Fried shrimp is a classic dish that never fails to please. It can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.
Whether you’re making fried shrimp for your family or hosting a party, it’s important to consider what dishes will pair well with it. But what to serve with fried shrimp?
The key is finding side dishes that have the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
From creamy grits and coleslaw to crunchy potatoes and flavorful garlic bread, these dishes will elevate your fried shrimp from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s explore some of the best side dishes for fried shrimp.
What is fried shrimp? What does fried shrimp taste like?
Fried shrimp is a popular seafood dish that consists of battered or breaded shrimp, which are then fried in hot oil.
The result is a crunchy, savory dish that is a favorite among seafood lovers and can be enjoyed with a variety of condiments and sides.
Fried shrimp has a slightly sweet and salty flavor, with hints of buttery richness from the coating. It is usually served with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and lime wedges for added flavor.
It also pairs well with classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, hush puppies, and macaroni & cheese.
Fried shrimp is best served hot as soon as it comes out of the fryer; however, it can also be eaten cold after being refrigerated. Fried shrimp is an easy and delicious way to enjoy seafood!
18 Sides to serve with fried shrimp
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to fried shrimp because of its crunchy texture and sweet taste. It also helps balance out the salty flavor of the fried shrimp.
You can make coleslaw from scratch using shredded cabbage and carrots, mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Or if you’re short on time, you can buy pre-made coleslaw at most grocery stores and add in your own seasonings or dressings.
2. Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of the most popular side dishes to pair with fried shrimp. The combination of flavors works perfectly together and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
You can make your own fried rice using cooked white or brown rice, eggs, onions, garlic, frozen vegetables like peas and carrots, soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, sesame oil (optional), and any other seasonings that you prefer.
If you don’t have time to make your own fried rice from scratch, you can buy pre-made versions at many grocery stores or restaurants.
3. Cornbread
Cornbread is a great side dish for fried shrimp because it has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty taste of the shrimp.
It also adds some much-needed carbs to this otherwise protein-heavy meal!
To make cornbread from scratch, all you need are cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt (optional), butter (or vegan margarine), eggs (or egg substitute), honey (optional), milk (or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk).
Mix all these ingredients together, then bake in an oven until golden brown on top — Yum!
4. Creamy Grits
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy grits to accompany your fried shrimp. Not only are they delicious, but they also give you an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.
You can easily spice up your grits with butter, cheese, or other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. For an even more flavorful dish, try adding bacon bits or diced bell peppers.
Discover More: The Perfect Side Dishes To Serve With BBQ Shrimp
5. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is another easy-to-make side dish that complements fried shrimp perfectly.
All you need is some store-bought French bread (or homemade if you have time!), butter or olive oil, minced garlic cloves, parsley flakes, salt & pepper for seasoning—and voila! Garlic bread that tastes amazing!
Plus, it adds a lovely aroma to the dinner table too!
6. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
The perfect balance of sweet and salty, these oven-baked fries provide a delicious contrast to the succulent fried shrimp. (Recipe)
7. Twice-Baked Potatoes
Smoky bacon, mashed potatoes and earthy rosemary come together in this twice-baked potato side dish that complements fried shrimp beautifully.
Learn More: Delicious Pairs to Serve Potato Skins
8. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese are a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with crispy fried shrimp, creating an irresistible combination of hot and cold textures.
9. Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies are deep-fried cornmeal balls that are a staple in the South, where they’re often served with fried seafood dishes like shrimp.
10. Garlicky Spinach
Garlicky Spinach is a flavorful side dish that adds a fresh twist to your meal thanks to its combination of garlic, lemon juice and spinach leaves sautéed in olive oil.
11. Roasted Asparagus
Deliciously nutty and tender when roasted, asparagus is an excellent source of vitamins A and C while providing a unique flavor to any meal it is served with.
12. Garden Salad
Add some crunch to your plate by topping off your fried shrimp feast with a refreshing garden salad made with crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers topped off with tangy vinaigrette dressing.
13. Potato Salad
Potato Salad is excellent to serve with fried shrimp.
This picnic favorite boasts potatoes cooked and then combined with mayonnaise for an unforgettable combination of smoothness and crunchiness that pairs perfectly with deep-fried seafood dishes like shrimp or fish fillets.
Explore More: Best salads Paring with Coconut Shrimp
14. Corn on the Cob
A summertime favorite, corn on the cob is juicy when grilled or boiled but can also be microwaved in minutes if time is an issue—all while delivering an amazing flavor boost when served alongside fried shrimp!
15. Fried Okra
Fried Okra is another Southern specialty! These deep-fried pods add delightful texture to any meal due to their unusual shape; okra also provides dietary fiber, which helps offset some of the fat from frying foods like shrimp!
16. Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is a simple side that features green beans cooked until tender, then topped off with buttery almonds for some added crunchiness.
It is the perfect complement to savory seafood dishes like fried shrimp!
17. Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings provide yet another level of texture when paired against creamy shells or succulent tails; look for batter recipes that use beer for extra flavor!
Discover More: Best and delicious Condiment for Onion Rings
18. Fried Zucchini Sticks
Fried Zucchini Sticks are an ideal way to round out any meal featuring fried seafood such as crispy battered shrimp!
Zucchini sticks offer up starchy goodness without too much indulgence—and they look great too!
What are the best flavors to go with fried shrimp?
Fried shrimp is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Depending on the particular flavor preferences, there are a variety of flavors that pair well with fried shrimp.
Some of the best flavors to go with fried shrimp include citrusy ones like lemon or lime, as well as garlic and herbs such as thyme, oregano, parsley or dill.
For a bit of sweetness to balance out the savory flavor of the shrimp, adding a bit of honey or maple syrup can also be delicious.
Another great way to add flavor is to sprinkle some smoked paprika over the dish – this will give it an extra depth of flavor while still keeping it light and fresh.
Finally, if you’re looking for something more exotic, try adding some cilantro and chili powder for a spicy kick. All these flavors work together to create an unforgettable fried shrimp dish that everyone will love!
How do you jazz up fried shrimp?
One way to jazz up fried shrimp is to serve it with a flavorful dipping sauce. Try making a homemade cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or even a mango-chili chutney.
All of these sauces will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your fried shrimp dish. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create flavorful coatings for your fried shrimp.
A combination of garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano will give the shrimp a nice kick!
Finally, don’t forget about the presentation when serving up your fried shrimp – adding some fresh lemon wedges or sprigs of parsley as garnish will make the dish look more appetizing and inviting. Enjoy!
How do you display fried shrimp on a platter?
Fried shrimp can be displayed on a platter in a visually appealing way by arranging them in a circular pattern to create an eye-catching arrangement.
To make the presentation even more attractive, it is a good idea to place lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh herbs, such as parsley, around the edges of the platter.
For best results, lightly sprinkle olive oil over each individual shrimp before displaying them on the platter. This will add additional flavor and help keep the shrimp crunchy and moist during serving.
Additionally, garnish with colorful edible flowers or small edible fruits such as citrus slices for added aesthetic appeal.
10 best-fried shrimp dinner ideas you must try
1. Spicy Fried Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
Spicy Fried Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce is a popular Asian dish that is easy to make and sure to please your taste buds.
The combination of crunchy, fried shrimp and a sweet-spicy chili sauce is irresistible! Serve with steamed white rice for an extra comforting meal.
2. Panko Crusted Coconut Shrimp
The combination of panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut gives this dish a unique crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp.
It’s best served with a tangy mango chutney or a creamy rémoulade sauce.
3. Mexican-Style Tempura Shrimp
Mexican-Style Tempura Shrimp is a delicious recipe that combines tempura batter and Mexican flavors for the perfect fried shrimp dish.
A mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika gives the shrimp an amazing flavor, while the crisp tempura keeps them juicy on the inside. Serve with guacamole for a complete meal.
4. Beer-Battered Fried Shrimp
You can’t go wrong with beer-battered anything, so it makes sense that this recipe would be a hit! The beer adds flavor and helps create an extra crispy exterior when fried in hot oil.
Serve with French fries or coleslaw for an ultimate seafood platter.
5. Easy Cajun Fried Shrimp
If you’re looking for something spicy to add to your dinner menu, then look no further than this classic Southern dish!
The Cajun seasoning brings out all the natural flavors of the shrimp, while its golden hue is sure to turn heads at the table!
6. Honey Mustard Fried Shrimp
Sweet and savory come together in this simple yet flavorful recipe! The honey mustard glaze adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the delicate taste of the shrimp, making it ideal as an appetizer or side dish to any meal.
7. Parmesan Crusted Oven-Fried Shrimp
Don’t feel like going through all of the hassle associated with deep frying? No problem – this oven-fried version achieves just as great results but requires less effort (and mess!).
The parmesan crust gives these bites a nice cheesy flavor that pairs especially well with marinara sauce or tartar dipping sauces!
8. Garlic Lime Baked Shrimp
If you want something slightly healthier than deep-fried versions, try baking your shrimp instead!
This simple garlic lime marinade adds brightness and zestiness to every bite, so you won’t miss out on any of those bold flavors either way!
9. Crispy Herbed Breaded Shrimp
Crispy Herbed Breaded Shrimp is herbed breadcrumb coating that adds an unexpected burst of flavor while keeping each piece nice and crispy on both sides when cooked properly!
Serve up these tasty morsels over linguine noodles bathed in butter and lemon juice for an unforgettable dining experience!
10. Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich
Last but not least, there’s nothing quite like biting into a po’boy sandwich packed full of flavorsome fried shrimp – all tucked inside some soft French bread slathered in homemade remoulade sauce!
Served alongside some thick-cut fries or potato wedges, it’s sure to hit all spots at once!.
Wrap Up on What to serve with fried shrimp
When pairing upsides for your next meal featuring fried shrimp, there are so many options available!
Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture, while cornbread adds sweetness; both pair nicely with the salty taste of the shrimp.
For more carbs in your meal, try adding some homemade or store-bought fried rice — but whatever sides you decide on, just remember not to forget about those delicious little shrimps!
With these tips, we’re sure you’ll be able to create a delicious meal for yourself and your guests that everyone will love!
And don’t forget—you can always get creative in the kitchen by adding your own favorite seasonings and ingredients! Bon appetit!
FAQs
How much-fried shrimp per person?
For a typical dinner, the average amount of fried shrimp per person would be around 5-6 pieces.
This can vary depending on how much people are willing to eat and how large the shrimp are.
If the fried shrimp are served as an appetizer, 3-4 pieces should suffice. The size and type of shrimp can also make a difference;
For example, large jumbo shrimp may require fewer pieces than small baby shrimp.
Additionally, keep in mind that deep-fried food tends to be more filling than other types of cooking methods.
What sauce goes with fried shrimp?
The answer to this question truly depends on personal preference. Some people like to dip their fried shrimp in cocktail sauce, while others prefer tartar sauce or a remoulade sauce.
Other popular sauces that go well with fried shrimp include honey mustard, chili garlic sauce, and rémoulade.
For a healthier option, plain Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs is also a great accompaniment for fried shrimp.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you think tastes best! No matter which one you choose, the combination of crispy fried shrimp and flavorful dipping sauces is sure to be a hit!
What vegetable to serve with fried shrimp?
Fried shrimp is a classic dish that pairs well with a variety of vegetables.
One popular choice to accompany fried shrimp is coleslaw, which offers a crunchy texture and cool, creamy flavor.
Carrots, bell peppers, and celery are also great options for adding color, texture, and flavor to the meal.
For a heartier vegetable side dish, try pairing fried shrimp with roasted potatoes or French fries.
If you’re looking to add some spice to the meal, opt for roasted jalapenos or chili-lime corn on the cob.
Each of these vegetables can be cooked in the same oil used to fry the shrimp for an extra layer of flavor.
