What's with all the love for fried shrimps? They're crispy, they're juicy, and they make us feel like we're living our best lives in a beachside shack, even if we're just in our living room.
Fried shrimps deserve a spotlight on our plates (small penaeid shrimp, typically breaded and deep-fried for a crispy exterior).
We can pair them with so many tasty sides, they practically have their own dinner party. From zesty coleslaw to creamy dips, the options are endless.
We've tried a bunch and have our faves ready to share. So grab your shrimp, and let's get cooking!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Fried Shrimps
Here are our top 13 favorite side dishes to serve with fried shrimps:
1 - Cajun Remoulade Sauce
If we had a dollar for every time someone raved about remoulade, we'd be rich. Cajun remoulade adds swagger to shrimp.
It's zippy with a touch of heat.
A mix of mayo, mustard (about a 2:1 mayo-to-Dijon ratio), and spices gives it that kick. It's creamy, tangy, and tastes like the bayou on a plate.
It pairs well with fried foods and richer sauces like bearnaise sauce pairing ideas.
We enjoy it with fried shrimps or veggies. Just a dollop makes everything better.
Add some hot sauce for an extra zing if you're feeling bold.
2 - Creamy Coleslaw
Who doesn't appreciate a good creamy coleslaw with their fried shrimp or as an easy creamy mushroom chicken side idea?
The mayo base melds with vinegar for a nice balance (roughly a 3:1 mayo-to-vinegar ratio for a classic creaminess). We can toss in carrots or even apples for a twist.
Make sure to let it chill. It just gets better after hanging out in the fridge for a while.
Also, shredding the veggies makes them blend better. Freshness matters, so use crisp cabbage.
3 - Cheesy Grits
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What's not to like about cheesy grits? They're creamy, comforting, and a side dish MVP.
We set a pot on the burner and boil some water. Then we pour in the grits (about a 4:1 water-to-grits ratio) and stir for a few minutes.
Add heaps of cheddar for that melty goodness. Mixing in butter enhances the richness.
Don't forget seasoning! A pinch of salt and pepper works wonders.
Grits are versatile too. They go great with shrimp, barbecue, or even as a breakfast treat.
4 - Garlic Butter Rice
Who needs fancy when we've got garlic butter rice? It meets our need for comfort.
Just combine long-grain rice with garlic and butter; your dinner will thank you.
This dish is quick to whip up. We often add herbs for extra flair.
Parsley or chives bring fresh vibes.
That's a combo filled with flavor and pairs well with garlic butter shrimp side options.
We also switch out the rice for quinoa sometimes.
It's a solid choice when we want a twist.
5 - Hush Puppies
Another dish that deserves some serious attention is hush puppies. These little fried orbs are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, typically made from a cornmeal batter.
They're often served alongside fried fish or shrimp, adding a filling texture.
We can whip them up with simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, and herbs. Frying changes everything.
They come with a light, savory vibe that complements various meals.
Experiment with spices or add jalapeños for a kick. Dipping them in sauce takes it to another level.
Consider homemade ranch or tangy remoulade.
6 - Mango Avocado Salsa
What's better than a crunchy chip dipped in something fresh? Mango avocado salsa gives that zesty vibe we want.
We've got ripe mangoes (Ataulfo or Haden), creamy avocados, diced onion, and lime juice. Freshness matters for the best flavor.
Keep it chunky for that satisfying texture.
A splash of cilantro really highlights it. It's a versatile dip.
Use it with fried shrimp or grilled chicken like mango salsa chicken side ideas.
Chill it before serving, and it's even better. Make it your own by adding jalapeños for heat.
7 - Zesty Corn Salad
Corn salad is a bright mix that grabs attention. Sweet corn and fresh veggies create a crunchy medley.
We toss in bell peppers, red onions, and cilantro for zing. A drizzle of lime juice brightens the whole dish (about 1 tablespoon per 3 cups of salad).
Grilled corn gives it a smoky touch. It's quick to make and tasty chilled or at room temp.
Pair it with shrimp or barbecued meats for extra flair, or try it with mexican street corn side pairings.
8 - Roasted Sweet Potatoes
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Roasted sweet potatoes are like nature's candy. They're sweet, caramelized, and super easy to make.
We chop them up, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.
The outside gets crispy while the inside stays fluffy. Throw in some spices for extra flair.
They're great on their own or as a side. We can pair them with shrimp to balance flavors.
Resting time is a must; it enhances their sweetness.
Watch them disappear faster than we can serve them!
9 - Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw
What's with pickled red cabbage bringing the crunch? It's tart, it's bright, and it adds flair to any dish.
We toss it with vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt for balance (use a 1:1 vinegar-to-water brine for quick pickling).
That zing complements fried shrimp well.
Chill it for a bit to let the flavours really come out.
We can also mix in carrots for extra colour and crunch.
Storing leftovers? Use a jar. It keeps things fresh in the fridge.
10 - Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes bring a crunchy, tangy bite to our plates.
These golden little gems are breaded and fried, offering a crispy exterior with soft, tangy insides.
They pair well with remoulade or ranch. Get that seasoning right; it's a useful.
We like to use medium-ground yellow cornmeal for a classic Southern vibe and sprinkle some cayenne for heat.
Chilling them before frying helps get a better crunch.
They make a solid side or a quirky app to impress guests.
11 - Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
Asparagus is great, right? When it meets lemon and parmesan, things get seriously tasty.
This dish is simple yet fresh.
We roast the asparagus until tender (about 10-12 minutes at 400°F), then sprinkle it with zesty lemon juice and grated parmesan.
That combo brings out crazy good flavors. We also like to add some garlic for an extra boost.
A little salt and pepper tie it all together. Make sure to serve it hot.
It pairs well with shrimp or any protein dish.
12 - Jalapeño Cornbread
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Jalapeño cornbread is like a party in your mouth. It's fluffy with a spicy kick.
We use fresh jalapeños for that zest, usually 1-2 finely chopped per batch.
The sweetness of the corn pairs so well with the heat.
Adding cheese? Yes, please! It brings creaminess that balances everything.
Baking it until golden gets the best crunch on top.
This dish plays nicely with shrimp. We recommend serving it warm.
Leftovers? They make a great breakfast toasted.
13 - Coconut Rice
Coconut rice brings a tropical vibe to any plate. It's fluffy, creamy, and infused with coconut milk.
We simmer rice in this rich liquid (use a 1:1 ratio of coconut milk to water) for a satisfying texture.
Use long-grain rice for the best results. Adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavor.
Pair it with shrimp or grilled veggies for a fresh combo.
Letting it sit after cooking improves the taste. This dish also works as a base for stir-fries.
Easily customize with herbs or spices.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
