Introduction
Barbeque shrimp is a crowd favorite, loved for its bold flavors and smoky taste. However, knowing what goes with barbeque shrimp can elevate your meal to a whole new level. From classic Southern sides to fresh salads and hearty grains, the right pairings will complement the shrimp and round out your menu. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ party or making a simple weeknight dinner, this guide will show you exactly what goes with barbeque shrimp. Let’s explore 15 of the best side dishes that perfectly complement this delicious seafood dish.
Classic Sides for BBQ Shrimp
When you’re thinking about what goes with barbeque shrimp, classic sides always come to mind. They are familiar, comforting, and pair beautifully with the smoky flavors of BBQ shrimp.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a traditional BBQ side that pairs beautifully with barbecue shrimp. Specifically, the sweetness of the corn contrasts with the smoky flavors of the shrimp. Additionally, grilling the corn adds a subtle char that complements the shrimp’s BBQ glaze. For extra flavor, brush the corn with butter, sprinkle a little chili powder, and add a squeeze of lime.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch to your plate. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor balance the rich, bold taste of BBQ shrimp. You can go for a classic coleslaw with a mayo-based dressing or try a lighter, vinegar-based version. Either way, it adds a fresh element that complements the smoky shrimp, making it a perfect choice when wondering what goes with barbeque shrimp.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a staple at any BBQ, and it pairs perfectly with BBQ shrimp. Its creamy, savory flavor contrasts nicely with the sweet and smoky shrimp. You can make a traditional mayo-based potato salad or opt for a tangy mustard or herb-infused version for a unique twist.
French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
French fries are a simple and easy side that everyone loves. They soak up the BBQ sauce from the shrimp, making every bite delicious. If you want a healthier option, go for sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the tangy BBQ flavors, making them a fantastic answer to what goes with barbeque shrimp.
Southern-Inspired Sides
For a truly Southern experience, consider sides that reflect the region’s rich culinary traditions. When thinking about what goes with barbeque shrimp, these Southern sides are a must.
Grits
Grits, a Southern classic, work especially well with New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp. Their creamy texture provides a neutral base that soaks up the rich shrimp sauce. For added flavor, mix in some cheese or garlic to enhance the dish. Grits are simple to make but bring a lot of heartiness to the table, making them one of the best choices when wondering what goes with barbeque shrimp.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are small, fried balls of cornmeal batter that are a traditional Southern side. Their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful inside pair wonderfully with BBQ shrimp. These little bites offer a slightly sweet taste that complements the savory shrimp. They also add texture contrast to your meal.
Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, mac and cheese is an ideal side for BBQ shrimp. The richness of the cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky, tangy shrimp. Whether you make a baked mac and cheese or a stovetop version, this dish adds a comfort food element to your BBQ spread.
Collard Greens
Collard greens, slow-cooked with bacon or smoked ham, are a quintessential Southern side dish. They provide a slightly bitter but hearty flavor that balances the sweetness of BBQ shrimp. Collard greens are packed with nutrients and add a healthy, earthy component to your meal. If you’re thinking about what goes with barbeque shrimp, collard greens are an excellent choice for a balanced and flavorful side.
Fresh and Light Salad Options
When considering what goes with barbeque shrimp, salads offer a fresh and light contrast to the rich flavors of the shrimp. Here are a few options that will enhance your meal.
Caesar Salad
A simple Caesar salad offers a light, crisp contrast to the bold flavors of BBQ shrimp. The romaine lettuce provides a crunchy base, while the creamy Caesar dressing adds a savory touch. Add some croutons for texture, and top it with shaved Parmesan for extra flavor. This salad works especially well when you want to lighten up a heavier BBQ meal.
Greek Salad
Greek salad brings a Mediterranean twist to your BBQ shrimp plate. The mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese creates a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness of the shrimp. The salty feta pairs wonderfully with the smoky shrimp, while the veggies add a refreshing crunch. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and a splash of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
Arugula and Citrus Salad
An arugula and citrus salad is the perfect way to add a zesty, refreshing side to your BBQ shrimp meal. The peppery arugula pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits. A light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and honey ties it all together. This salad cuts through the richness of the BBQ shrimp and adds a burst of freshness to the plate.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a simple yet flavorful option that complements BBQ shrimp perfectly. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring a burst of flavor to the table. The sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella balance the smoky, tangy shrimp. It’s an easy and elegant side that works well for both casual BBQs and more formal dinners, making it a versatile answer to what goes with barbeque shrimp.
Vegetable-Based Sides for BBQ Shrimp
When wondering what goes with barbeque shrimp, vegetable-based sides offer a nutritious and colorful addition to your meal. Here are a few options to consider.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a natural pairing with BBQ shrimp. Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are excellent choices. Their smoky flavor from the grill complements the shrimp, while their vibrant colors add visual appeal to the plate. Brush the veggies with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling for a simple, delicious side.
Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is a quick and easy side that adds a healthy green element to your meal. To prepare it, cook the spinach with garlic and olive oil for a simple yet flavorful side that doesn’t overpower the shrimp. Additionally, spinach’s slightly bitter taste contrasts nicely with the sweetness of BBQ shrimp, making it a well-balanced dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Their slightly caramelized flavor balances the sweetness of BBQ shrimp. You can roast them with a little balsamic glaze or garlic for extra flavor. Brussels sprouts add a hearty, nutrient-dense option to your meal, perfect for those looking for a wholesome side. This is a nutritious and tasty option when thinking about what goes with barbeque shrimp.
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers filled with rice, vegetables, and herbs are a flavorful and filling side for BBQ shrimp. The sweet bell peppers complement the smoky shrimp, while the filling adds texture and substance to your plate. You can even add a little cheese or ground meat for an extra boost of flavor. This side is both nutritious and satisfying.
Starches and Grains to Pair with BBQ Shrimp
Starches and grains offer a hearty balance to BBQ shrimp. When thinking about what goes with barbeque shrimp, these options are filling and delicious.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a flavorful rice dish made with herbs, nuts, and vegetables. As a result, it absorbs the BBQ shrimp sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful. Furthermore, the fluffy texture of the rice provides a nice contrast to the tender shrimp. To enhance the dish even more, you can add ingredients like almonds, dried fruits, or vegetables.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a light, healthy grain option that pairs well with BBQ shrimp. The quinoa adds texture, while fresh herbs, cucumbers, and tomatoes provide a burst of flavor. You can dress the quinoa salad with olive oil and lemon juice for a zesty side that complements the shrimp without overpowering it.
Couscous
Couscous is a fluffy, versatile grain that’s easy to prepare and perfect with BBQ shrimp. Additionally, you can enhance the couscous with herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired side. Consequently, the light texture of couscous pairs well with the rich, smoky shrimp, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing side that works well with BBQ shrimp. Toss in vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olives for added texture and flavor. The pasta absorbs the vinaigrette, adding a tangy contrast to the sweet BBQ shrimp. It’s an easy, make-ahead side that’s perfect for outdoor BBQs and is a great choice when thinking about what goes with barbeque shrimp.
Bread and Rolls to Serve with BBQ Shrimp
Bread and rolls are perfect for soaking up the sauce from BBQ shrimp. When considering what goes with barbeque shrimp, these options are a must.
Crusty French Bread
Crusty French bread is an excellent side for BBQ shrimp, especially when it comes to soaking up the sauce. For New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, this bread is a must-have. The crispy crust and soft interior provide the perfect texture contrast to the tender shrimp. You can even toast the bread slightly for added flavor.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a Southern classic that pairs well with BBQ shrimp. Its slightly sweet flavor complements the tangy BBQ sauce, while its crumbly texture adds a comforting element to the meal. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or butter for an extra special touch.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread adds bold flavor and pairs beautifully with BBQ shrimp. The garlicky, buttery bread enhances the smoky shrimp, and like French bread, it’s great for soaking up any leftover sauce. Whether you serve it as sliced bread or in roll form, it’s sure to be a hit at any BBQ.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for a casual BBQ shrimp meal. Not only are they great for scooping up the shrimp, but they also serve as a side to complete your plate. Moreover, the fluffy texture of the rolls balances the robust flavor of the BBQ shrimp, making them a great addition to any BBQ spread.
Best Drinks to Pair with BBQ Shrimp
Wondering what goes with barbeque shrimp in terms of drinks? Choosing the right beverage can enhance your meal even further.
Lemonade or Iced Tea
Lemonade and iced tea are classic drinks that pair wonderfully with BBQ shrimp. Indeed, the refreshing flavors of these beverages help balance the smoky, tangy notes of the shrimp. Additionally, you can elevate your lemonade by adding fresh mint or berries for a unique twist that adds a touch of sophistication. Overall, these drinks not only complement the shrimp but also enhance the overall dining experience with their crisp, invigorating flavors.
Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are crisp white wines that pair beautifully with BBQ shrimp. The acidity in these wines complements the rich flavors of the BBQ sauce, while their light, fruity notes enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Beer Pairings
Light beers like pilsners or lagers are excellent choices for pairing with BBQ shrimp. Specifically, the effervescence of beer cuts through the richness of the BBQ shrimp, creating a balanced bite. Alternatively, for a bolder pairing, try a light amber ale or pale ale.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- What sides go with BBQ shrimp in a New Orleans-style dish?
- Grits, crusty French bread, and collard greens are traditional sides for New Orleans BBQ shrimp. In addition, these sides absorb the rich sauce and add heartiness to the meal.
- Can you serve BBQ shrimp with pasta?
- Yes, pasta salad or even a creamy pasta can pair well with BBQ shrimp for a complete meal. In particular, the pasta’s neutral flavor balances the bold shrimp taste.
- Is rice a good side for BBQ shrimp?
- Yes, rice or rice pilaf is a versatile side dish that absorbs the BBQ sauce and complements the shrimp’s flavor. Moreover, it’s filling and adds a neutral base to the meal.
- What’s a healthy side dish for BBQ shrimp?
- Salads like arugula and citrus or quinoa salad are light and nutritious options to pair with BBQ shrimp. In addition, these sides provide freshness and texture without overpowering the shrimp.
- Can you serve BBQ shrimp with bread?
- Absolutely! French bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls are all excellent for soaking up the sauce and complementing the shrimp’s flavors. Bread is a perfect side for both casual and formal BBQ shrimp dishes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sides can make all the difference when serving BBQ shrimp. From classic Southern dishes like grits and hush puppies to fresh salads and grains, the possibilities are endless. Each side dish complements the smoky, tangy flavor of BBQ shrimp in unique ways, enhancing your overall dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a large BBQ or making a quick family meal, these sides will elevate your BBQ shrimp to a restaurant-quality dish. So, the next time you’re wondering what goes with barbeque shrimp, try a few of these combinations and discover your perfect pairing. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and sides to create a well-rounded, delicious BBQ shrimp meal.