Garlic shrimp is a versatile and delicious dish that pairs well with a wide variety of sides. The richness of garlic butter combined with the tender texture of shrimp creates an incredible flavor profile that can be elevated with the right accompaniments. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, choosing the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sides to pair with garlic shrimp, focusing on flavor, texture, and dietary preferences.
For a different twist on this seafood classic, you can try making honey garlic shrimp. This variation adds a hint of sweetness to the savory garlic, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Factors to Consider When Pairing with Garlic Shrimp
When selecting side dishes for garlic shrimp, it’s important to consider a few key factors:
- Flavors: Look for sides that can stand up to the garlicky and buttery flavor of the shrimp without overpowering it. For example, sides with a hint of acidity or a touch of sweetness can balance the richness of the garlic.
- Texture: It’s essential to balance the tender texture of shrimp with sides that offer a variety of textures, such as crunchy vegetables, crispy bread, or creamy pasta. This contrast enhances the overall dining experience.
- Meal Balance: Moreover, think about the overall balance of your meal. Pairing garlic shrimp with vegetables, grains, or legumes can create a nutritious and satisfying plate. If you’re aiming for a specific diet, choose sides that align with your nutritional goals, such as low-carb or gluten-free options.
Quick Tip
If you’re looking for a delicious variation of this classic dish, consider trying honey garlic shrimp, which brings a delightful sweetness to the savory garlic shrimp, making it an exciting alternative for your next meal.
What Goes With Garlic Shrimp: Starchy Sides to Complete Your Meal
Starchy sides make an excellent pairing because they help soak up the rich garlic butter sauce, adding both flavor and texture to your meal. Here are some top choices to consider:
Rice Varieties
Rice is a classic accompaniment, offering a blank canvas that absorbs all the flavorful juices.
- Jasmine Rice: Its aromatic quality pairs wonderfully with the garlic flavor. The light, fluffy texture of jasmine rice complements the tenderness of the shrimp while soaking up the buttery sauce, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. For best results, learn how to cook perfect jasmine rice to achieve the right balance of texture and flavor.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: For a zesty twist, try cilantro lime rice. The fresh cilantro and citrusy lime flavor add brightness to the meal, cutting through the richness of the garlic butter. This option is perfect if you’re looking for a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp.
- Brown Rice: If you’re looking for a healthier option, brown rice is an excellent choice. It provides a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the dish. Additionally, its chewy texture adds a satisfying contrast to the softness of the shrimp.
Pasta Options
Pasta dishes are another fantastic pairing. The long strands of pasta or small shapes can hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Linguine: Long pasta like linguine is an ideal choice for garlic shrimp. When tossed with the garlic butter sauce, the linguine absorbs all the flavors, creating a rich and satisfying dish. You can enhance this pairing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon for an added layer of taste.
- Spaghetti: Another long pasta option, spaghetti has a slightly different texture from linguine, providing a heartier base for the garlic shrimp. Furthermore, adding some chili flakes can give the dish a hint of spice, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Orzo: For a lighter pasta option, try orzo. This small, rice-like pasta works well with shrimp and garlic butter sauce, creating an elegant and easy-to-eat meal. In addition, tossing orzo with a bit of fresh parsley and lemon zest brightens up the dish.
- Pappardelle: Wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta create a luxurious pairing with garlic shrimp. The broad surface area of pappardelle allows it to soak up plenty of sauce, providing a mouthful of flavor in each bite.
Bread
Bread is another excellent way to round out your garlic shrimp meal. It adds a crunchy or chewy texture that complements the softness of shrimp.
- Garlic Bread: For a bold garlic-on-garlic combination, serve your shrimp with garlic bread. The crunchy exterior and buttery garlic spread on the bread enhance the garlic flavor of the shrimp while providing a satisfying crunch.
- French Baguette: A crusty French baguette is perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce. The chewy interior of the bread provides a contrast to the shrimp, and its mild flavor lets the shrimp’s garlic sauce shine. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a unique bread option, consider pineapple carrot quick bread for a touch of sweetness.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are great for mopping up the sauce. Their pillowy texture complements the firmness of shrimp and adds a comforting element to the meal.
What Goes With Garlic Shrimp: Vegetable Sides for a Balanced Plate
Adding vegetables to your meal not only enhances its nutritional value but also introduces a variety of flavors and textures. Here are some vegetable sides that pair wonderfully with garlic shrimp:
Leafy Greens
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and sharp Parmesan cheese in a Caesar salad provide a delightful contrast to the buttery garlic shrimp. As a result, the salad’s slightly salty and tangy flavor complements the garlic sauce, making it an ideal choice.
- Spinach Salad: A light and fresh spinach salad adds a slightly bitter note to balance the richness of the shrimp. Include toppings like cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a light vinaigrette to enhance the flavor. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding olives and feta cheese.
- Kale and Apple Salad: The crispness of fresh kale paired with the sweetness of apples creates a refreshing contrast to the savory garlic shrimp. A lemon-honey dressing adds a hint of acidity to round out the dish.
Roasted Vegetables
- Asparagus: Roasted asparagus has an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic shrimp. Drizzle the asparagus with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice before roasting to add a citrusy brightness to the dish.
- Zucchini: Roasted zucchini is soft and succulent, offering a texture that complements the shrimp without overpowering its flavor. For extra flavor, toss the zucchini with herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting.
- Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the meal, creating a satisfying contrast to the garlicky shrimp.
Steamed Vegetables
- Broccoli: Steamed broccoli provides a crunchy and nutritious contrast to the tender shrimp. Lightly season the broccoli with lemon juice and garlic powder to tie it in with the garlic shrimp.
- Green Beans: Mild in flavor, steamed green beans add a vibrant color and fresh taste to your plate. Moreover, tossing them with a bit of butter and garlic creates a cohesive flavor profile.
Grilled Vegetables
- Bell Peppers: Sweet and slightly smoky when grilled, bell peppers add a burst of color and flavor to your garlic shrimp meal. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the garlic sauce.
- Eggplant: Grilled eggplant slices bring a rich, smoky flavor that complements the shrimp. Drizzle with balsamic glaze to enhance the taste and add a touch of sweetness.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Adding an Asian-inspired touch to your meal is easy with stir-fried vegetables. A mix of snap peas, carrots, and bell peppers stir-fried in soy sauce and sesame oil pairs beautifully with garlic shrimp. For more stir-fry inspiration, check out this delicious beef and broccoli recipe.
What Goes With Garlic Shrimp: Light Sides for a Refreshing Contrast
For a refreshing contrast, pair your garlic shrimp with lighter sides like slaws, soups, and fruits.
Slaws
- Cabbage Slaw: A simple cabbage slaw adds a crunchy texture and a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Including ingredients like shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a light vinaigrette creates a burst of flavor.
- Carrot and Apple Slaw: The sweet and tangy flavors of carrots and apples offset the savory shrimp perfectly. Furthermore, a dressing made of apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil adds an extra layer of taste.
Soups
- Tomato Basil Soup: The acidity of tomato basil soup balances the garlic butter’s richness, offering a warming and complementary side. A dash of cream can be added for a smoother texture.
- Gazpacho: A chilled gazpacho provides a refreshing contrast to warm garlic shrimp, especially during the summer months. The fresh flavors of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers cleanse the palate, preparing you for the next bite.
Fruits
- Mango Salsa: A sweet and spicy mango salsa offers a burst of color and flavor that contrasts with the savory garlic shrimp. Include diced mangoes, red onions, cilantro, and jalapeños for a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- Pineapple Chunks: Adding pineapple chunks provides a refreshing burst of sweetness, cleansing the palate between bites of shrimp. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some chili powder on the pineapple.
What Goes With Garlic Shrimp: Protein-Rich Sides to Satisfy Your Hunger
Incorporating protein-rich sides can create a more filling and nutritionally balanced meal.
Legumes
- Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad provides a nutty flavor and protein boost that pairs well with the bold flavors of garlic shrimp. Mix chickpeas with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and a lemon-olive oil dressing for a refreshing and hearty side.
- Lentil Soup: A warm, hearty lentil soup complements the shrimp’s tender texture. The earthy flavor of lentils, combined with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, balances the garlic’s richness.
Eggs
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy and savory deviled eggs offer a different texture profile that works with the shrimp’s firmness. Sprinkle paprika or chopped chives on top for added flavor.
Seafood Combinations
- Scallops: If you’re a seafood lover, consider adding scallops to your plate. Their tender texture and slightly sweet flavor make them a luxurious complement to garlic shrimp. Searing them with a bit of garlic butter enhances their taste.
Healthy, Low-Carb Sides That Go Well with Garlic Shrimp
For those following a low-carb diet, there are plenty of tasty sides to complement your garlic shrimp.
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to regular rice, absorbing the garlic butter sauce and making each bite flavorful. To add more flavor, stir-fry the cauliflower rice with garlic, onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Zucchini Noodles
Light, healthy, and providing a noodle-like texture, zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb option. Additionally, tossing the noodles in the garlic butter sauce left from the shrimp and sprinkling with Parmesan cheese adds an extra savory kick.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your meal. Combine cooked quinoa with diced vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette. Discover the health benefits of quinoa and why it’s an excellent choice for pairing with garlic shrimp.
International Pairings for Garlic Shrimp
If you’re in the mood for a global twist, try pairing garlic shrimp with some international-inspired sides.
Asian-Inspired
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Include soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger to bring an umami-rich complement to the shrimp. Adding a few chili flakes can give the dish a hint of heat.
Mediterranean
- Greek Salad: A refreshing blend of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. This salad adds brightness with olive oil and herbs, working perfectly alongside the garlicky shrimp. You can explore more Mediterranean salad ideas at The Mediterranean Dish.
Recommended Dipping Sauces and Condiments
Enhance your garlic shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces to add new flavors.
Lemon Garlic Aioli
A tangy sauce that boosts the garlic flavor while adding a creamy texture. The lemon adds a fresh zing that balances the richness of the shrimp.
Tzatziki Sauce
A cucumber yogurt dip that brings a refreshing and cooling element to balance the shrimp’s savory profile.
Cocktail Sauce
A classic pairing, cocktail sauce adds a zesty, spicy kick to the shrimp. Mixing in some horseradish provides an extra punch of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Pasta Goes Best with Garlic Shrimp?
Linguine and spaghetti are top choices because their long strands hold onto the garlic butter sauce well. Orzo and pappardelle are also excellent options if you prefer different textures.
Q2: Can I Serve Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa?
Absolutely! Quinoa is a versatile, protein-packed side that pairs well with the bold flavors of garlic shrimp. Its nutty taste and fluffy texture complement the richness of the dish.
Q3: What Type of Salad Goes with Garlic Shrimp?
Caesar salad, Greek salad, and spinach salad are great options. Their flavors and textures create a balanced plate when paired with garlic shrimp.
Q4: Is Garlic Shrimp Suitable for a Low-Carb Diet?
Yes, garlic shrimp is naturally low in carbs. Pair it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad for a delicious, low-carb meal.
Q5: Can Garlic Shrimp Be Paired with Soup?
Definitely! Light soups like tomato basil or gazpacho make wonderful companions, providing a contrast to the shrimp’s richness and adding warmth to your meal.
Conclusion
Pairing this dish with the right sides creates a well-rounded, delicious meal that suits any occasion. From starchy sides like jasmine rice and garlic bread to light options like slaws and soups, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re aiming for a hearty, protein-rich meal or a light, low-carb option, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
By experimenting with different pairings, you can find the perfect combination that enhances the garlicky goodness of the shrimp. So, the next time you’re planning a meal, consider incorporating some of these side dishes to elevate your dining experience. And don’t forget to explore the variations, such as honey shrimp and other dishes like beef and broccoli for a truly diverse culinary adventure.