Nothing is quite as satisfying as a plate full of crispy fried shrimp. This delicacy is a fan favorite worldwide, and when it comes to side dishes, it is important to find the right balance of flavors to complement the show’s star.
While there is certainly no shortage of options out there, there are some sides that stand out above the rest.
This article will discuss the 10 best sides for fried shrimp so that you can enjoy a fully balanced and flavorful meal. From classic sides such as coleslaw and mashed potatoes to unique recipes that may surprise you, we have everything you need to enjoy fried shrimp with the perfect accompaniments.
10 Best Sides For Fried Shrimp In 2023
Fried shrimp is a delicious and classic seafood dish that people worldwide have enjoyed for centuries. Whether you’re eating it as an appetizer or as a main course, there’s no doubt it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Here are the top ten sides that will make your fried shrimp meal even more delicious.
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a great side dish to fried shrimp. The coleslaw’s crunchy texture and creamy dressing pair perfectly with the fried shrimp, creating an unbeatable combination of tastes and textures.
The complex flavors of the coleslaw pair nicely with the crisp, crunchy texture of the fried shrimp, making it a great side dish. The coleslaw’s slight sweetness helps balance the fried shrimp’s salty flavor, making for an enjoyable meal.
Coleslaw is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, adding to the health benefits of the meal. Also, coleslaw is easy to make and comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Serving coleslaw as a side dish is a great way to add variety and flavor to your meal.
2. Potato Salad
Potato salad is an ideal complement to fried shrimp, providing a creamy and savory addition to the crunchy texture of the shrimp. Potato salad is a classic dish of boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and other condiments and vegetable that varies.
This classic combination of crunchy, salty shrimp and creamy, tangy potato salad is delicious. The potatoes in the salad provide a nice textural contrast to the shrimp while adding mayonnaise and other seasonings such as celery, onions, and pickles give the salad an extra tang that pairs perfectly with the fried shrimp.
This classic dish’s flavors and textures make it a great addition to fried shrimp.
3. Baked Beans
Baked beans make an excellent side dish to fried dishes, providing a flavorful and balanced meal to the seafood. Baked beans are rich in flavor and provide a hearty and substantial addition to the meal.
Furthermore, the versatility of this side dish makes it a great choice for any meal. It can be served with various proteins, vegetables, and grains, making it a great option for a quick and healthy meal. Additionally, baked beans are an excellent source of protein and complex carbohydrates.
The smoky and savory notes of the beans perfectly complement the fried shrimp for a delicious and textured meal. Baked beans also contain healthy amounts of fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to any seafood dinner.
Whether you prefer a classic, home-style recipe or a more inventive take on the classic side dish, baked beans are sure to be a blast when served alongside fried shrimp.
4. Tartar Salad
Tartar salad is a delicious and nutritious dish to pair with fried shrimp. Tartar salad is made with various fresh ingredients, including diced tomatoes, diced onions, diced cucumbers, and a lightly sweetened mayonnaise-based dressing.
The tartar salad is a perfect accompaniment to fried shrimp, as the crisp crunch of the vegetables perfectly contrasts with the soft, succulent shrimp. The tartar salad also provides a refreshing and flavourful kick to the meal, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
With its vibrant colors and flavor, tartar salad paired with fried shrimp will surely be a hit for everyone.
5. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Grilled vegetable kabobs are an excellent side dish to pair with fried shrimp. This combination of flavors makes for a delicious, well-rounded meal. Vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and onions can all be chopped into cubes and threaded onto skewers for grilling.
This dish is great for outdoor summer barbecues and grilling, making for an easy, no-fuss side dish. The vegetables can be tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper and grilled to perfection.
Combining the sweet and savory grilled vegetables with the fried shrimp will add a unique flavor to your meal.
6. Greek Salad
Greek salad is a perfect side dish for fried shrimp. This delicious combination combines the freshness of the salad with the crunchy texture of fried shrimp. The greek salad consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, red onions, and a dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar.
This combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight any seafood lover. The salad offers a refreshing and light accompaniment to the fried shrimp, while the shrimp adds a savory crunch to the salad.
7. Mango Guacamole
Mango guacamole is a delicious accompaniment to fried shrimp. The mango’s sweet and tangy flavors perfectly complement the shrimp’s savory taste. The creamy texture of the guacamole is also a great pairing with the crispy texture of the fried shrimp.
The combination of flavors and textures makes mango guacamole and fried shrimp an ideal pairing. Not only is it delicious, but it is also a healthy meal choice. Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, so adding them to guacamole is a great way to enjoy fried shrimp.
8. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a wonderful side dish to be served alongside fried shrimp. This classic combination creates a meal that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The creamy and flavorful macaroni salad perfectly contrasts with the crunchy and salty fried shrimp. Not only is the taste delightful, but this combination also provides plenty of nutrition. The shrimp is a low-fat source of protein, and the macaroni salad is a great source of carbohydrates and vitamins.
9. Pesto Zoodles
Pesto Zoodles make an excellent side dish to fried shrimp. This light and flavorful dish is a healthy alternative to pasta and will surely be a hit with guests.
Pesto Zoodles are an easy and delicious way to get in your veggies. Pesto zoodles provide a unique flavor that contrasts well with the savory shrimp, creating a dish that is both enjoyable and nutritious.
Pesto Zoodles are made with zucchini, fresh pesto sauce, and parmesan cheese. The combination makes a delectable meal to please your taste buds when paired with fried shrimp.
10. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is an ideal accompaniment to fried shrimp. The sweet and creamy coconut flavor complements the savory flavor of the shrimp perfectly. A coconut dish paired with fried shrimp perfectly balances flavor, texture, and aroma. Coconut is also easy to make.
How To Preserve Fried Shrimp?
Fried shrimp can be preserved to increase this delectable seafood dish’s shelf life and flavor. Following the right processes for cooling and reheating your fried shrimp is crucial to get the finest results.
Before storing the fried shrimp, it is essential to allow it to cool fully. This will reduce the chance of moisture building up inside the container. After the fried shrimp has cooled, please put it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This will help in retaining moisture and stop the formation of bacteria.
The fried shrimp should stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, for best results, fried shrimp should be consumed within three to four days. If you plan to keep the shrimp for longer, it is best to freeze it.
Conclusion
Fried shrimp is an iconic dish that is popular all over the world. Not only does it have a delicious flavor, but it also has a unique texture that makes it stand out from other seafood dishes.
While fried shrimp is delicious on its own, a variety of sides can be served alongside it to create an even more delicious and interesting meal. We’ve explored the 10 best sides for fried shrimp. From classic sides like coleslaw and potato salad to savory sides like garlic, green beans, and roasted vegetables, there is something to suit every taste.
We hope this article has helped you decide what side dish you can take with your fried shrimp.