimenting!
There ya have it! These veggie pairings will take your shrimp dishes to the next level. What’s your favorite veggie to serve with shrimp? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your ideas!
Happy cooking!
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Cauliflower Mash loaded with cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and seasonings is an ideal side dish for shrimp. It doesnt pretend to replace mashed potatoes because its divine in its own right.
You can quickly make this side with a bag of frozen cauliflower!
Pasta or Zucchini Alfredo
Looking for a decadent and satisfying side dish for shrimp thats low-carb too! Zucchini Noodle Alfredo (a.k.a “zoodles”) has a cheesy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream, which you can whip up in minutes. Its a keto-friendly alternative to traditional pasta.
Of course, you can never go wrong with the classic combination of cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese in a sauce. If thats more your style, then make one pot alfredo. Its creamy and luxurious and only takes 15 minutes to make!
In the fall, make spaghetti squash alfredo instead!
Shrimp and the best 4-ingredient guacamole are a winning combination. Cool, creamy avocado mixed with lemon juice (or lime juice), red onion, and tomatoes perfectly contrast with spicy shrimp.
Serve it out of the skin like a “boat” with a side of low-carb tortilla chips. Or layer guac and shrimp on top of cucumber slices to make shrimp guacamole bites.
The best side dishes for seafood
FAQ
What does shrimp pair well with?
What vegetables are good for shrimp?
Shelled garden peas ( frozen are fine ) , blanched veggies like green beans ( split in half and remove the seeds ) broccoli, kale, spinach , courgettes ( remove the seeds again , they don’t eat them and just make a mess ) are all great foods for shrimp .
What vegetables go well with seafood?