Have you ever just craved a little something different with your meals? We all know the usual sides to serve, but sometimes, our palate need a little shake-up.
Garlic butter shrimp really ups the ante, so we need the perfect side to match its vibe (shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused butter sauce). Think about the last time you threw some shrimp in a pan and wondered what to serve alongside.
Trust us, it's a dilemma we've faced too.
Let's not settle for boring plates. We'll show you some fantastic sides that'll make your shrimp sing and dance on the plate!
Grab your forks because we're diving right into the fun stuff.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Here are the top 13 side dishes to serve with garlic butter shrimp:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Lemon Herb Risotto | Arborio rice, lemon, Parmesan, herbs | Creamy, tangy | Medium | 35 mins |
| Parmesan Roasted Asparagus | Asparagus, Parmesan, olive oil | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, cream, butter | Creamy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Zucchini Noodles with Pesto | Zucchini, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan | Fresh, herby | Easy | 15 mins |
| Mediterranean Couscous Salad | Couscous, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Grilled Corn on the Cob | Corn, butter, spices | Sweet, smoky | Easy | 15 mins |
| Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice | Cauliflower, garlic, Parmesan, butter | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Caprese Salad | Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Sautéed Spinach with Lemon | Spinach, garlic, lemon | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze | Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar | Savory, tangy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Creamy Polenta | Polenta, cream, butter, cheese | Creamy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Buttered Linguine | Linguine, butter, Parmesan | Rich, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce, croutons, Caesar dressing | Tangy, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
1 - Lemon Herb Risotto
Lemon herb risotto is like the cozy blanket of side dishes. It's creamy and comforting, perfect with garlic butter shrimp.
The lemon adds brightness while the herbs give it a fresh kick - pair this with lemon pound cake side ideas.
It's simple to whip up and feels fancy.
Stir that arborio rice until it gets all creamy and dreamy.
Use broth instead of water for extra flavor (use a 2:1 broth-to-water ratio when cooking arborio). If we're feeling cheeky, a sprinkle of parmesan on top never hurts.
Risotto can be our secret weapon at dinner.
2 - Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Are we even living if we're not roasting asparagus? This side is a total winner.
We coat the spears in olive oil and sprinkle a good amount of parmesan on top.
Roasting brings out that nice crunch (roast at 425°F for 10-12 minutes). No one wants soggy veggies, right?
We usually pop it in the oven while the shrimp sizzles away - it also pairs well with eggplant parmesan side pairings.
A bit of lemon zest can jazz it up. Perfect for impressing our dinner guests or just for us.
3 - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
They are creamy, garlicky, and we can't resist a big mound on our plate, and they also make great sides for creamy mushroom chicken.
We use butter and cream for the ultimate richness (try a 1:1 butter-to-cream ratio for a silky texture). A touch of garlic amps up the flavor-you can never go wrong with that.
Get those potatoes smooth, but some lumps are cool too. We like a bit of texture.
Pro tip: Use Yukon Golds if we want that buttery goodness. They are perfect for mashing!
4 - Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zoodles-funny how we can turn veggies into noodles, right? They're fresh and forgiving.
We slice zucchini into ribbons or strands. A quick sauté keeps them crunchy.
Pesto adds great flavor (traditionally made with basil and pine nuts).
You can buy some pre-made or whip up your own.
Don't forget a sprinkle of parmesan on top. We enjoy tossing in cherry tomatoes for colour.
Zoodles win for being light and tasty and can be swapped for cold soba noodle side options.
5 - Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Is couscous just fancy rice? This Mediterranean mix really spices things up.
It's fluffy, versatile, and comes together quickly (use pearl Israeli couscous for a chewier texture or fine couscous for a lighter bite).
Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a splash of lemon. We also like a handful of olives for that briny goodness.
Cooking couscous is a breeze. Just add hot water, cover, and wait a few minutes.
Perfect for meal prep or last-minute sides; see Mediterranean side ideas for meals.
Even better the next day!
6 - Grilled Corn on the Cob
Who doesn't enjoy corn on the cob? It's a classic side that we can't resist.
Grilling adds that lovely char. We rub it with butter and sprinkle salt for maximum flavour.
Don't skip the lime juice for a citrusy twist! If we want a kick, some chili powder works wonders.
Perfect for summer BBQs or any meal.
It's quick and easy to make. Just grill for about 10 minutes and we're golden.
Fresh corn is key; it makes all the difference (look for sweet varieties like Silver Queen or bi-color corn).
7 - Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice
Are we really going to pass on cauliflower rice? This side can steal the show.
It's light and super versatile (a low-carb cauliflower-based rice substitute).
We can quickly whip it up in a pan.
Garlic ramps up the flavor, while parmesan gives it a cheesy kick. It cooks fast, making it ideal for busy days.
A touch of olive oil keeps it nice and smooth.
Be sure to chop that cauliflower small for better texture. We mix in herbs for a fresh twist.
It's a solid pick on taco nights.
8 - Caprese Salad
What's better than fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on a hot day? Caprese salad is the chill dish we rely on.
It's super simple.
Just slice some ripe tomatoes and good mozzarella (fresh buffalo mozzarella is ideal). Sprinkle with basil leaves for that fresh vibe.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic for punch. Easy and looks fancy too.
This salad tastes best when everything's in season.
We like adding a bit of cracked pepper. It's reliable, tasty, and a classic side.
Perfect during summer BBQs or any meal!
9 - Sautéed Spinach with Lemon
Are we really skipping sautéed spinach? This side is quick, bright, and a solid way to sneak in some greens.
Spinach wilts down big time, so we can load up the pan (baby spinach cooks especially quickly).
A splash of lemon adds zesty brightness. We can easily toss in garlic for extra flavor.
Cooking takes just a few minutes, so keep an eye on it. Leftover sautéed spinach can jazz up omelettes or pasta.
It's a versatile option that pairs with loads of dishes. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
10 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Ready to make veggies exciting? Roasted Brussels sprouts are where it's at.
They get crispy outside and tender inside (roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes for best caramelization). The balsamic glaze gives them a sweet tang that we can't resist.
We toss them with olive oil and season them up before roasting. A little salt and pepper does wonders.
Try them with bacon bits if we're feeling fancy.
These guys are quick to throw in the oven and shine next to our garlic butter shrimp.
11 - Creamy Polenta
Ever tried making polenta? It's like giving corn a cozy spa day.
Creamy polenta is simple and filling. We cook it with broth; it's way better than just water (use chicken or vegetable broth, about 4 cups liquid per cup polenta).
Stirring it takes a bit, but it's worth it. Add cheese for a rich, velvety finish.
We can play around with spices too.
It's a great side for soaking up sauces, so serve it with shrimp. Polenta keeps us satisfied without overdoing it.
12 - Buttered Linguine
Who's ready for some buttery linguine? This side dish is simple yet satisfying.
We cook it al dente and toss it with melted butter for that rich finish (cook 8-10 minutes until al dente).
Add some herbs for a fresh kick. It's a versatile base, perfect with shrimp or roasted veggies.
Water for cooking should be salted well; it makes a difference.
Leftovers? Perfect for a quick meal.
Just reheat with a splash of broth. It's a must-have for busy nights!
13 - Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic, just like a good movie sequel. Crispy romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons are unforgettable.
Parmesan and anchovies provide depth in flavor (anchovies are salt-cured fillets that add savory umami).
We toss it all together for a fresh, savory combo. Homemade dressing is a win.
It's simple with olive oil, garlic, and lemon.
When we make croutons, we like to season them. A little garlic powder makes a difference.
Using fresh ingredients really brings it all together.
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.
