What Goes Good With Fried Shrimp? Delicious Sides!

There’s something truly irresistible about a plate of perfectly fried shrimp. That golden-brown crunch, the succulent bite, and the rich seafood flavor — it’s a dish that brings smiles to faces and joy to taste buds. But what truly elevates a fried shrimp meal from good to absolutely unforgettable are the delicious companions you choose to serve alongside it. If you’ve ever wondered what goes good with fried shrimp, you’re in for a treat! We’re here to guide you through a fantastic array of sides, sauces, and sips that will make your next shrimp feast a culinary delight.

Classic Comfort Sides: The Perfect Match for Your Crispy Shrimp

When it comes to fried shrimp, some sides are timeless classics for a reason. They offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor, complementing the star of the show beautifully.

• Crispy French Fries: You can’t go wrong with classic fries! Their salty, starchy goodness and crunchy texture are a match made in heaven with fried shrimp.
• Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, tangy, and crunchy notes of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried shrimp, cleansing your palate with every bite.
• Golden Hushpuppies: These savory, slightly sweet cornmeal fritters are a Southern staple. They offer a delightful textural contrast and soak up any extra flavor.
• Hearty Macaroni and Cheese: For ultimate comfort, a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a fantastic choice, adding a rich, indulgent element to your meal.
• Potato Salad: Cool, creamy, and often with a hint of tang, potato salad offers a refreshing and substantial side that complements the fried seafood beautifully.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly sweeter and often healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries offer a delicious earthy flavor that pairs well.
• Crispy Onion Rings: Another fried favorite, onion rings add another layer of crunch and a distinct savory sweetness that works wonderfully with shrimp.

Fresh & Vibrant Vegetable Sides: A Light Counterpoint

To balance the richness of fried shrimp, fresh and vibrant vegetable sides are an excellent choice. They add color, nutrients, and a welcome lightness to your plate.

• Roasted Asparagus: Simple and elegant, roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon offers an earthy, slightly bitter counterpoint that enhances the shrimp’s flavor.
• Steamed or Roasted Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli, whether steamed or roasted, provides a crisp texture and a healthy touch to your meal.
• Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic or simply steamed, green beans add a fresh, vibrant crunch and a pop of green to your plate.
• Sweet Corn on the Cob or Corn Salad: Whether it’s grilled corn on the cob or a refreshing corn salad, the sweet kernels are a delightful pairing, adding natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
• Classic Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea. It offers a fresh, crisp, and palate-cleansing element.
• Cool Cucumber Salad: A tangy, refreshing cucumber salad, often dressed with vinegar and herbs, provides a delightful cool contrast to the warm, fried shrimp.
• Fried Okra: If you love fried foods, fried okra offers a unique texture and flavor that’s especially popular in Southern cuisine.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized and tender, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a slightly bitter and savory depth that can beautifully cut through the richness of fried shrimp.
• Watermelon Salad: For a surprisingly delightful and super refreshing option, a watermelon salad with feta and mint can be an unexpected hit, offering sweet, salty, and cool notes.

Heartier & More Unique Pairings

Sometimes, you want something a bit more substantial or with a distinct flavor profile to go with your fried shrimp.

• Fluffy Rice Pilaf or Spicy Dirty Rice: Rice dishes offer a versatile base. A light rice pilaf is a simple absorber of flavors, while a spicier dirty rice can add a bold kick.
• Creamy Grits (especially Cheese Grits): Another Southern favorite, creamy grits, especially cheesy ones, provide a comforting, savory, and smooth texture that’s a delicious contrast to crispy shrimp.
• Pasta Salad: A well-made pasta salad, perhaps with a zesty Italian dressing and fresh vegetables, can be a filling and flavorful side.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: For a truly satisfying meal, a fluffy baked potato loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives makes a fantastic, hearty companion.

The Essential Dipping Sauces: Elevate Every Bite

No fried shrimp experience is complete without the perfect dipping sauce (or two!). These add an extra layer of flavor and moisture that truly makes the dish shine.

• Classic Tartar Sauce: The quintessential shrimp companion, tartar sauce offers a creamy, tangy, and slightly briny flavor that cuts through the richness of the fried coating.
• Zesty Cocktail Sauce: With its spicy horseradish kick and sweet tomato base, cocktail sauce is a vibrant and popular choice for seafood, adding an exciting zing.
• Rich Remoulade: A creamer, spicier cousin to tartar sauce, remoulade often features mayonnaise, mustard, Cajun spices, and herbs, offering a complex and flavorful dip.
• Spicy Mayo or Hot Sauce: For those who love a bit of heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a creamy spicy mayo adds a delightful kick.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: A simple yet elegant choice, melted butter infused with fresh lemon and garlic adds a bright, savory, and luxurious coating to your shrimp.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Offering a lovely balance of sweet and spicy, this sauce provides an Asian-inspired twist that pairs wonderfully with crispy fried shrimp.
• Honey Mustard: For a milder, sweeter, and tangy option, honey mustard is a crowd-pleaser that adds a comforting flavor profile.

The Perfect Sips: Refreshing Drinks to Complement Your Meal

Don’t forget the drinks! The right beverage can enhance your meal, providing a refreshing break between bites.

• Iced Tea: Whether sweet or unsweetened, iced tea is a Southern classic that perfectly complements fried seafood, offering a clean, refreshing taste.
• Lemonade: The bright, tart flavor of lemonade is a fantastic palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of fried shrimp with its zesty goodness.
• Craft Beer: A light lager, a crisp pale ale, or even a citrusy wheat beer can beautifully complement fried shrimp, offering effervescence and complementary notes.
• Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay are excellent choices. Their acidity and often citrusy notes cut through the richness and enhance the seafood. A dry Rosé is also a lovely option.
• Soda/Soft Drinks: Sometimes, a classic soda like cola or ginger ale is all you need for a simple, satisfying pairing.

Tips for Creating Your Ultimate Fried Shrimp Feast

To truly master the art of pairing, keep these considerations in mind:

• Balance is Key: Counteract the richness and crunch of fried shrimp with something fresh, acidic, or creamy.
• Texture Contrast: Think about combining soft sides (like grits) with crunchy ones (like fries or slaw).
• Flavor Profiles: Match bright, zesty flavors with savory ones, and don’t shy away from a little heat.
• Consider the Occasion: A casual backyard BBQ might call for fries and coleslaw, while a slightly fancier dinner could feature roasted asparagus and a crisp white wine.
• Regional Influences: Explore Southern classics like hushpuppies or grits, or go for a global twist with sweet chili sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pairing with Fried Shrimp

What’s a good healthy side for fried shrimp?

Opt for roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. Cucumber salad is another refreshing and healthy choice.

What kind of sauce is best for fried shrimp?

Tartar sauce and cocktail sauce are classic, popular choices. For something different, try a rich remoulade, a spicy mayo, or a bright lemon garlic butter sauce.

Can I serve pasta with fried shrimp?

Absolutely! A light pasta salad with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing works wonderfully. For a warm option, a simple lemon garlic pasta or even a creamy Alfredo could be delicious, but be mindful of balancing richness.

There you have it! The world of side dishes, sauces, and drinks to pair with fried shrimp is vast and delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination. Whether you’re craving classic comfort, fresh vegetables, or a spicy kick, there’s a pairing out there waiting to make your next fried shrimp meal truly extraordinary. Happy eating!