Coconut shrimp, a beloved appetizer, marries the sweetness of coconut with succulent shrimp. But what to serve with coconut shrimp for a fully satisfying meal?
The best side dishes to serve with coconut shrimp are salads like Mango Avocado, Coleslaw, or Fruit Salad. Or serve it with sauces like Avocado Crema, Sweet Chili Salsa, and Pina Colada Dipping Sauce. Alternatively, opt for Grilled Pineapple, Sautéed spinach, Creamy Tomato Basil, Potato Leek, French Fries, Coconut Rice, Cream Cheese Pasta, or Cilantro Lime Rice.
What Salads To Serve With Coconut Shrimp?
Mango Avocado Salad
Mango Avocado Salad is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the creamy texture of avocados, balanced with the zing of red onion and the freshness of cilantro. It’s typically dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette made with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
When served with coconut shrimp, it creates a harmonious blend of tropical flavors. The sweetness of mango complements the coconut shrimp, while the avocado adds richness. I also serve this with other seafood dishes, like shrimp cocktails.
Southern Coleslaw
Southern coleslaw is a timeless side dish featuring crisp veggies coated in a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s not just for summer—it’s great anytime I need a delicious side.
Its tangy profile pairs wonderfully with coconut shrimp. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this combo—it’s simply irresistible!
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian macaroni salad is a delightful side dish featuring chilled pasta tossed with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, and pineapple juice. This beloved pasta salad perfectly balances sweetness, tanginess, and savory flavors.
Look no further than creamy and cool macaroni salad for a refreshing accompaniment! The tropical sweetness from the pineapple juice complements the coconut-infused shrimp beautifully
Fresh Fruit Salad
Coconut shrimp already features some tropical flavors (and definitely gives off some beach vibes). Whip up some fresh fruit salad to really play into the warm vacation theme! Additionally, it’s easy to customize with your favorite kinds of fruits!
When it comes to making this salad, the options are endless—you can pick and choose your favorite fruits to toss in. Personally, my favorite fresh fruit salad includes strawberries, kiwi, and pineapples. This simple yet classic recipe features a homemade honey citrus fruit sauce that truly captures the essence of summer! It’s a refreshing salad that also doubles as a delightful dessert!
What Sauce To Serve With Coconut Shrimp?
Avocado Crema
I absolutely love this dip because I’m a huge fan of avocados, and the other ingredients complement the nutty flavor of coconut shrimp without overshadowing it. Besides avocado, all you need is lime, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper.
Simply toss everything into the blender and purée until it reaches a creamy consistency. The beautiful green color resembles pistachio ice cream and pairs perfectly with coconut shrimp.
Sweet Chili Salsa
This sweet chili salsa is always my top recommendation when someone asks me about sauces that pair well with coconut shrimp. It’s an amazing blend of sweet and sour flavors with hints of tartness and garlic.
For the recipe, I use Serrano chilies (but you can choose your preferred type). Dice and combine them with garlic, sugar, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Let everything simmer in a saucepan.
I use Serrano chilies (feel free to choose what works for you). After dicing, combine them with garlic, sugar, rice wine vinegar, and Jet canning starch to thicken the mix. Put everything in a saucepan to simmer.
Boom Boom Sauce
This tasty and simple boom boom sauce is a slightly sweet chili sauce made with mayonnaise that goes well with anything! It’s made with basic ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.
To serve Boom Boom Sauce with coconut shrimp, simply offer it as a dipping sauce alongside the shrimp. You can present the coconut shrimp on a platter or plate, with a small bowl or ramekin of Boom Boom Sauce placed next to it for dipping. Alternatively, you can drizzle the Boom Boom Sauce over the coconut shrimp just before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Tartar Sauce
I love making my own Tartar Sauce at home—it’s so simple! All you need are mayonnaise, dill pickles, fresh dill, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and capers. Trust me, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, and the flavor beats anything you can find in stores.
With each bite, you’ll enjoy the crunchiness of the shrimp alongside the tanginess and richness of the Tartar Sauce. It’s a winning combination that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Yogurt Dill Sauce
Yogurt Dill Sauce is a creamy and flavorful condiment made primarily with yogurt, fresh dill, and other complementary ingredients such as lemon juice, garlic, and salt. It typically has a tangy yogurt taste and a refreshing herbaceous dill flavor.
This sauce can be used as a dip or a dressing for coconut shrimp. It adds a bright and zesty touch to any dish it accompanies.
Pina Colada Dipping Sauce
Copycat Red Lobster coconut shrimp dip or Pina Colada Dipping Sauce is a sweet and creamy condiment inspired by the flavors of the classic tropical cocktail, the Piña Colada. It typically features ingredients such as coconut cream or coconut milk, pineapple juice, and sometimes rum extract or coconut rum for an extra kick.
There’s nothing better than using it as a dipping sauce for coconut shrimp, enhancing the dish with its delightful tropical taste.
Zesty Orange Dipping Sauce
Many people enjoy serving Zesty Orange Dipping Sauce with coconut shrimp, and I can attest—it’s a fantastic combination!
This condiment characterized by its tangy citrus taste with hints of sweetness and spice.
To whip up this sauce, start with one cup of orange marmalade, which is basically orange jam with the peel included. Then, add a third cup of sweet chili sauce, followed by a third cup of honey, and two tablespoons of dijon mustard. Finish it off with a teaspoon of Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
What Vegetables To Serve With Coconut Shrimp?
Grilled Pineapple
Coconut Shrimp is a fried dish, so pairing it with a vegetable dish can help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by oiliness.
The first dish that I would definitely recommend is Grilled Pineapple. This dish involves cooking pineapple slices on a grill or barbecue, where the heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, resulting in a sweet and slightly smoky flavor with a hint of char.
Sautéed Spinach With Garlic
When thinking about what vegetable to serve with coconut shrimp, this simple recipe is the first that comes to my mind.
This sautéed spinach and garlic dish is packed with delicious flavors and can be whipped up in just 10 minutes in a pan with some oil. Sprinkle in a bit of salt, pepper, and chili flakes for an extra kick.
I love using the spinach as a base for serving my coconut shrimp—it not only tastes great but also looks beautiful on the plate.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a popular appetizer in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cooking. They typically consist of a filling made with vegetables, sometimes including ingredients like shrimp, pork, or chicken, wrapped in thin rice paper or wheat-based wrappers and then deep-fried or served fresh.
The crispy exterior of the spring rolls contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the shrimp, while the fresh vegetables and sometimes tangy dipping sauces balance the richness of the coconut shrimp.
Additionally, both dishes often evoke a sense of exoticism and are popular choices in fusion cuisine, making them a natural pairing for those seeking a culinary adventure.
What Soups To Serve With Coconut Shrimp?
Chilled Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
I always love a soup that can easily fit into my busy and sometimes fussy family routine. And this soup serves!
This stunning bright red bowl of creaminess is typically served chilled, but it can also be warmed up, pleasing everyone regardless of their soup temperature preferences.
Featuring simple ingredients like fresh tomatoes, orange juice, carrots, and cream, this soup pairs well with everything from sandwiches to seasoned meats and seafood.
It’s even tastier the next day for lunch, and I once poured it into a glass and enjoyed it for breakfast! One delightful combination I’ve tried is serving tomato soup with French dip sandwiches, and the result was absolutely perfect.
Preparation is a breeze, taking about 25 minutes to sauté the carrots and garlic before blending all the ingredients together. Simply transfer it to a pot to simmer for around 40 minutes, and you’ll have an incredible soup perfect for any season.
Potato Leek Soup
This incredible cream-based soup has been a delightful accompaniment to nearly everything I’ve tried. It’s particularly outstanding alongside coconut shrimp.
Its rich and earthy smoothness is simply remarkable, yet it never overshadows the shrimp’s flavor. While it’s perfect for winter, it’s equally enjoyable served cold on a hot summer day.
This soup is a breeze to prepare, starting with sautéing leeks and garlic in a stockpot. Then, add potatoes, milk, chicken broth, cream, and butter. You can add dill that will give an amazing layer of flavor.
Tasty Carbs To Serve With Coconut Shrimp
French Fries
French fries are a timeless and comforting side dish that perfectly complements coconut shrimp.
For the ultimate enjoyment of crispy, golden fries, don’t forget to serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s ketchup, aioli, or a sweet chili sauce.
The combination of coconut shrimp and French fries creates a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made by cooking rice with coconut milk or coconut cream, along with water or broth. This dish is popular in many tropical and South Asian cuisines, where coconut is abundant and adds a rich and creamy texture to the rice.
I also add ingredients such as shredded coconut, spices like ginger or lemongrass, and herbs like cilantro or pandan leaves to enhance the flavor.
Coconut rice pairs well with coconut shrimp, and it adds a deliciously tropical twist to any dishes it serves with. It serves as a versatile base dish that pairs well with various dishes. For instance, I often enjoy combining coconut rice with other Asian cuisine, like Egg Rolls.
Read more: What To Serve With Egg Rolls? 21+ Best Side Dishes [With Pictures]
Cream Cheese Pasta
Creamy cream cheese pasta is an effortless side dish ideal for busy weeknights yet versatile enough for weekend gatherings! Delicate strands of spaghetti or angel hair are bathed in a rich sauce crafted from garlicky cream cheese and Parmesan, ensuring every bite is coated.
Pasta dishes are a delightful match for coconut shrimp! In fact, you can pair your shrimp with any pasta of your liking for a satisfying meal combination.
Cilantro Lime Rice
This mouthwatering Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is a delicious side dish that’s a perfect match for so many meals!
Rice is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of cuisines. With its zesty lime and cilantro flavors, it is especially fantastic alongside tropical coconut shrimp!
Cilantro lime rice is a fantastic accompaniment to seafood dishes. The fresh and zesty flavors of cilantro and lime can complement the delicate flavors of seafood wonderfully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Read more: What To Serve With Tuna Steak? 23+ Best Side Dishes [With Pictures]
Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice
Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice is simply long-grain white rice cooked using the Instant Pot, which is a handy electric pressure cooker.
Using the Instant Pot to cook long-grain white rice is a breeze and saves us time compared to traditional stovetop methods. I often use it as a versatile base for a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to curries, or simply as a side dish to accompany proteins and vegetables.
FAQs
What to serve with Thai coconut shrimp soup?
When serving Thai coconut shrimp soup, pair it with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for a traditional accompaniment. Offer a platter of fresh Thai herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and mint for added flavor and freshness. Provide lime wedges for a tangy contrast and chili paste or sliced chilies for those who enjoy spice. Additionally, vegetable stir-fry or crispy tofu can add texture and balance to the meal, while pineapple or mango salsa offers a fruity complement.
What to serve with creamy coconut shrimp?
Serve creamy coconut shrimp over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots add color for a balanced plate. Alternatively, opt for a fresh green salad or tropical fruit salsa to add a refreshing contrast. Warm bread, garlic bread, crusty baguette slices, or Asian noodles make excellent accompaniments.
What to serve with coconut shrimp tacos?
When serving coconut shrimp tacos, complement their tropical flavors with sides like mango salsa, avocado crema, and cabbage slaw. Consider adding a touch of sweetness with grilled pineapple or opting for a savory side like Mexican street corn. Classic options such as tortilla chips and guacamole or a refreshing jicama salad also pair beautifully with these flavorful tacos. For a complete meal, include sides like black bean salad or Mexican rice, and finish off with a refreshing tropical fruit salad.
What to serve with coconut shrimp curry?
Coconut shrimp curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes such as steamed rice or fragrant basmati rice, and don’t forget to include warm naan bread for dipping into the rich sauce. Enhance the meal with vegetable sides like sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower, and add a burst of flavor with spicy mango chutney or tangy lime pickles. For a refreshing contrast, include a crisp salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes. You can also add a dollop of creamy yogurt or raita to cool down the spice, and slices of fresh mango or pineapple for a tropical touch.
References:
- Coconut Shrimp: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_shrimp
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