Shrimp is a versatile seafood that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses. Whether grilled, roasted, boiled, or fried, shrimp pairs beautifully with a range of flavors and sides. If you’re wondering what goes well with shrimp?, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dishes, sauces, and side recipes to elevate your shrimp dishes to the next level.
Shrimp can be light, flavorful, and refreshing, or bold and spicy, depending on how it’s cooked and seasoned. The key to creating a well-balanced shrimp meal is choosing complementary sides and ingredients that enhance the flavor and texture of shrimp. Here, we’ll explore some of the best pairings to try.
What Goes Well with Shrimp ?: Shrimp and Salad Pairings
One of the most popular ways to serve shrimp is in a salad. Shrimp salads are light, refreshing, and full of texture. A great shrimp salad should include fresh vegetables, crunchy greens, and a zesty dressing to bring out the seafood’s natural flavor.
Shrimp Caesar Salad
A shrimp Caesar salad is a classic that combines crunchy romaine lettuce, crispy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. The shrimp, when grilled or roasted with a bit of garlic and butter, adds a juicy and tender bite to this flavorful dish. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice elevates the flavors even more, giving it a fresh and zesty finish.
Shrimp and Avocado Salad
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious option, a shrimp and avocado salad is perfect. Toss shrimp with mixed greens, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a light lime-cilantro dressing. This dish is light yet filling and pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Mediterranean Shrimp Salad
For a Mediterranean shrimp salad, include a mix of fresh vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, and red onions, and toss with shrimp, feta cheese, and a Greek-style dressing made with olive oil, lemon, and oregano. The combination of briny feta, crisp veggies, and shrimp creates a refreshing, summery meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Shrimp and Pasta: A Classic and Savory Combination
Shrimp and pasta are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you prefer light and fresh pasta dishes or something more indulgent, shrimp is the perfect protein to complement a variety of sauces and noodles.
Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter Sauce
One of the most beloved shrimp pasta dishes is shrimp scampi. This classic dish features shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce, tossed with linguine or spaghetti. Add white wine, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to give the dish a bright and flavorful finish. For a richer taste, top it with Parmesan cheese. This simple yet delicious recipe makes for a quick weeknight meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
For a more robust and spicy option, try Cajun shrimp pasta. This dish combines shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce made with Cajun seasoning, cream, and garlic. The heat from the Cajun spices pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, while the shrimp adds a tender bite. Toss it with fettuccine or penne for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Shrimp and Pesto Pasta
A shrimp and pesto pasta is perfect if you’re in the mood for a quick and flavorful meal. The vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan in the pesto sauce work wonderfully with shrimp, adding a bright and earthy element. Toss the shrimp and pesto with your favorite pasta—spaghetti, penne, or farfalle are all great options.
Shrimp and Rice: Comforting and Hearty Pairings
Shrimp pairs exceptionally well with rice, making for a comforting and filling meal. Whether it’s a spicy jambalaya or a creamy risotto, shrimp adds flavor and texture to rice-based dishes.
Shrimp and Vegetable Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Cook shrimp with rice, vegetables (like bell peppers, peas, and carrots), and soy sauce for a delicious, one-pan meal. Add a bit of sesame oil and garlic for extra flavor, and garnish with cilantro or green onions for a pop of freshness.
Shrimp and Corn Grits
A Southern classic, shrimp and grits is a comforting dish that combines the sweet, juicy shrimp with creamy, buttery grits. Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn to enhance the flavor and texture. This dish pairs beautifully with a tangy lemon-butter sauce or a Cajun-spiced tomato sauce.
Shrimp Paella
For a more adventurous meal, try making a shrimp paella. This Spanish rice dish is bursting with flavor, thanks to saffron, garlic, paprika, and a mix of vegetables like peas and bell peppers. The shrimp cooks beautifully in the seasoned rice, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Shrimp and Vegetables: Healthy and Delicious Pairings
Vegetables are a great side dish for shrimp, adding a burst of freshness and crunch to balance the seafood’s tender texture. Whether grilled, roasted, or sautéed, vegetables complement shrimp in a variety of ways.
Grilled Shrimp and Asparagus
One of the simplest yet most delicious pairings is grilled shrimp and asparagus. The smoky flavor of the grilled asparagus pairs well with the juicy, slightly charred shrimp. Season with a bit of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and squeeze lemon juice over the top for a light, healthy meal.
Roasted Shrimp and Brussels Sprouts
For a hearty, roasted vegetable side, shrimp and Brussels sprouts is a perfect choice. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, garlic, and salt, and roast until crispy. Add the shrimp during the last few minutes of roasting, ensuring they don’t overcook. The crispy sprouts combined with tender shrimp create a delicious contrast in textures.
Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, shrimp with zucchini noodles is a light and refreshing dish. The zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) are a great alternative to traditional pasta and absorb the flavors of garlic, olive oil, and lemon that shrimp pairs well with. This is a quick, healthy meal perfect for summer.
Shrimp and Potatoes: Comfort Food Combinations
Potatoes are a comforting side that complements shrimp in several forms. Whether mashed, roasted, or fried, potatoes make a hearty addition to any shrimp meal.
Shrimp Tacos with Sweet Potato Fries
Shrimp tacos are a fun and flavorful meal, especially when paired with crispy sweet potato fries. Serve shrimp in soft tortillas with a slaw of cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice, and pair it with the sweet and savory fries for a balanced and delicious dinner.
Garlic Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes
For a more comforting dish, pair garlic shrimp with mashed potatoes. The creamy, buttery potatoes are the perfect canvas for shrimp cooked in garlic and butter sauce. Add a side of sautéed green beans for a complete meal.
Shrimp and Roasted Red Potatoes
Roasted red potatoes are another great pairing for shrimp. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and sea salt, and roast until golden and crispy. Pair the roasted potatoes with grilled or sautéed shrimp for a hearty and flavorful dish.
Sauces to Serve with Shrimp
The right sauce can elevate any shrimp dish, enhancing its flavor and adding depth. Here are a few classic sauces that pair perfectly with shrimp.
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
A lemon garlic butter sauce is a classic for a reason. This simple sauce made with butter, garlic, and lemon juice adds a bright and savory flavor to shrimp. It’s perfect for dipping or drizzling over grilled or roasted shrimp.
Creamy Coconut Sauce
For a tropical twist, try serving shrimp with a creamy coconut sauce. The richness of coconut milk, combined with ginger, lime, and a hint of spice, creates a flavorful sauce that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. This sauce is perfect for shrimp curries or as a dipping sauce for fried shrimp.
Spicy Cajun Sauce
If you like bold flavors, a spicy Cajun sauce is the way to go. Made with Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, garlic, and butter, this sauce adds heat and depth to shrimp. It’s ideal for shrimp po’boys or shrimp pasta.
Conclusion: What Goes Well with Shrimp ?
Whether you’re serving shrimp as a light salad, hearty pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables, the possibilities for pairing shrimp are endless. From classic shrimp scampi to spicy Cajun shrimp pasta, there’s a shrimp dish for every taste. Use this guide to explore different flavor combinations and create shrimp dishes that are perfectly paired with delicious sides, sauces, and vegetables.
