Top 5 Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Shrimp (2024)

Picture this: you’re craving seafood, and your latest shipment of fresh, wild-caught Gulf shrimp from BiloxiShrimp Co. has just arrived, only, something feels missing. You have to figure out which side dish willcomplete this perfect meal. Luckily, wild-caught Gulf shrimp from Biloxi Shrimp Co. pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes!

1. Coleslaw

Creamy and cool, coleslaw is a perfect for any time of year. Italso makes a delicious side for fried or grilled shrimp with a tangy flavor andpleasing crunch. For a classic recipe, combine shredded cabbage and carrotswith mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Looking to save time? Mostgrocery stores carry pre-shredded coleslaw mix to minimize prep. For a twist,mix up your recipe with purple or Napa cabbage, shredded apples, spicy dicedpeppers, or a dressing made with Mirin, soy sauce, and ginger.

2. Polenta

The Italian cousin of Southern grits, polenta is similarly madewith cornmeal. This side dish is quick and easy to prepare. All you’ll need todo is boil some water, whisk in cornmeal, and allow the mixture to thicken.Finish the polenta with parmesan cheese to make a delicious side for grilled orsauteed shrimp. If you have leftovers, spread the polenta over a baking sheetlined with parchment paper and refrigerate. The next day, you can slice it intosticks and bake for a new take on fries, also perfect with shrimp.

3. French Fries

If you love fried shrimp, there’s nothing better than aheaping pile of crisp, crunchy French fries fresh from the fryer. Prep work isthe hardest part of making homemade fries, as you’ll need to slice potatoesinto thin, even strips and fry them in small batches to keep the oil hot. Forthose seeking a low-fat alternative, try baking French fries in the oven. And, of course, you can always go with store-bought fries. Spiceup your fries with a little chili powder or opt for sweet potatoes to emphasizethe sweetness of Gulf shrimp.

4. Fresh Vegetables

We don’t just love shrimp for their incredible flavor, they're also an excellent source of lean protein, loaded with vitamins andminerals, and low in calories. Whether you’re hoping to eat a little healthieror just love the flavor of fresh vegetables, they make a wonderfulside for your favorite shrimp dishes ranging from scampi to stir-fry. Steamingvegetables is a great way to preserve their flavor and texture without addingfat or calories. Simply top them with a squeeze of lemon juice and some saltand pepper and serve with your shrimp.

5. Rice Pilaf

Rice is extremely versatile, and many side dishes thatinclude it are easy to prepare. They can also make an elegant choice for dinnerparties and holidays while proving simple enough for weeknight dinners. Ricepilaf is cooked in stock or white wine and includes sauteed onions, celery, andspices for a mild, yet flavorful taste that pairs perfectly with shrimp. Adding sliced mushrooms, pine nuts,peas, currants, other dried fruit, or diced carrots can add color and interestto complement whatever shrimp dish you’re preparing. No rice? Try making pilafwith couscous, quinoa, or orzo.

Build Your Menu Around Gulf Shrimp

Our wild-caught, all-natural Gulf shrimpare so delicious that you might forget all about side dishes. But if you’repreparing a menu for your next get-together or family meal, these side dishesfor shrimp are sure to satisfy. To learn more about cooking with shrimp, checkout a few of our favorite shrimp recipes, and be sure to order some shrimp for yourself today!