What To Serve With Grilled Shrimp? 16 Best Side Dishes

Who can resist the succulent allure of perfectly grilled shrimp? The smoky, delicate seafood can take on a myriad of flavors, from zesty lime to robust garlic and chili. But a great main course deserves an equally impressive side dish.

Each side dish I've chosen highlights a unique aspect of the shrimp's flavor profile, offering contrast, complement, or that much-needed burst of freshness.

Let's dive into the world of side dishes that elevate your grilled shrimp from a solitary star to a complete constellation of flavors.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with grilled shrimp are mushroom risotto, grilled scallops, green bean casserole, dirty rice, chicken wings, bok choy, onion rings, corn on the cob, coleslaw, fried green tomatoes, garlic bread, quinoa salad, cajun fries, grilled asparagus, pasta salad, and roasted sweet potatoes.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Mushroom Risotto

There's something almost magical about the creamy, savory mushroom risotto. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms, combined with the comforting creaminess of the risotto, are a perfect contrast to the smoky, sweet shrimp. And the textures are a perfect match too - the chewiness of the risotto grains with the tenderness of the shrimp is pure delight.

2. Grilled Scallops

Why not double down on the seafood and serve your grilled shrimp with some grilled scallops? Scallops have a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the robust flavors of the shrimp. Plus, grilling them gives them a delightful charred flavor that's perfect for a seafood feast.

3. Green Bean Casserole

There's something so comforting about a green bean casserole. The crispy fried onions on top provide a great contrast to the tender shrimp, and the creamy sauce pairs well with the smoky, grilled flavor of the shrimp. It's a comforting, homely dish that goes perfectly with a fancy shrimp dinner.

4. Dirty Rice

Dirty rice, with its hearty, meaty flavors, makes an excellent partner for grilled shrimp. The spicy, robust flavors of the rice provide a wonderful contrast to the shrimp, while the grains give a pleasing texture contrast to the tender seafood. This is a side dish that adds a hearty dimension to your meal.

5. Chicken Wings

If you're looking for a side that's a bit unconventional but incredibly tasty, try serving your grilled shrimp with some chicken wings. The meaty wings, especially if they're seasoned with some spicy sauce, can hold their own next to the robust grilled shrimp, making for a meal that's packed with protein and flavor.

6. Bok Choy

Lightly seasoned and grilled or sauteed bok choy is a delicious and healthy side for grilled shrimp. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor doesn’t compete with the shrimp, and its crisp texture is a great contrast. Moreover, if you grill it, the charred flavors of the shrimp and bok choy complement each other wonderfully.

7. Onion Rings

For a dish with a bit of crunch, why not serve your grilled shrimp with some crispy onion rings? The sweetness of the onion and the crispy batter contrast beautifully with the smoky, juicy shrimp. This side dish brings an element of fun to your plate and is sure to be a hit with both adults and kids.

8. Corn on the Cob

There's nothing quite like grilled corn on the cob on a warm evening. The smoky-sweet flavor of the corn pairs perfectly with the savory taste of grilled shrimp, and the two offer a delightful textural contrast. Plus, if you add a bit of butter and spices to the corn, it takes the flavor to another level.

9. Coleslaw

Crispy, creamy coleslaw is a perfect companion to grilled shrimp. The freshness and crunch of the cabbage, the tang of the dressing, and the sweetness of the carrots all work together to balance out the smoky flavor of the shrimp. It’s a classic combination that always works.

10. Fried Green Tomatoes

For a Southern-style side dish, try fried green tomatoes. They're crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and their unique tangy flavor is a wonderful complement to the smoky, juicy shrimp. A bit of a spicy dipping sauce on the side, and you're all set!

11. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread offers a wonderful mix of crunch and softness, and the powerful aroma of garlic and butter is hard to resist. It's a delicious side dish that will mop up any sauce or juices from the grilled shrimp, ensuring you don’t miss a bit of flavor.

12. Quinoa Salad

A vibrant, fresh quinoa salad full of your favorite veggies is a great option. The grain's nuttiness pairs well with the shrimp, and the fresh vegetables help lighten the dish. It's a healthy, customizable option that's especially good for summer gatherings.

13. Cajun Fries

Add a bit of spice to your meal with some cajun fries. The spicy, robust flavors of the fries stand up well to the smoky shrimp, and the crispy texture is a nice contrast to the tenderness of the shrimp. This is a side dish that packs a punch.

14. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus, with its slightly charred tips and tender stalks, is another excellent vegetable side for grilled shrimp. The asparagus can be cooked on the grill at the same time as the shrimp, making it a convenient side dish that's bursting with flavor.

15. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, when roasted to perfection, have an incredibly flavorful caramelization and a creamy interior that pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp. Their natural sweetness counterbalances the smokiness and saltiness of the shrimp. Plus, roasting them with a mix of herbs and spices gives them a beautiful flavor complexity that stands up well next to the shrimp. You can even throw them on the grill too, for that extra touch of smoky char.

16. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad, with its endless variations, is a versatile side dish that goes well with grilled shrimp. Whether it's a tangy vinaigrette-based version or a creamy mayo-based one, the pasta salad can balance the strong, smoky flavor of the shrimp, making for a satisfying meal.

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