You can’t go wrong with shrimp at a barbecue. BBQ shrimp is a classic Southern dish made up of succulent shrimp with a flavorful, smoky sauce. It’s the perfect entree for special occasions or simply a weeknight dinner.
Whether you hosting a party for your friends or family, BBQ shrimp is an excellent choice. This classic crowd-pleaser is easy to make and can be served in many different ways.
But what do you serve with bbq shrimp? We’re going to explore some of the tastiest side dishes that pair perfectly with BBQ shrimp. Read on to get inspired!
In Short - What to Serve with BBQ Shrimp Hushpuppies, Fried Okra, Sweet Potato Fries, Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Sweet Corn, Grilled Vegetables, Garlic Bread, Rice Pilaf, Salad, Macaroni & Cheese, Roasted Asparagus, Quinoa Salad, Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Salad
17 sides to serve with BBQ Shrimp
1. Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are deep-fried cornmeal fritters that hail from the South. They feature plenty of flavor and texture, and they pair beautifully with BBQ shrimp.
To make them, mix together cornmeal, self-rising flour, eggs, buttermilk, and diced onion.
Once your ingredients are thoroughly combined, roll them into balls and drop them in hot oil for about five minutes or until golden brown.
Serve these hushpuppies fresh out of the fryer for an unforgettable side dish.
2. Fried Okra
Fried okra is another Southern classic that pairs wonderfully with BBQ shrimp.
To prepare it, cut okra into 1/4-inch thick slices and coat them in a mixture of cornmeal and all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
Heat some vegetable oil over medium heat before adding the okra slices in batches of no more than five at a time — any more than that will lower the temperature of your oil too much!
Fry each batch for four to five minutes before transferring them to paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve this savory side dish alongside your scrumptious barbecue shrimp.
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3. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly nutritious!
A great way to enjoy this versatile root vegetable is by baking sweet potato fries in the oven — simply cut sweet potatoes lengthwise into wedges before tossing them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar (optional).
Place your wedges onto a lightly greased baking sheet before roasting them at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 mins or until golden brown on both sides.
Serve these savory fries alongside your succulent barbecue shrimp for an unbeatable combination!
4. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is an excellent side dish to pair with bbq shrimp because it adds some sweetness and crunch to the meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare.
Just boil or microwave until tender, brush with butter and seasonings, wrap in foil, and grill for about 10 minutes.
The result is a juicy and flavorful corn cob that will go perfectly with the sweet taste of your shrimp.
5. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another classic side dish that pairs well with bbq shrimp. It adds a nice creamy texture and crunchy vegetables to the mix, which helps balance out all of the flavors.
Plus, it’s effortless to make ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about prepping it while everything else is cooking.
To make things even easier, try using pre-made coleslaw mix from your local grocery store—it will taste just as good!
6. Potato Salad
If you want something a little heartier than coleslaw, potato salad makes an excellent side dish for bbq shrimp.
Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser, plus they are very versatile—you can add whatever seasonings or ingredients you like depending on your tastes (try adding some bacon bits for extra flavor!).
Just boil up some potatoes until they are tender but not mushy, then toss them in dressing (mayonnaise works great) and add any other ingredients you like before serving.
7. Sweet Corn
The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky flavor of the BBQ shrimp.
8. Grilled Vegetables
Grilling vegetables brings out their flavor and adds to the overall flavor combo when served alongside BBQ shrimp.
9. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread provides a crunchy and savory counterpoint to the succulent shrimp.
10. Rice Pilaf
Rice Pilaf is a light and flavorful side dish that is perfect for rounding out an entrée featuring Barbecue Shrimp as its main dish.
11. Salad
Fresh greens combine with herbs, nuts, tomatoes, and other tasty ingredients to give you a satisfying accompaniment to your Barbecue Shrimp dinner plate.
12. Macaroni & Cheese
Creamy macaroni & cheese gives you an indulgent yet comforting taste experience when enjoyed alongside BBQ shrimp dishes.
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13. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus spears bring nutty flavors that play well off of the sweet notes in Barbecue Shrimp recipes.
14. Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad makes for a healthy yet satisfying side dish when consumed with barbecue shrimp entrées due to its rich nutritional content and delicious flavor combinations such as lemon juice, olive oil, red onions, and feta cheese!
15. Biscuits
Buttery biscuits provide rich flavor and fluffy texture that enhances your barbecue shrimp experience without being too heavy or filling on their own!
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16. Mashed Potatoes
Smooth mashed potatoes offer creamy consistency, which pairs beautifully with shrimp’s chewy texture!
17. Broccoli Salad
A mix of broccoli florets, bacon bits, nuts, and other ingredients make this salad an ideal partner for bbq shrimp because it’s sweet yet tangy at the same time!
What is bbq shrimp? What does bbq shrimp taste like?
BBQ shrimp is a type of seafood dish that is usually served as an appetizer or main course.
It typically consists of peeled, deveined shrimp that are marinated in a sauce and then grilled to perfection over hot coals or directly on the grill grates.
The marinade often contains garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices like paprika and cayenne pepper.
When cooked properly, bbq shrimp has a smoky flavor with a hint of sweet citrus taste due to the use of lemon juice and other ingredients in the marinade.
The texture is tender and flavorful – slightly charred on the outside but still juicy inside.
BBQ shrimp can be served as-is or with some crusty bread to absorb the delicious sauce. It is also a wonderful topping for salads or pasta dishes.
Delicious and easy to make, bbq shrimp is sure to be a wink hit with your guests!
What goes with grilled shrimp skewers?
Grilled shrimp skewers can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Popular sides include roasted vegetables, grilled potatoes, and leafy green salads.
Sauces that go well with grilled shrimp skewers include tzatziki, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, and citrus-based sauces.
Rice or quinoa dishes can also make a great accompaniment to your grilled shrimp skewers. Consider adding items like fresh herbs or nuts for additional texture and flavor.
Depending on your choices to serve with your grilled shrimp skewers will surely make them taste even better!
Best rice dish to go with grilled shrimp
Grilled shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs nicely with many types of rice. Jasmine rice, in particular, is an excellent choice as its long grains absorb the juices from the grilled shrimp while also providing a rich texture and flavor.
Cooking Jasmine rice in some chicken or vegetable stock instead of plain water will further enhance the flavor of this dish.
Additionally, adding herbs and spices can help to round out the taste profile. For instance, adding garlic or ginger to the stock will provide a tantalizing aroma and subtly spicy flavor.
For a more complex flavor, try incorporating freshly chopped vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms into the cooked rice prior to serving.
This combination of grilled shrimp and flavorful Jasmine rice makes for an easy yet impressive meal that is sure to satisfy your family and friends!
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What are the best flavors to go with bbq shrimp?
BBQ shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish, so the best flavors to pair it with are those that will enhance its natural taste. For a balanced flavor profile, go for savory herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, which will add an herbal aroma and depth of flavor.
For a little sweetness to balance out the savoriness, add some freshly squeezed organic lemon juice or a dash of honey. For a touch of heat, try adding some freshly minced garlic or chili powder.
You can also opt for an Asian-inspired flavor by marinating your shrimp in sesame oil and soy sauce prior to grilling. To further round out the flavors in your BBQ shrimp dish, consider pairing it with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, diced tomatoes or onions, and extra virgin olive oil.
How do you jazz up bbq shrimp?
You can jazz up BBQ shrimp by marinating them in a mixture of flavorful ingredients such as garlic, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce.
After marinating the shrimp for an hour or so, you can grill them over high heat or broil them in the oven until they are cooked. Serve with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw or potato salad, and enjoy!
How do you display bbq shrimp on a platter?
To display BBQ shrimp on a platter, begin by arranging the shrimp in a circular pattern around the perimeter of the plate.
Use the largest pieces toward the outside and the smaller ones closer to the center. Arrange other ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits, within this pattern.
Place any sauces or garnishes in small dishes around the platter.
For a more attractive presentation, add sprigs of herbs or edible flowers for added color and contrast.
Finally, drizzle additional sauces over the top of the dish for extra flavor before serving.
Wrap Up on What to serve with BBQ Shrimps
With these three simple yet delicious side dishes for your bbq shrimp dinner, you will have an unforgettable meal everyone will love!
Corn on the cob brings sweetness and crunchiness; coleslaw adds creaminess; and potato salad gives it a hearty twist that takes this classic dish up a notch.
Now all you need is some fresh lemon wedges for squeezing overtop your grilled shrimp—and dinner is served! Enjoy!
FAQs
How much bbq shrimp per person?
For a large gathering of people, it is recommended to plan for at least 1/4 pound of BBQ shrimp per person. This amount allows for each guest to have enough shrimp to enjoy while also allowing for some extra in case anyone wants seconds.
Additionally, the quantity can easily be scaled up or down depending on how many guests are attending the event and their individual appetites.
For example, if you know your guests enjoy larger portions, you may want to provide 1/2 pound of BBQ shrimp per person instead.
What sides go with New Orleans BBQ shrimp?
Popular sides to serve with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp include creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, a fresh green salad, cornbread muffins, or sliced French bread.
For added texture, you could also add some crunchy coleslaw or a side of crispy fries.
The combination of the spicy shrimp and rich, buttery sauce pairs perfectly with hearty comfort food sides like macaroni and cheese or cheesy grits.
You can even top your grits with a few slices of BBQ shrimp for an added kick.
How do you eat barbeque shrimp?
Barbecue shrimp is usually served in its shell and eaten with your hands.
To eat barbeque shrimp, start by twisting off the head and discarding it.
Then, peel away the shell to expose the succulent flesh underneath.
Dip each bite into your favorite sauce or butter for added flavor. Enjoy!
