When it comes to serving barbeque shrimp, the right side dishes can make all the difference in creating a memorable meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just enjoying a casual dinner at home, pairing your shrimp with the right sides enhances the flavors and brings balance to the plate. Let’s explore some of the best options to pair with barbeque shrimp and make your meal truly special.
The Importance of Pairing Sides with Barbeque Shrimp
Barbeque shrimp is known for its rich, buttery sauce often spiked with Worcestershire, garlic, and a hint of spice. This combination creates a bold flavor profile that can stand on its own but truly shines when complemented by the right side dishes. The key to a successful pairing is balancing the richness and spice of the shrimp with sides that either contrast or harmonize with these flavors. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing, hearty and comforting, or a bit of both, there are plenty of options to consider.
Classic Southern Sides
For a truly authentic experience, consider serving your barbeque shrimp with classic Southern sides. These dishes not only complement the flavors of the shrimp but also add a touch of tradition and comfort to your meal. Southern cuisine is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes, and many of these pair perfectly with the bold taste of barbeque shrimp.
- Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is a perfect match for the rich and spicy flavors of barbeque shrimp. Cornbread’s subtle sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory, buttery sauce of the shrimp. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding jalapeños, cheese, or even bacon to your cornbread mix.
- Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp. The cool, creamy texture of coleslaw helps to balance the heat and spice from the shrimp, making each bite refreshing. You can make a traditional mayonnaise-based coleslaw or opt for a vinegar-based version for a lighter, tangier flavor.
- Grits: Creamy grits, especially when infused with cheese, make a comforting base that absorbs the delicious Worcestershire-spiked butter sauce often served with BBQ shrimp. Grits offer a soft, rich backdrop that lets the shrimp’s flavors shine through. For a more decadent dish, you can prepare the grits with cream and a blend of cheeses, creating a side dish that is as satisfying as it is flavorful.
For those looking to perfect their shrimp cooking techniques, consider checking out the best way to barbecue shrimp. This guide offers invaluable tips on achieving that ideal smoky flavor, ensuring your shrimp is cooked to perfection every time.
Vegetable Sides
Balancing your meal with some vegetable sides not only adds color and texture but also keeps things nutritious. Vegetables can offer a lighter counterpoint to the rich and spicy shrimp, providing a well-rounded meal that doesn’t feel too heavy.
- Grilled Asparagus: The smoky char from grilling asparagus pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of BBQ shrimp. Grilled asparagus has a natural sweetness and a slightly bitter edge that complements the shrimp’s richness. It’s a simple side that elevates the dish and adds a touch of sophistication.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: With their slightly bitter flavor, Brussels sprouts are a hearty vegetable that balances the richness of the shrimp, especially when roasted to a crispy perfection. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs well with the savory, buttery shrimp. For added flavor, toss them in olive oil, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting.
For a flavorful shrimp recipe that stands out, try this BBQ shrimp recipe. It’s a fantastic option that perfectly marries bold spices with the delicate flavor of shrimp, making it a must-try for shrimp lovers.
Light and Refreshing Sides
To keep your meal from feeling too heavy, consider adding some light and refreshing sides. These options are perfect for cleansing the palate between bites of spicy shrimp and help to balance the overall meal.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumbers, dressed with a light vinaigrette, adds a refreshing element to your BBQ shrimp meal. The simplicity of a garden salad allows the shrimp to remain the star of the dish, while the freshness of the vegetables provides a light and healthy contrast.
- Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers with a touch of dill, vinegar, and a hint of sugar make for a cooling side dish that’s perfect on hot summer days. The crispness of the cucumbers combined with the tangy, slightly sweet dressing creates a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with the spicy, buttery shrimp.
- Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, offers a burst of fresh flavors that contrast nicely with the richness of the shrimp. The creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes provide a delicious, light complement to the bold shrimp.
Starchy Sides
Starchy sides are great for adding a satisfying and filling component to your meal. These sides absorb the rich sauces and flavors of the shrimp, making them an integral part of the dining experience.
- French Bread or Baguette: Ideal for soaking up the savory butter sauce from the shrimp. Serve it warm and crusty for the best experience. The bread’s texture is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf can serve as a great base for your shrimp, especially if you spice it up with some Cajun seasoning. The rice provides a neutral backdrop that absorbs the rich flavors of the shrimp and its sauce, creating a harmonious dish. You can also add sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the rice for extra flavor.
- Potato Salad: A creamy or mustard-based potato salad offers a tangy and comforting contrast to the spice of BBQ shrimp. The richness of the potatoes, combined with the tangy dressing, provides a delicious counterbalance to the bold flavors of the shrimp. For a Southern twist, you might add pickles, eggs, or bacon to the potato salad.
Specialty Sides
If you’re aiming to impress, these specialty sides will add a touch of flair to your meal. These dishes are a bit more indulgent, making them perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
- Cajun Fries: Crispy and spicy fries provide a satisfying crunch alongside the tender shrimp. Cajun seasoning adds a bold flavor to the fries, which pairs perfectly with the spicy, buttery shrimp. Serve these fries hot and crispy for a side that’s sure to be a hit.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of barbeque shrimp. The richness of the cheese sauce complements the shrimp, creating a decadent and satisfying meal. For a gourmet twist, consider using a blend of cheeses or adding breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
- Baked Beans: Baked beans, with their sweet and smoky flavor, are a traditional BBQ side that pairs well with shrimp. The sweetness of the beans complements the spicy shrimp, while the smoky flavor adds depth to the overall meal. For added flavor, cook the beans with bacon or sausage.
Complementary Drinks
No meal is complete without the right drink. The beverages you choose can enhance the flavors of your barbeque shrimp and make the dining experience even more enjoyable. Here are some beverage options that pair well with barbeque shrimp:
- Watermelon Agua Fresca: A light and fruity option made by blending fresh watermelon with lime juice and a bit of sugar, then straining it to create a smooth, refreshing drink. The natural sweetness of the watermelon is a great contrast to the grilled flavors.
- Iced Green Tea with Lemon and Honey: Brewed green tea served over ice with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of honey. The slight bitterness of the green tea, balanced with the sweetness of honey, provides a clean, crisp accompaniment.
- Mango Lassi: A creamy, yogurt-based drink made with fresh mango pulp, a touch of cardamom, and a little sugar. The richness of the lassi offers a delightful contrast to the grilled shrimp’s texture.
- Sparkling Citrus Punch: A vibrant mix of orange, grapefruit, and lemon juices, topped with sparkling water. This fizzy drink brings a burst of citrus flavor that complements the shrimp’s smoky taste.
- Herbal Iced Tea: A blend of hibiscus and chamomile teas served over ice with a garnish of fresh berries. This drink is floral and slightly tart, adding a unique twist to your meal.
FAQs
- What is a good appetizer to serve with BBQ shrimp?
- A light seafood cocktail or grilled oysters make for excellent starters. They set the tone for the meal without overwhelming the palate, allowing the shrimp to remain the highlight.
- Can you serve BBQ shrimp as a main course?
- Definitely! Pair it with a variety of sides mentioned above to create a full meal. BBQ shrimp is versatile enough to be the star of the show, especially when accompanied by these delicious sides.
- What dessert pairs well with BBQ shrimp?
- A light dessert like lemon sorbet or a fresh fruit salad would be ideal. These desserts offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp, cleansing the palate and providing a sweet finish to the meal.
- How can you make BBQ shrimp less spicy?
- Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or add extra butter to mellow out the heat. You can also serve the shrimp with a cooling side like cucumber salad or coleslaw to balance the spice.
- Is BBQ shrimp traditionally served with a sauce?
- Yes, it’s typically served with a rich, buttery sauce that’s perfect for dipping bread. The sauce is an integral part of the dish, enhancing the shrimp’s flavor and providing a delicious component for soaking up with bread or rice.