Fried shrimp is a beloved dish known for its crispy exterior and succulent interior. It’s a versatile entrée that can be served in various ways, from casual family dinners to elegant parties. However, to truly elevate your fried shrimp experience, pairing it with the right sides and beverages is essential. This comprehensive guide explores what goes well with fried shrimp, including side dishes, sauces, salads, beverages, and more. By understanding these pairings, you can create a balanced and flavorful meal that will delight your taste buds.
What Goes Well with Fried Shrimp?
Best Side Dishes for Fried Shrimp
Side dishes can enhance the flavor of fried shrimp and complement its crispy texture.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor that pairs well with the richness of fried shrimp.
Coleslaw Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shredded Cabbage | 4 cups |
| Shredded Carrots | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
French Fries
Classic French fries are a perfect side, providing a crispy and salty contrast to fried shrimp.
French Fries Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 4 large |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 cups |
| Salt | to taste |
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies add a savory and slightly sweet flavor that complements fried shrimp beautifully.
Hush Puppies Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cornmeal | 1 cup |
| Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion | 1 small, diced |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
Best Sauces for Fried Shrimp
Sauces can enhance the flavor of fried shrimp and add a new dimension to the dish.
Cocktail Sauce
A tangy and spicy cocktail sauce is a classic pairing for fried shrimp.
Cocktail Sauce Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Horseradish | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tsp |
| Hot Sauce | 1 tsp |
Tartar Sauce
Creamy tartar sauce provides a cool and tangy contrast to the crispy shrimp.
Tartar Sauce Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Pickle Relish | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Capers | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Dill | 1 tsp, fresh |
Remoulade Sauce
Remoulade sauce adds a zesty and spicy kick, perfect for enhancing the flavor of fried shrimp.
Remoulade Sauce Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Pickle Relish | 2 tbsp |
| Hot Sauce | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
Best Salads for Fried Shrimp
Salads can add a fresh and light element to a fried shrimp meal.
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad with its crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing pairs well with fried shrimp.
Caesar Salad Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Romaine Lettuce | 1 head |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Croutons | 1 cup |
| Caesar Dressing | 1/2 cup |
Greek Salad
A Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese offers a refreshing contrast.
Greek Salad Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 2 large, diced |
| Cucumbers | 1 large, diced |
| Kalamata Olives | 1/2 cup |
| Feta Cheese | 1/2 cup, crumbled |
| Red Onion | 1 small, sliced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Mango Avocado Salad
A mango avocado salad adds a tropical twist with its sweet and creamy flavors.
Mango Avocado Salad Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mango | 1 large, diced |
| Avocado | 1 large, diced |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1, diced |
| Red Onion | 1 small, diced |
| Lime Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Cilantro | 1/4 cup, chopped |
Best Grains to Pair with Fried Shrimp
Grains add substance and texture to a fried shrimp meal.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic side that pairs well with fried shrimp.
Rice Pilaf Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long-Grain Rice | 1 cup |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups |
| Onion | 1 small, diced |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and herbs is a healthy and satisfying side.
Quinoa Salad Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | 1 cup, cooked |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1 cup, halved |
| Cucumber | 1, diced |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1, diced |
| Parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
Couscous
Couscous is a quick and easy side that absorbs the flavors of any accompanying sauces.
Couscous Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Couscous | 1 cup |
| Chicken Broth | 1 1/2 cups |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Green Onions | 2, sliced |
Best Beverages to Pair with Fried Shrimp
Beverages can complement the flavors of fried shrimp and enhance the dining experience.
White Wine
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the delicate flavors of fried shrimp.
White Wine Pairing
| Beverage Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sauvignon Blanc | 1 bottle |
| Fried Shrimp | 1 serving |
Beer
A light lager or pilsner provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried shrimp.
Beer Pairing
| Beverage Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Light Lager | 1 bottle |
| Fried Shrimp | 1 serving |
Lemonade
A tart and sweet lemonade offers a non-alcoholic option that pairs well with fried shrimp.
Lemonade Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemon Juice | 1 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Ice | 2 cups |
Fried Shrimp Recipes to Try
Explore these delicious recipes featuring fried shrimp.
Classic Fried Shrimp
A simple and traditional recipe for crispy fried shrimp.
Classic Fried Shrimp Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 lb, peeled and deveined |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Cornmeal | 1/2 cup |
| Old Bay Seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Vegetable Oil | for frying |
Spicy Fried Shrimp
A spicy version of fried shrimp with a kick of heat.
Spicy Fried Shrimp Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 lb, peeled and deveined |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable Oil | for frying |
Coconut Fried Shrimp
A tropical twist with coconut coating for a sweet and savory flavor.
Coconut Fried Shrimp Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 lb, peeled and deveined |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Shredded Coconut | 1 cup |
| Panko Bread Crumbs | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2, beaten |
| Vegetable Oil | for frying |
Conclusion
Fried shrimp is a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, sauces, salads, grains, and beverages to create a balanced and flavorful meal. By experimenting with different combinations, you can find the perfect pairings that suit your taste and enhance your dining experience. Whether you prefer classic accompaniments like coleslaw and French fries or more adventurous pairings like quinoa salad and mango avocado salad, there are endless possibilities to explore. Enjoy your culinary journey with fried shrimp and elevate your meals with these delicious and complementary pairings.
FAQs
What sauces go well with fried shrimp?
Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and remoulade sauce are popular choices that enhance the flavor of fried shrimp with their tangy and spicy profiles.
Can I pair fried shrimp with grains?
Yes, grains like rice pilaf, quinoa salad, and couscous provide a wholesome and satisfying side that complements the crispy texture of fried shrimp.
What beverages pair well with fried shrimp?
Beverages such as crisp white wine, light lager, and tart lemonade complement the flavors of fried shrimp and offer refreshing contrasts.
What salads go well with fried shrimp?
Salads like Caesar salad, Greek salad, and mango avocado salad add fresh and light elements that balance the richness of fried shrimp.
How can I add a twist to classic fried shrimp?
You can try variations like spicy fried shrimp with cayenne pepper and paprika or coconut fried shrimp with a sweet and savory coconut coating for a unique twist on the classic recipe.