What To Serve With Shrimp – 42 BEST Side Dishes

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re wondering what to serve with your shrimp.

In this essay, I offer 42 of the most popular shrimp side dishes.

In a rush? Heres the short answer.

Shrimp goes well with jalapeño cheddar grits, creamy lemon noodles, cucumber and jicama slaw, and Vietnamese noodle salad. Try squash puppies, crusty bread rolls, or Southwest quinoa salad as well. Make shrimp tacos for a creative twist.

Ready? Lets jump right in.

Creamy lemon pasta

Shrimp goes well with almost every pasta recipe, but they go particularly well with this lemon pasta.

The creamy white sauce is well balanced, with just a touch of citrus to keep it from getting too thick.

Psst, this recipe expressly asks for heavy cream. Substitutes should be avoided since they are more prone to curdle.

Why we like this recipe: it turns common cupboard ingredients into a restaurant-worthy feast.

Recipe FeaturedLemon cream pastaLeave out the cream.(no butter or cream) Lemon spaghettiReduce the carbs.Noodles with lemon garlic

Cucumber jicama slaw

Replace your normal mayonnaise-based slaw with this refreshing alternative.

Cucumber and jicama matchsticks are crunchier and more juicy than cabbage, making the meal lighter and brighter.

It’s my go-to slaw for shrimp tacos or Cajun shrimp.

Why we like it: the cucumbers provide a cooling impact, making this slaw ideal for summer.

Recipe FeaturedSlaw with cucumber and jicamaInclude a fruity note.Slaw with mango and jicamaMake it sour.Jicama pickled

Jalapeno cheddar cheese grits

Shrimp and grits are a classic Southern combo.

The cornmeal-based porridge is often flavored with cheddar cheese, but this recipe kicks it up a level by using chopped jalapenos.

They give a little of fire and spice to the dish, which contrasts well with the gently sweet shrimp.

We like this dish since it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or supper.

Recipe FeaturedGrits with jalapeno cheddar cheeseMake it without dairy.Grits with vegan cheeseMake it Italian-themed.Polenta with parmesan cream

Vegetable kabobs

Want something different to serve with your grilled shrimp?

Serve with these grilled vegetable kabobs. You may set up a make-your-own station where your visitors can customize their skewers.

Then chuck them on the grill next to your shrimp.

Zucchini, red onion, mushroom, and halloumi are my top choices.

Why we like this recipe: the shrimp may even be placed atop the kabob.

Recipe FeaturedKabobs of vegetablesKeep things simple.Eggplant grilledMake it tasty.Fruit kabobs grilled with a spicy glaze

Squash puppies

Add squash to the batter to spice up your standard hushpuppies.

It keeps the insides wet and adds a slight nutty flavor to these crispy delicacies.

Pro tip: steam your squash till soft so you don’t have any stray bits and just a smooth mash.

Serve with fried shrimp and cocktail sauce on the side.

Why we adore this recipe: they’re a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe FeaturedPuppies made from squashLeave out the squash.Hushpuppies with okraMake it hot.Hush puppies with a kick

Vietnamese noodle salad

Make this noodle salad to pair with your shrimp, inspired by Vietnamese cuisine.

It’s piled high with fresh shaved carrots, cucumbers, and green onions, all mixed in a sweet-tangy sauce called nuoc cham.

Shrimp is a great way to get some protein.

Why we like it: it’s light and refreshing, perfect for a light meal or lunch.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with Vietnamese noodlesVietnamese zucchini and carrot salad without noodlesAlter the tasteSalad with soba noodles

Southwest quinoa salad

Looking for something healthy and filling?

This quinoa salad has got you covered.

It includes a variety of traditional Tex-Mex vegetables such as maize, grape tomatoes, black beans, and bell peppers.

It doesn’t need shrimp, but shrimp really improves it.

Why we like it: It’s great for meal prep since the taste enhances as it sets.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with quinoa from the SouthwestMake it opulent.Salad with Southwest PastaMake things as simple as possible.Salad of Mexican street corn (esquites)

Homemade bread rolls

Homemade bread rolls are the ideal accompaniment to any spicy shrimp recipe.

Shrimp curry, Spanish-style shrimp tapas, or simply creamy shrimp are all options.

The sole need for your bread is rippability, which allows you to rip a piece off and plunge it into your sauce.

Yum!

Why we like this recipe: you can make them from scratch in under 2 hours.

Recipe FeaturedRolls of French breadMake it gooey.Cheese bread prepared from scratchMake it tasty.Bread with garlic

Tostones

From Vietnamese to Southern, to South American.

Shrimp ceviche is one of my favorite dishes, especially when served with crushed tostones.

The spice in this dish is kept basic so that the spotlight remains on the shrimp.

However, you are free to experiment with the flavors of the tostones.

Why we love this recipe: they’re incredibly addicting and offer a welcome crunch.

Recipe FeaturedTostonesMake it comfortable.potatoes mashedMake it simple.Tortilla chips baked

Sun-dried tomato cream cheese risotto

Serve your shrimp over a bed of this vibrantly colored risotto.

The addition of cream cheese and a thick coating of parmesan cheese make this risotto particularly creamy and delicious.

Then the sun-dried tomatoes add some tang.

Other risotto flavors that I like include pea risotto and lemon risotto.

Why we love this recipe: its Insta-worthy!

Recipe FeaturedRisotto with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and basilKeep things simple.Rice with cilantro and limeMake it unique.Orzo with garlic and parmesan

Tacos

Although they aren’t exactly a side dish, I couldn’t leave them out since who doesn’t love shrimp tacos?

All you’ll need are corn tortillas, a variety of slaws and salsas, and some sauce.

Set up a taco bar and let everyone to build their own.

Why we love this recipe: its so easy to customize and make your own.

Recipe FeaturedTacos with shrimpPrepare a sandwichRoll with shrimpfried fried shrimp tostadas

Rainbow salad

With this Asian-inspired rainbow salad, you can keep things light.

It’s loaded with vivid, crunchy vegetables and topped with a spicy mango dressing.

Avoid using a different dressing since the mango is what makes this meal so distinct and delightful.

Why we love this recipe: its perfect for summer.

Recipe FeaturedA nutritious rainbow saladLeave out the mango.Salad with avocado and cornMake some salsa.Mango salsa fresh

Cocktail sauce

Cocktail sauce is my favorite seafood dipping sauce.

It gives your sweet, juicy shrimp a burst of fresh tastes as well as a bit of heat and spice.

But avoid store-bought items! Making your own sauce will result in a better tasty sauce that is both simple and inexpensive.

Would you want it spicier? Add a splash of spicy sauce to taste.

Why we like this recipe: You can never go wrong with classics.

Recipe FeaturedCocktail sauce prepared from scratchMake a traditional Mexican dish.Salsa de restaurantCream it up.Mississippi resurgence sauce

Sauteed lemon garlic spinach

Keep things simple with sauteed spinach.

It’s a nutritious side dish that you can throw together quickly.

The lemon’s acidity complements the shrimp, while the garlic provides some heat.

Why we like this recipe: it’s perfect for when you’re in a hurry.

Recipe FeaturedLemon garlic spinach sautéedAlter the vegetableBroccolini sautéStart the grill.Asparagus grill

What sauce goes well with shrimp?

I like to serve shrimp with a hot cocktail sauce. If you like mayonnaise, try Thousand Island, bang bang, or tartar sauce.Thai sweet chili sauce is an Asian-inspired dip.

Best sauces to serve with shrimp

• Homemade cocktail sauce
• Thousand Island sauce
• Bang bang sauce
• Tartar sauce
• Thai sweet chili lime sauce
• Remoulade

What to serve with grilled shrimp

Salads like basic slaw, a simple arugula salad, grilled zucchini salad, or a heavier pesto pasta salad go well with grilled shrimp. Try mango salsa or coconut rice for a more tropical feel. Steak, veggie kabobs, and crusty bread are also excellent choices.

The best side dishes to serve with grilled shrimp

• Creamy slaw
• Simple arugula salad
• Grilled zucchini salad
• Pesto pasta salad
• Mango salsa
• Coconut rice
• The perfect grilled steak
• Vegetable kabobs
• Homemade crusty bread rolls