Coconut shrimp is a delicious, flavorful dish that can be served as an amazing appetizer or main course. As with any meal, it’s crucial to choose a side dish that perfectly complies with the flavors of the coconut shrimp.
Coconut shrimp offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. It’s made with shrimp that are coated in coconut flakes, fried or baked until golden brown, and served with a combination of sauces and side dishes.
The crunchy texture of the coconut is balanced out nicely by the lightness of the shrimp, while the sweetness of the coconut creates a subtle yet distinct flavor.
Pairing Coconut Shrimp with a suitable side dish can take your meal to the next level! Here are 20 of the best side dishes for Coconut Shrimp that make an ordinary dinner extraordinary. Number 15 is one of my favorites.
In a Hurry and want What pairs good with coconut shrimp, then try any of these- Rice Noodle Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Coconut Rice Pilaf, Grilled Pineapple Salsa, Roasted Broccoli, Au Gratin Potatoes, Steamed Veggies, Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, Creamy Confetti Slaw, Rice Pilaf, Veggie Spring Rolls, Quinoa Salad, Sautéed Garlic Spinach, Caprese Salad, Garlic Bread, Coleslaw, Mango Salad, Sweet Potato Fries, and Grilled Corn on the Cob
20 Delicious Side Dishes To Serve With Coconut Shrimp
1. Rice Noodle Salad
One of the best accompaniments to coconut shrimp is the cooling, light flavor of a rice noodle salad.
Rice Noodles provide a perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the shrimp while still providing plenty of complementary fruit and vegetable flavors.
You can easily customize it with your own favorite ingredients—think mangoes, bell peppers, carrots, cilantro, and peanuts.
It’s also quick and easy to make – all you have to do is prepare the noodles according to package instructions, mix in your chosen ingredients and dress them with a simple vinaigrette.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy option to serve with Coconut Shrimp.
Roasted vegetables bring out their natural sweetness and provide an unbeatable additional layer of flavor.
Try adding some roasted red peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions to the mix for a colorful side dish that complements the shrimp perfectly. Also, Add roasted vegetables like squash or asparagus are ideal additions.
All you have to do is slice your vegetables into thin strips (or cubes for squash), toss them in olive oil and seasonings, spread them on a baking sheet, then roast at 425°F until they reach desired doneness (usually about 15 minutes).
3. Coconut Rice Pilaf
For an easy side dish that is truly worthy and won’t overpower your plate of shrimp, try making light and flavorful coconut rice pilaf.
It combines two popular flavors – coconut and rice and diced vegetables like bell peppers and onions- into one fantastic dish that will tantalize everyone’s taste buds. Finish it off by stirring in some fresh lime juice before serving!
The result is a unique flavor profile that adds depth to your meal without stealing the show from the star—the coconut shrimp!
4. Grilled Pineapple Salsa
The sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple salsa highlight the Coconut Shrimp perfectly. The combination of pineapple, red onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and honey creates a zesty flavor that goes perfectly with the sweetness of the coconut-fried shrimp.
It takes just 10 minutes to prepare! Serve it up with a side of tortilla chips for an easy appetizer, or top your shrimp with it for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli is an easy way to add some more green to your plate. This healthy side dish pairs well with many different types of seafood entrees, including coconut shrimp.
Roasting broccoli gives it a smoky flavor that adds depth to every bite. You can easily make this roasted broccoli in one pan on the stovetop—a great option if you want something easy to prepare but still packed with flavor!
To do so, toss florets with olive oil and a few spices before roasting in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until lightly browned.
6. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is an ideal side dish for Coconut Shrimp. It has the perfect texture to contrast with the crispy shrimp but also serves as an ideal platform for absorbing all of the flavors from the rest of your meal.
You can make it by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic in butter before adding rice and stock to the pan. Simmer until just cooked through and fluff with a fork before serving.
7. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is an excellent source of protein and fiber, making it an ideal side dish for Coconut Shrimp. Mix cooked quinoa together with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a light and refreshing side dish.
8. Coleslaw
A classic coleslaw also goes with Coconut Shrimp. The tangy flavors of the slaw not only provide an excellent contrast to the sweet shrimp but also add a bit of crunch and texture.
9. Mango Salad
Try a mango salsa if you’re looking for something a bit more exotic than the classic coleslaw.
The sweetness of the mango combined with the crispness of the lettuce provides an excellent balance to the shrimp.
To make it, simply dice up some mangoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with pepper and salt to taste before serving.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
One of the most famous ways to serve coconut shrimp is with a selection of flavorful side dishes like Sweet potato fries.
Sweet potato fries are a great complement to the crunchy texture and savory taste of coconut shrimp. To make them, simply cut sweet potatoes into thick slices and toss them with a bit of olive oil and spices.
Bake in the oven at 400 ℉ until they are crispy outside and tender in the middle.
11. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is another great summer side dish option for coconut shrimp.
To make it, brush ears of corn with olive oil and seasonings before grilling over medium-high heat. Turn occasionally until the corn is lightly charred on all sides.
12. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is always a hit at any dinner table, and it pairs perfectly with coconut shrimp. The combination of the savory garlic flavor and crunchy texture of the bread perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
This dish is quick and easy to prepare, as it only requires a few simple ingredients like butter, garlic powder, parsley flakes, and French bread.
To make it, cut a loaf of French bread into slices and spread it with a combination of melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Toast in the oven until golden brown.
For an added touch of flavor, try serving the Garlic Bread with a side of marinara sauce. This will provide an extra layer of savory goodness to your meal and make it even more enjoyable.
Be sure to have a bunch of napkins on hand as you indulge in this delicious combination of shrimp and Garlic Bread.
13. Caprese Salad
A classic Italian salad, Caprese is a great light side dish that pairs well with coconut shrimp.
To make it, just layer slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves on a platter before drizzling it with good-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
14. Sautéed Garlic Spinach
Sautéed Garlic Spinach is also a great addition to many items on a salad bar. For example, it can be used as the base of a spinach salad and topped with fresh fruit, nuts, and vinaigrette dressing.
Additionally, it can be served as a side to grilled fish or chicken. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to any hearty steak dinner. By adding Sautéed Garlic Spinach to your meal, you’ll add flavor and nutrition in one bite!
For a variation on this dish, try adding diced tomatoes or mushrooms to the skillet. Or, you can substitute kale for spinach and add a few freshly chopped herbs.
This dish offers a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize the taste buds.
15. Creamy Confetti Slaw
Creamy Confetti Slaw is a wonderful addition to coconut shrimp, creating a vivid and tasty dish. This classic combination of textures and tastes stands out on any dinner plate.
The creamy slaw is made with a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and bell peppers, all lightly coated in a mayonnaise-based dressing.
Bits of diced pineapple and mandarin orange add a splash of color, while freshly chopped cilantro adds a hint of herbal flavor.
For the finishing touch, shredded coconut flakes are sprinkled on top for a subtle sweetness that ties everything together.
Serve this dish with crusty French bread, or pair it with your favorite cold beverage for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
16. Veggie Spring Rolls
Veggie Spring Rolls are an outstanding side to coconut shrimp since they are a light and tasty option that can help to balance out the heavier protein.
Veggie Spring Rolls are made with a variety of fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and more, all wrapped in a thin wrapper and deep-fried until crisp.
The vegetables add crunch and flavor to the rolls, while the thin wrapper creates a crispy texture that stands up against the heavier proteins.
Serve these crunchy spring rolls with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
17.Au Gratin Potatoes
Au Gratin Potatoes and coconut shrimp, as they both share a hint of sweet richness. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the succulent shrimp and provides balance to the dish.
To make Au Gratin Potatoes, slice potatoes into thin discs and layer them in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with Salt, Pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Garnish the top with a generous amount of shredded cheese and bake for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and golden brown on top. Serve alongside coconut shrimp for a delicious meal!
18. Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts
For a truly delicious version of this classic pairing, start with fresh arugula. Look for bright green leaves that don’t have any wilting or yellowing.
Not only is it light and flavorful, but the contrast of a crunchy salad with crispy fried shrimp makes for an unbeatable combination.
Arugula still on the stem is always the best choice if you can find it. Once you’ve found your ideal greens, combine them with toasted pine nuts and a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Toss everything together until the leaves are lightly coated, and the pine nuts are evenly distributed.
19. Steamed Veggies
A delicious side dish to serve with coconut shrimp is steamed vegetables. Steamed vegetables are full of flavor and nutrition, also simple to prepare.
Simply place your favorite vegetable in a steaming basket and cook it over boiling water until it becomes tender, typically about 7-10 minutes.
The vegetables will retain their vibrant color and flavor, making them an ideal accompaniment to the lightly fried coconut shrimp.
You can also add extra flavor by drizzling the steamed vegetables with a bit of olive oil or melted butter or even some herbs or spices such as garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, or cumin.
With a few simple ingredients, you can easily turn this dish into something truly special!
I hope these pairs can help you to make coconut shrimp more indulgent. Let me know which one or two you’re adding as a side.