Fried shrimp is a classic dish. You can make them using flour, eggs, bread crumbs, or cornmeal. You fry them in hot oil with french fries and coleslaw on the side.
What goes with fried shrimp? Here are what you can have:
- Side dishes: French Fries, Coleslaw, Rice, Grilled Vegetables, etc.
- Main dishes: Fried shrimp tacos, Fried shrimp & grits, etc.
- And many more.

But what goes with fried shrimp? How about pairing it with one of these delicious side dishes?
What is Fried Shrimp?
It is a type of seafood prepared by breading and frying them. They are usually served as an appetizer or side dishes.

The most common way to prepare them is by coating them with flour, salt, black pepper, and other spices. The shrimp can then be fried in oil or butter until golden brown. You can serve them with dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade sauce.
The dish is popular in many countries, particularly in the United States, as a typical appetizer and main course.
What Goes with Fried Shrimp?
When it comes to seafood, few things are as iconic as shrimp. It is a popular dish that you can enjoy with many different sides.
But what to serve with fried shrimp? Keep reading to find out some of the best options!
Best Sides for Fried Shrimp
What sides go with it? Here is the list of the most favorite ones:
French fries

These crispy, salty baked potatoes are the perfect sides. They can be eaten or dipped in various sauces, such as ketchup or remoulade sauce.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side. The creamy slaw offsets the crispy, crunchy shrimp, while the vinegar dressing provides a tangy contrast.
Rice
Rice is a simple side dish that goes well with cooked shrimp. It can be served or jazzed with spices, herbs, and vegetables.
Grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a healthy and delicious option to serve with coconut shrimp. They can be prepared in advance, perfect for busy households.
Other vegetables included chopped celery, bell pepper, chopped mushrooms, chopped walnuts, russet potatoes, roasted poblano, cubed red potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, spicy aioli, green peppers along with brown sugar and kosher salt.
Baked beans
Baked beans are a classic side dish that pairs well with bbq shrimp. The hearty green beans are the perfect contrast to the light and crispy shrimp.
Cold Potato salad
Potato salad is a must-have side dish for any summer cookout. It’s perfect for pairing, as the creamy dressing and crunchy potatoes are a match made in heaven.
Mashed Potatoes

They’re perfect for soaking up the delicious flavors and provide a creamy, comforting contrast. Add some macaroni and cheese.
Cheesy Potatoes
The creamy, cheesy potatoes are the ideal complement to taste.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
They’re subtly sweet and pair well with the savory flavors of the shrimp.
Tomato Salad
This light and refreshing salad are the perfect go with shrimp. The juicy tomatoes are a delicious contrast to the crispy shrimp, while the basil provides a fragrant finishing touch.
Green Onions
Green onions are a simple yet delicious side dish that goes well with shrimp lovers. The mild onion flavor pairs well with the seafood’s salty and spicy flavors.
What to Eat with Fried Shrimp: Main Dishes

Fried shrimp tacos
These tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make option for the main course. The shrimp can be fried ahead of time, so the dish comes together quickly when you’re ready to eat.
Fried Rice

Fried rice is a classic dish made with shrimp or chicken. The fried rice pairs well with the complementing shrimp, as both dishes are crispy and savory.
Cold Pasta Salad
These Pasta Dishes are another easy-to-make option for the main course. Mix cooked pasta with a simple vinaigrette, then add your favorite vegetables, macaroni, and cheese.
Shrimp po’boys
An already cooked shrimp po’boy is another delicious and easy-to-make option for the main course. The sandwich can be made with either white or wheat bread and is filled with crispy lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.
Greek Salad
It’s loaded with fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad
Made with sweet corn guacamole, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado.
Fried shrimp and grits

They are Southern classics perfect for pairing. The creamy grits are the base of the dish, and the crispy shrimp contrasts in texture.
Rice
Breaded butterfly shrimp and rice are a simple yet tasty option for the main course. You can make the dish with either plain white rice, Spanish rice, or wild rice, perfect for any palate.
Pasta
They are classic Italian dishes perfect for pairing. The cream sauce and crispy shrimp are the perfect combinations of flavors and textures.
You can prepare the serving dish using your favorite type of pasta, such as fettuccine or linguini.
What Goes Good with Fried Shrimp: Dipping Sauces

Tartar sauce
Tartar hot sauce is a classic sauce that pairs well. The creamy sauce is made with mayo, relish, and diced onions.
Cocktail sauce
Cocktail sauce is another classic dipping sauce made with ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce.
Lemon butter sauce
Lemon butter sauce is a light and refreshing sauce made with lemon juice, melted butter, and garlic.
How to Cook
Shrimp is a type of seafood that you can cook in various ways. So, let’s get started.
Easy Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

If there’s one thing that screams summer, it’s fried shrimp. This is a delicious recipe that I think you will like. It is easy to make and tastes great! Get your grill going and cook the food!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- 12 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Combine the flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, pour in the milk. Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip them in the milk. Place the shrimp on skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using).
- Grill the shrimp for about two minutes per side until they are pink and slightly charred. Serve with your favorite sauce.
What to Make with Fried Shrimp?
It is a popular appetizer at parties. They are also a quick meal when you’re short on time. Here are some recipes:
Fried Shrimp Salad
This is an excellent way to use up leftover shrimp from last night’s dinner. Just toss together the ingredients and serve.
Fried Shrimp Po’Boy
A traditional New Orleans sandwich that has been around since the 1800s. The sandwich features a crusty French roll stuffed with crispy shrimp.
Fried Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is usually served cold, but this version is served warm. It uses chicken tenders instead of boneless breasts.
Fried Shrimp Risotto
The risotto is cooked in chicken broth and finished off with Parmesan cheese.
Fried Shrimps and Grits
Grits are a staple of southern cooking. This dish combines the two favorites into one.
Fried Shredded Beef Sandwiches
These sandwiches feature shredded beef mixed with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion.
Other Terms
Breaded or Panko Shrimp
What is it?
Panko shrimp is breaded shrimp that is coated with Japanese bread crumbs.
In Japan, panko refers to a type of bread used for deep-frying. Breaded foods are often called “panko” because of the crunchy texture that results from coating the food with bread crumbs.
What to serve with panko shrimp or breaded shrimp?
You can serve panko shrimp with any kind of dipping sauce. Try these:
- Cocktail Sauce
- Lemon Butter Sauce
- Horseradish Cream Sauce
- Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce
Butterfly Shrimp
What is it?
Butterfly shrimp is a term used to describe shrimp split down the middle. People call it butterfly shrimp because the shrimp look like butterflies when they are cut open.
What to serve with butterfly shrimp?
People love eating butterfly shrimp as an appetizer.
You can serve them with cocktail sauce, lemon butter sauce, horseradish cream sauce, soy ginger dipping sauce, or ranch dressing.
FAQs
What sides to serve with shrimp?
- Rice
- Garlic bread
- Lettuce or Spinach salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives. Add croutons for topping. Dress with olive oil vinaigrette dressing of your choice (I recommend Italian)
What goes well with tempura shrimp?
Tempura shrimp is typically served with a sauce or dipping sauce, like wasabi mayonnaise. Some people also enjoy pairing tempura shrimp with other light-colored sauces that contrast nicely against the deep green of the lettuce leaves and rice cakes. One example would be to have an avocado dressing on top of your dish instead of soy sauce which can often overpower these flavors.
What goes good with panko shrimp?
You can enjoy panko shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular combinations include ranch dressing, sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Do you boil shrimp before frying?
Yes, it would be best if you boiled shrimp before frying them. Boiling shrimp helps remove the shells and the internal organs, making them easier to eat. It also helps to improve the flavor and texture of the shrimp.
What to cook with fried shrimp?
Shrimp is delicious when paired with many different ingredients. You can use as a base for salads, pasta dishes, soups, and more!
Here are some ideas:
- Stuffed Shells
- Pasta Salad
- Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Soup
What goes with butterfly shrimp?
It is usually eaten as an appetizer, but you can also pair it with the main course. Here are some suggestions:
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Steak Fajitas
- Spicy Tofu Stir Fry
Related Topics
What Goes with Peel and Eat Shrimp?
I’m a big fan of peel and eat shrimp. I think they’re a perfect appetizer or main dish. I like to serve them with garlic aioli or cocktail sauce.
You can also add some fresh lemon juice, herbs, and spices for extra flavor. Serve with crusty bread or veggie sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
What Goes Well with Shrimp as a Side?
Many different things go well with shrimp as a side, but some of our favorites include rice, pasta, and salad. You could also try pairing your shrimp with some delicious garlic butter or lemon wedges to enhance the flavor.
No matter what you choose, we’re sure you’ll love this tasty seafood dish.
What Vegetable is Good with Shrimp?
There are a few different vegetables that go great with shrimp. One of them is asparagus. Asparagus has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory taste of shrimp.
Another good option is broccoli. Broccoli has a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with the delicate taste of shrimp.
Lastly, corn is also a great choice. Corn adds a nice sweetness and crunch to the dish.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Shrimp?
The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to place them in a colander or strainer and run cold water over them for a few minutes.
You can also place them in a bowl of cold water, letting them sit until they’re fully thawed.
Never defrost shrimp on the counter at room temperature, as this can cause bacteria to grow.
How Long Are You Supposed to Cook Shrimp?
You should cook shrimp for about two minutes or until they’re pink and slightly opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to watch them closely while they’re in the pan. If you overcook them, they can become tough and rubbery.
What Sides Go with a Seafood Boil?
Most people would say that corn on the cob and potatoes are must-haves at a seafood boil, and they’re definitely delicious. But there are so many other great options for side dishes that would be perfect with a seafood boil.
Here are some of our favorites:
- coleslaw – The perfect crispy, cool contrast to the spicy seafood.
- macaroni and cheese – This comfort food classic is always a hit.
- grilled vegetables – A healthy option that’s packed with flavor.
- fruit salad – A refreshing way to round out the meal.
Is a Pound of Shrimp a Lot?
A pound of shrimp is a lot, but it all depends on how you prepare it.
- If you’re making a shrimp cocktail, a pound will be plenty.
- If you’re frying shrimp, a pound will be just enough.
- And if you’re grilling shrimp, a pound might not be enough!
So it really all depends on your recipe and how many people you’re serving. But in general, a pound of shrimp is definitely a lot.
What Sauce Goes Good with Shrimp?
There are so many different sauces that go well with shrimp, it’s hard to choose just one. A classic pairing would be a creamy shrimp sauce with a touch of garlic and lemon, but you could also try olive oil and herbs, pesto sauce, or even a simple tomato sauce.
Experiment and find what you like the best!
What Sauces Go with Seafood?
There are many different sauces that can be paired with seafood. Some of the most popular options include tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, lemon butter sauce, and garlic butter sauce. Each of these sauces has its own unique flavor that can enhance the taste of seafood dishes.
How Much Crab Do You Need Per Person?
The answer really depends on how many crabs your guests want to eat.
- If you’re serving it as an appetizer, then you’ll need about 1/2 pound per person.
- If you’re making it the main dish, then you’ll need 1-1 1/2 pounds per person.
- And if you’re having a crab feast, then you’ll need 2-3 pounds per person!
What Are Good Side Dishes for a Crawfish Boil?
Some good side dishes for a crawfish boil include corn on the cob, potatoes, andouille sausage, and garlic bread. But really, anything goes with a crawfish boil! You can’t go wrong with lots of delicious Louisiana-style Cajun cuisine.