Elevate your grilled shrimp experience by exploring these 21 perfect side dish options! When every bite bursts with flavor, from salty to sweet to smoky to tangy to buttery, it’s hard to beat. Adding a squeeze of lemon takes it to the next level. But what really makes it stand out is selecting the ideal accompaniment. If you’re in the mood for something quick and savory, look no further than our top pick.
For those who prefer grilling everything at once, Grilled Potato Wedges, Grilled Zucchini, and Grilled Corn are all great alternatives. Read on to discover some of the best side dishes to pair with your mouth-watering grilled shrimp.
Grilled Potato Wedges
Consider cooking your potato wedges alongside your shrimp while grilling. This approach not only saves time but also streamlines the process, allowing you to prepare both dishes simultaneously. By the time your succulent shrimp are perfectly seasoned with herbs, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil, your crispy potato wedges will be ready to serve as a tasty accompaniment.
This outdoor cooking experience is not only delicious but also an excellent way to bond with friends and family over a shared love of food.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
If you’re looking for a straightforward and satisfying pasta recipe to accompany your grilled shrimp, consider whipping up a Creamy Broccoli Pasta. This versatile dish can even be created using leftover broccoli sitting idle in your pantry. The rich bechamel sauce coats the pasta evenly, creating a harmonious union with the smoky flavors of the grilled shrimp. Its appeal is far-reaching enough to captivate even the most discerning palates.
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Oven-roasted asparagus is an adaptable side dish that harmonizes seamlessly with a range of bold meals. While there are various ways to prepare the tender vegetable, roasting it with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese adds a rich depth that pairs particularly well with grilled shrimp. To preserve its delightful crisp-tender texture, however, it’s essential to avoid overcooking it.
Loaded Smashed Baby Potatoes
Baby potatoes take on a whole new personality when transformed into Loaded Smashed Baby Potatoes. The process begins by mashing them flat, either with the palm of your hand or the back of a skillet, before being roasted to perfection. This unique preparation method yields a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Typically, these tasty treats are elevated with melted cheese and crispy bacon, imparting a rich, nutty, and smoky flavor profile.
When it comes to selecting potatoes for this recipe, smaller spuds are often preferred as they facilitate bite-sized servings. For an added layer of depth, consider brushing the potatoes with rendered bacon fat during the roasting process, allowing its savory goodness to infuse into every morsel.
Grilled Corn
Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled ear of corn, its natural sweetness enhanced by the subtle smokiness from the grill. The debate surrounding the optimal grilling method for corn is an age-old one, with passionate advocates on both sides of the husk-keeping vs. husk-free divide. For some, the added texture and flavor that the husk provides make it a non-negotiable component of the grilling process.
Others swear by the simplicity and ease of grilling corn without its natural wrapping. Where do you stand? Perhaps the most convincing argument lies in finding a balance between these two approaches, allowing for the best of both worlds to shine through in each delicious bite.
Creamy Potato Sala
As the quintessential American staple, potato salad recipes are as diverse as the households that cherish them. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal take on this classic condiment! Not only does it pair exquisitely with hearty and savory dishes, making it an excellent choice for summer barbecue cookouts, but its creamy texture also complements rich and meaty flavors.
For those who prefer a tangier or saltier taste, simply adjust the amount of mayonnaise or salad cream to suit your preference.
Teriyaki Rice Pilaf With Mushrooms And Peas
Indulge in the simplicity and flavor of a delectable teriyaki rice dish that requires minimal effort yet packs a delightful punch! This iconic Japanese side dish, elevated by a rich glaze infused with the harmonious blend of soy sauce, sake or mirin (sweet wine), can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Its ease and enjoyment make it an ideal addition to any meal.
Cheese Grits Casserole
Indulge in the rich flavors of this decadent Cheese Grits recipe, where a generous amount of melted cheese and butter combine to create a velvety, mouthwatering experience. With each spoonful, the savory notes unfold, coating the palate with an irresistible creaminess that simply melts away, leaving you craving more. If you’re looking for a culinary indulgence that will satisfy your cravings, look no further – this delightfully cheesy dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Salsa Verde
Salsa Verde, a vibrant green sauce, packs a punch when it comes to flavor. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it an excellent addition to a wide range of dishes. A single spoonful can dramatically enhance the taste of your main course. For those who don’t enjoy spicy foods, fear not! The heat level can be easily adjusted by removing the jalapeno seeds before blending. This simple modification allows you to savor the rich flavors of Salsa Verde without the added kick.
Grilled Zucchini
Savor the flavors of summer with Grilled Zucchini, a delectable side dish that’s as effortless as it is impressive. When grilled to perfection, this zesty vegetable glistens with its sweet glaze, yielding a juicy and tender bite that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or seeking a quick and easy accompaniment for your next meal, Grilled Zucchini is an adaptable and satisfying addition to any culinary lineup.
Zucchini Noodles With Garlic, Butter, Parmesan
Craving a satisfying pasta dish but only have zucchini on hand? Look no further! The Zucchini Noodle recipe is sure to hit the spot. When cooked just right, zucchini can develop a delightfully al dente texture that’s remarkably similar to pasta. Add some savory garlic, melted cheese, and rich butter to the mix, and you’ll be hooked from the very first bite. In fact, it’s not uncommon for seconds (and even thirds!) to disappear quickly when this dish is on the menu!
Asparagus Risotto With Pecorino Romano
Skeptics of asparagus, rejoice! This Asparagus Risotto, infused with the earthy goodness of pecorino romano cheese, is a game-changer. The rich creaminess of the risotto is beautifully balanced by the delightful crunch and tender bite of the asparagus in each mouthful. And when you add succulent grilled shrimp on top, it’s a match made in heaven.
Baked Beans
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this scrumptious Baked Beans recipe. Perfectly balancing saucy, thick, sweet, and savory flavors, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re hosting a casual picnic or a grand family gathering, these beans are an absolute must-have side dish that pairs flawlessly with any main course.
Sourdough Bread
When it comes to pairing with grilled shrimp, a perfectly toasted loaf of bread can elevate the meal to new heights. To achieve that ideal crust and subtle tanginess, I recommend trying out my Sourdough Bread recipe. This homemade delight will not only provide a satisfying accompaniment to your shrimp but also serve as a testament to your culinary skills. Moreover, by maintaining your sourdough starter, you’ll be able to whip up this fluffy bread whenever the mood strikes.
Clam Chowder
The effort required to prepare this scrumptious clam chowder soup is thoroughly justified, as the reward is a rich, creamy consistency that makes it an excellent choice for any time of year. The addition of crunchy bacon and succulent prawns on top would elevate the dish to new heights. For those seeking comfort food that truly hits the spot, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Stir-Fried Udon Noodles
When seeking a speedy yet tantalizing side dish, prioritize yaki udon noodles. Their distinctive thick and chewy texture makes them an excellent choice for stir-frying. To elevate this humble noodle to new heights, remember that a crucial component is the accompanying yaki udon sauce – without it, each strand falls flat.
Vegetable Pot Pie Stew
Indulge in a leisurely weekend with this scrumptious Vegetable Pie Stew. The slow-cooked concoction is sure to delight your taste buds with its rich, velvety texture. What’s more, it’s astonishingly straightforward to prepare, allowing you the freedom to customize with your preferred vegetables. Merely combine all ingredients in one pot and let the magic unfold. This effortless yet mouthwatering dish embodies the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence.
Quinoa Fried Rice
While quinoa’s plain form may not be particularly exciting straight from the pot, its potential to transform into a mouthwatering fried rice dish is nothing short of astonishing. In fact, when cooked with a medley of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn, it yields a flavor profile remarkably similar to your average egg-fried rice.
What’s more, this harmonious blend of textures and tastes can be whipped up in no time at all, making for an effortlessly quick and wallet-friendly meal option that’s definitely worth giving a go.
Pan-Fried Gnocchi
In Italian cuisine, gnocchi refers to small dumplings made from small lumps of dough. There’s nothing quite like a perfectly browned gnocchi dish, elevated by the addition of fresh herbs and a rich buttery sauce. For an added depth of flavor, sprinkle some crispy garlic on top for a satisfying treat.
Caesar Salad
Salad Caesar is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or simply looking to add some excitement to your meal routine, this easy-to-make salad is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce and rich Caesar dressing creates a flavor profile that’s hard to beat.
And let’s not forget about the added bonus of customizable toppings – crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or succulent shrimp can all elevate this side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Macaroni Salad
Indulging in a delightful culinary experience, this humble dish takes center stage. The harmonious blend of creamy sauce and crunchy vegetables creates an irresistible combination that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. And let’s not forget the quintessential BBQ dinner paired with homemade Macaroni Salad – the ultimate comfort food duo that never fails to impress.
The bottom line
When it comes to serving grilled shrimp, the possibilities are endless. Not only can you grill, sear, or poach the shrimp itself in various ways, but you also have a wide range of side dishes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing like a salad, or a heartier option like a casserole or noodles, there’s a perfect pairing out there for your grilled shrimp. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which one to choose.
But with this list of 21 easy sides, you’ll have everything you need to plan the perfect meal for your next cookout with family and friends.