Perfect Sides: What to Serve with Coconut Shrimp Dinner

Originally posted on November 16, 2023 @ 8:34 am

Coconut shrimp is a delicious and crispy dish that can make any meal feel special. But what should you serve with it to make the most out of your dining experience? In this section, we will explore the best side dishes to serve with your coconut shrimp dinner. You will learn about classic pairings, tropical twists, and more, to elevate your meal to new heights.

Key Takeaways

• Coconut shrimp can be perfectly paired with various side dishes to enhance its flavors.
• Classic pairings like tangy sauces and refreshing salads are crowd-pleasers.
• Tropical sides like pineapple salsa and mango chutney add a refreshing twist to the meal.
• Salads, rice, grains and dips provide different textures and flavors to your coconut shrimp dinner.
• Roasted or grilled vegetables and seafood accompaniments can also be great options.

Classic Coconut Shrimp Pairings

Coconut shrimp is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to create a meal that is both flavorful and satisfying. Here are some classic ideas for serving coconut shrimp:

Side Dish	Description
Tangy Cocktail Sauce	A classic pairing for fried seafood, the tanginess of the sauce complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
Garlic Butter Green Beans	The garlic butter adds richness to the green beans, while the crisp texture contrasts well with the soft shrimp.
Crispy French Fries	The saltiness of the fries pairs well with the sweetness of the shrimp, creating a satisfying crunch in every bite.

These coconut shrimp serving suggestions are just a starting point – feel free to experiment with your own favorite pairings to create a meal that is uniquely yours.

Up next, let’s explore fruity sides that will give your coconut shrimp dinner a tropical twist.

Tropical Flavors: Fruity Sides for Coconut Shrimp

These fruity sides will add a tropical twist to your coconut shrimp dinner. Choose one or mix and match for a truly indulgent meal.

Fresh and Crisp: Salads to Accompany Coconut Shrimp

If you’re looking for a healthier option to serve with your coconut shrimp, a fresh and crisp salad is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide a healthy balance to the fried shrimp, but the combination of crunchy greens and tender shrimp is simply irresistible. You can go for a classic Caesar salad or try something new like a zesty citrus salad. Here are some of the top sides to accompany coconut shrimp:

Salad	Description
Classic Caesar Salad	A salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. The perfect complement to the crispy shrimp.
Citrus Salad	A refreshing salad made with mixed greens, sliced oranges, red onions, and a citrus vinaigrette dressing. The bright citrus flavors perfectly balance out the richness of the shrimp.
Cucumber Tomato Salad	A light and refreshing salad made with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Whichever salad you choose, be sure to mix in your favorite vegetables and dressings to create a flavor combination that suits your taste buds. For added protein, you could add grilled chicken or boiled eggs to the salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

If you’re in the mood for something warm, try serving your coconut shrimp with a bowl of soup or a hearty rice or grain dish. In the next section, we’ll explore mouth-watering options for serving coconut shrimp with rice and grains.

Warm and Satisfying: Rice and Grain Dishes

If you’re looking for mouth-watering options for serving coconut shrimp, consider pairing it with warm and satisfying rice or grain dishes. These dishes provide a hearty meal and add a delightful contrast to the crispy shrimp.

Coconut rice is a classic choice that perfectly complements the flavors of the shrimp. It’s simple to make and is ready in no time. Cook the rice, coconut milk, and water in a pot until fully cooked and enjoy.

Rice and Grain Dishes	Flavors	Ingredients
Coconut Rice	Coconut and Rice	Rice, Coconut Milk, Water
Cilantro-Lime Quinoa	Cilantro, Lime, and Quinoa	Quinoa, Red Onion, Cilantro, Lime Juice, Olive Oil
Garlic Butter Couscous	Garlic and Butter	Couscous, Garlic, Butter, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Juice

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try cilantro-lime quinoa. It adds a refreshing and tangy twist to your meal. Simply cook quinoa and mix it with lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, and diced red onion.

Garlic butter couscous is another great option. The rich and indulgent flavors of garlic and butter will make your taste buds dance. Cook the couscous and mix it with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley.

These coconut shrimp meal ideas are perfect for anyone looking for a warm and filling meal that’s easy to make.

Creamy and Tangy: Dips and Sauces

Take your coconut shrimp dinner up a notch by pairing it with creamy and tangy dips and sauces. These delicious accompaniments will bring out the flavors of the crispy shrimp and add an extra dimension to your meal. Here are some coconut shrimp serving suggestions:

Dip/Sauce	Flavor Profile	Pairing Suggestions
Lemon Aioli	Creamy, zesty, and tangy	Pair with Belgian endive salad or roasted sweet potato wedges for a burst of flavor.
Sweet Chili Sauce	Sweet, spicy, and savory	Pair with cucumber and tomato salad or grilled pineapple for a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
Garlic Butter Sauce	Rich, buttery, and garlicky	Pair with roasted or grilled vegetables for a decadent seafood feast.
Tartar Sauce	Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet	Pair with coleslaw or mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.

These dips and sauces are easy to make from scratch or can be purchased at your local grocery store. They’ll make your coconut shrimp meal even more mouth-watering, transforming your dinner into a restaurant-quality experience. Make sure to have extra dipping sauces on hand so that everyone can enjoy their favorite flavor!

Veggie Delights: Roasted or Grilled Vegetables

If you’re looking for healthy and flavorful sides to serve with your coconut shrimp, roasted or grilled vegetables are an excellent choice. Not only do they add a pop of color to your plate, but they also provide essential nutrients for a well-balanced meal. Here are some veggie ideas for serving coconut shrimp:

Veggies	Preparation	Seasoning
Asparagus	Roasted	Olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper
Bell Peppers	Grilled	Balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper
Zucchini	Roasted	Paprika, cumin, salt, pepper

These veggies pair perfectly with the crispy texture of the coconut shrimp and add a delightful charred flavor to the dish. For an added twist, toss them with a dash of lime juice and cilantro for a touch of citrus and freshness.

Alternatively, you can also create a colorful vegetable platter with a variety of veggies. Serve them raw, roasted, or grilled, and allow your guests to choose their preferred pairing with the coconut shrimp. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and add a healthy touch to your meal.

A Taste of the Sea: Seafood Accompaniments

If you’re a seafood lover, serving coconut shrimp alongside other flavors of the sea is a great way to indulge your taste buds. Here are some top sides to accompany coconut shrimp for a truly indulgent seafood experience:

Seafood Accompaniments	Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp	These succulent garlic butter shrimp are seasoned with paprika and lemon zest for a burst of flavor. Serve them with coconut shrimp for a truly indulgent seafood feast.
Seafood Gumbo	This hearty seafood gumbo is packed with shrimp, crab, andouille sausage, and okra for a deliciously filling meal. It’s the perfect accompaniment to coconut shrimp.
Ceviche	For a refreshing and light option, serve coconut shrimp with a zesty ceviche. The combination of tangy lime juice, fresh herbs, and succulent shrimp is a match made in seafood heaven.

With these top sides to accompany coconut shrimp, you’re sure to have a seafood feast that will transport you to the beach.

Conclusion

With so many delicious options to choose from, you can wow your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious meal by serving coconut shrimp with a variety of side dishes. From classic pairings like tartar sauce and fries, to tropical twists like pineapple salsa and coconut rice, there’s a complementary flavor and texture to suit any palate.

Get Creative

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match. Try serving your coconut shrimp with grilled vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal, or satisfy your seafood cravings by pairing it with other delicacies from the sea.

Enjoy!

With this guide, you’re well on your way to serving up a mouth-watering coconut shrimp dinner that is sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy your delicious meal!