What Goes Well with Garlic Shrimp? A Complete Guide to Perfect Pairings
Garlic shrimp is a classic seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic, savory butter, and a touch of fresh lemon. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or hosting a special event, it can be the star of your meal. But what exactly goes well with garlic shrimp? In this article, we’ll explore the best side dishes, vegetables, drinks, and even creative flavor combos that perfectly complement the bold, savory taste of shrimp.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be armed with all the knowledge you need to create a well-rounded and delicious meal around this favorite seafood dish. Let’s dive into the best pairings for garlic shrimp!
What is Garlic Shrimp?
Before we explore the best pairings, it’s important to understand what makes garlic shrimp so special. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, typically made by sautéing shrimp in butter, garlic, and a blend of spices. The result is juicy, tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky coating that has a touch of warmth and zest, often complemented by lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley.
The rich, buttery sauce makes garlic shrimp a versatile dish that pairs well with a wide variety of foods, whether you’re looking for something fresh, comforting, or bold.
If you’re interested in mastering this recipe, check out our comprehensive guide on How to Make Perfect Garlic Shrimp for tips and tricks.
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Garlic Shrimp
One of the keys to a well-rounded meal is the right side dish. The best sides should either contrast with or complement the rich, buttery flavor of garlic . Here are some of the most popular options to serve alongside your garlic shrimp:
Classic Side Dishes for Garlic Shrimp
Pasta (e.g., Spaghetti Aglio e Olio)
One of the best pairings for shrimp is a simple pasta. Pasta and garlic shrimp go hand-in-hand because the pasta can absorb the rich garlic butter sauce, making every bite flavorful. A spaghetti aglio e olio (spaghetti with garlic , oil, and chili flakes) is a perfect match because it enhances the garlic flavor and doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
For an extra twist, you can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.
If you want something a little heartier, try adding a few roasted tomatoes to the pasta. If you’re looking for more pasta ideas, check out our post on Best Pasta Dishes for Seafood.
Rice (e.g., Garlic Butter Rice or Jasmine Rice)
Rice is another classic side dish that pairs perfectly with garlic shrimp. The light, fluffy texture of rice provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the shrimps and garlic butter. Try garlic butter rice for an added burst of flavor, or stick with Jasmine rice for a light and aromatic option.
Cauliflower rice can be a great low-carb substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Add some green onions or toasted sesame seeds to give the rice a little extra flair. If you’re curious about different ways to prepare rice, explore our guide on How to Make Perfect Rice Every Time.
Salad (e.g., Caesar Salad or Mediterranean Salad)
A fresh salad is an ideal accompaniment to garlic shrimp. A crisp Caesar salad with its tangy dressing offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the shrimp. Alternatively, a Mediterranean salad made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta provides a refreshing, light side.
To add some crunch, toss in a handful of croutons or roasted pine nuts.
A light lemon vinaigrette will complement the shrimp beautifully without overpowering the dish. For more salad ideas, check out our post on Refreshing Salad Recipes for Every Occasion.
Best Vegetables to Serve with Garlic Shrimp
When pairing vegetables with shrimp, you want to look for options that either add freshness, texture, or contrast to the richness of the dish. Vegetables are also a great way to add color and nutritional balance to your meal.
Vegetables That Complement Garlic Shrimp
Roasted Vegetables (e.g., Asparagus, Broccoli, or Bell Peppers)
Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Asparagus, broccoli, and bell peppers are great options because they add a bit of smokiness and sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with garlic shrimp.
Toss vegetables with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs before roasting. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. If you’re interested in more roasted vegetable ideas, check out our recipe for Perfect Roasted Vegetables.
Grilled Vegetables (e.g., Zucchini, Eggplant)
Grilling vegetables adds a smoky flavor that enhances the sweetness of garlic shrimps. Zucchini, eggplant, or even mushrooms can be grilled to add a slight char and earthy flavor that contrasts nicely with the buttery shrimp.
Brush vegetables with garlic-infused olive oil to enhance the flavor profile. Grilled vegetables can also work as a great low-carb option. If you enjoy grilled dishes, check out our post on Grilled Vegetables: The Ultimate Guide.
Sautéed Greens (e.g., Spinach, Kale, or Swiss Chard)
For a healthy and nutrient-packed side, sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard provide a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the garlic shrimp. Sauté the greens with some olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for added flavor.
Consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. If you love greens, be sure to check out our post on How to Sauté Greens Perfectly Every Time.
What Drinks Pair Well with Garlic Shrimp?
The right drink can make your garlic shrimp experience even more enjoyable. Depending on your preference, you can choose from juices, or non-alcoholic beverages to complement the flavors of your dish.
Wine and Drink Pairings for Garlic Shrimp
White Wines (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay)
A crisp, light white wine is the ideal beverage to pair with garlic shrimp. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are both great options because they offer refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the garlic butter shrimps.
The citrus notes in Sauvignon Blanc work beautifully with the lemony freshness in the shrimp. Chardonnay, especially unoaked versions, provides a soft, buttery finish that complements the shrimp’s richness. For more wine pairing tips, check out our article on Best Wines to Pair with Seafood.
Cocktails (e.g., Mojito or Margarita)
If you prefer cocktails, a Mojito or Margarita can provide a refreshing contrast to garlic shrimp. The lime and mint in a mojito cut through the richness of the shrimp, while a Margarita adds a zesty kick with its citrus and tequila base.
A Margarita with a salted rim can elevate the shrimp’s natural flavors. If you’re interested in more cocktail ideas, be sure to check out our post on Best Cocktails to Pair with Seafood.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks (e.g., Iced Tea, Lemonade)
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, iced tea or lemonade are great refreshing choices. Iced tea, especially when infused with herbs like mint, offers a cool contrast to the warmth of garlic shrimp. Lemonade adds a burst of citrus that enhances the fresh flavors of the shrimp.
Add a few slices of cucumber to your iced tea for an extra refreshing twist.
Creative Flavor Combos to Elevate Garlic Shrimp
For a more adventurous meal, consider adding some creative flavor combinations that elevate your shrimp dish. These unique pairings can take your shrimp from good to extraordinary.
Elevate Garlic Shrimp with Bold and Unique Pairings
Tropical Fruits (e.g., Mango, Pineapple)
Sweet, tropical fruits like mango or pineapple can offer a delightful contrast to the savory shrimp. Consider adding a pineapple salsa or a few slices of mango to your shrimp to bring a burst of tropical flavor.
The natural sweetness of these fruits enhances the richness of the shrimp without overpowering it. For tropical fruit recipes, be sure to check out our post on Tropical Salsa Recipes.
Spicy Elements (e.g., Chili Peppers, Jalapeños)
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some jalapeños or chili peppers to your garlic shrimp. The heat will complement the savory garlic and butter, adding an exciting dimension to the flavor profile.
Try mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices for an extra kick. For more spicy food ideas, explore our post on Spicy Recipes for Seafood Lovers.
Herbed Butter or Aioli Dips
For an added touch of luxury, serve your garlic shrimp with a rich herbed butter or aioli dipping sauce. The creaminess of the aioli complements the shrimp perfectly, while the herbs add an extra burst of freshness.
Try a lemon aioli for a bright, tangy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I serve garlic shrimp with bread?
Yes! Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping in the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
What are the best sides for a garlic shrimp dinner?
Some great options include pasta, rice, grilled vegetables, and fresh salads. For more side ideas, check out our guide on Best Side Dishes for Seafood.
Can I pair garlic shrimp with potatoes?
Absolutely! Roasted baby potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even crispy fries are all excellent options to serve with it.
Conclusion
It’s a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, vegetables, drinks, and even creative flavor combinations. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing salad, the key is to balance the rich garlic butter with contrasting textures and flavors. We hope this guide has given you the inspiration you need to create the perfect meal around garlic shrimp.
For more great recipe ideas, be sure to explore our other seafood recipes and pairing guides!