Popcorn shrimp is a delicious food that is mainly served as an appetizer or snack, but you can turn it into a complete meal if you serve it with the right side dish, so what are the best side dishes to serve with popcorn shrimp?
There are several side dishes that bring out the best in popcorn shrimp and turn this humble snack into a sophisticated meal. Some of the best side dishes include a light Greek salad, pesto zoodles, Au gratin potatoes, grilled vegetable kabobs, a Caprese salad, and many more.
This article will give you the best side dishes you can serve with your popcorn shrimp that will elevate the meal and ensure your guests are satisfied and impressed, so keep reading!
The Best Side Dishes To Serve With Popcorn Shrimp
Popcorn shrimp is a delicious meal that can be enjoyed on many occasions. Traditionally, popcorn shrimp is used as a snack or appetizer, as it’s served in small portions, but you can make your popcorn shrimp into a substantial meal that will satisfy everyone by serving the shrimp with a side dish.
Several side dishes you can choose from that work well with popcorn shrimp. Some side dishes are light and will keep the meal satisfying yet not overfilling, while others are heavier if you have hungry guests.
The side dish you choose to serve will depend on your tastes and the occasion. Let’s look at the best side dishes you can serve with your popcorn shrimp to ensure your guests are happy.
1. Greek Salad
The first option you have is a lovely and light Greek salad. Greek salads are delicious and easy to make, so that you can spend less time in the kitchen. Serving a light salad with your popcorn shrimp is the best option when your dipping sauce is heavy, as it brings a nice balance to the meal.
Greek salads are simple but packed with flavors that complement popcorn shrimp well. You can also add a light salad vinaigrette with fresh herbs to add some tanginess to the meal.
2. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Another option you have to serve with your popcorn shrimp is grilled vegetable kabobs. This is a lovely light side dish that works well to bring out the popcorn shrimp’s delicate flavors and complement them.
You can use a variety of vegetables for this dish, so there is no need to use something you don’t like. You can use peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, or even some fruit like mango or pineapple to add fresh flavors and sweetness to the meal.
Grilling these kabobs gives the vegetables and fruit a chard flavor that works well with the shrimp. This side dish might take slightly longer to prepare, but it is worth the effort.
3. Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad is a light side dish packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, a zesty balsamic reduction, and topped with some fresh basil leaves. This is a well-balanced dish that is simple to make and complements the flavors of popcorn shrimp well.
This is an elegant side dish that can be served at sophisticated gatherings and elevates the popcorn shrimp to a sophisticated meal you can proudly serve to your guests. This is a light dish that will leave you feeling satisfied but not overly full after eating it.
4. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is one of the finest side dishes you can serve with any seafood meal, including popcorn shrimp. Coleslaw is easy to make at home, or you can buy some ready-made from your local grocery store.
The tanginess, crunch, and creaminess of coleslaw are the perfect match for popcorn shrimp and will leave you wanting more. You can also make the coleslaw your own by adding other flavors like carrots, mangoes, or jicama.
5. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a classic that pairs wonderfully with popcorn shrimp. Macaroni salad can be made with fresh ingredients that bring a pop of color and balance to your meal. You can add peppers, onions, celery, hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, and many other vegetables you enjoy eating.
Macaroni salad is easy to make, and you can prepare it up to two days in advance, allowing you to spend less time in your kitchen and more time with your guests.
The creaminess of this Salad works well with popcorn shrimp, as long as you don’t serve the shrimp with a creamy dipping sauce, as this can overpower the delicate flavors of the shrimp.
6. Au Gratin Potatoes
Au gratin potatoes are the perfect crowd-pleaser to serve with your popcorn shrimp. These potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and filling, so you and your guests will be satisfied. Potatoes are a favorite food for many, and they are relatively cheap to buy, making this a good side dish to your popcorn shrimp if you are on a budget.
These potatoes are also easy to make, and you can add certain spices and herbs to give them more flavor, including garlic powder, basil leaves, and pepper. These potatoes complement the popcorn shrimp well but avoid heavy and creamy dipping sauces if you use this side dish, as it will unbalance the meal.
7. Pesto Zoodles
Pesto zoodles are a great way to add fresh flavors to your meal without the extra carbs. Having these zoodles as a side for popcorn shrimp gives the meal a lovely lightness and freshness that elevates the flavors of the shrimp well.
You can buy ready-made pesto or make your own using fresh ingredients to ensure your meal is fresh and tasty. You can use many types of pesto to flavor the zoodles, from basil pesto to pumpkin seed pesto, depending on the flavors you want and like with your popcorn shrimp.
8. Baked Potatoes
If you want something more substantial to go with your popcorn shrimp, you can serve a lovely baked potato as the side dish. Baked potatoes have delicious crispy skin with a smooth and fluffy inside that creates excellent contrast with the textures of the popcorn shrimp.
A great thing about baked potatoes is that you can add several toppings to make the flavors your own. You can add cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, Greek yogurt, and more. Be sure to season the potatoes well to give them the pop of flavor you want with your popcorn shrimp.
Conclusion
Popcorn shrimp is a lovely dish to serve on many occasions, but when you want to serve it as a substantial meal rather than a snack, you need to include a good side dish with it. There are several side dishes that bring out the best in popcorn shrimp can choose from, and if you choose a side dish from this list, you will not be disappointed!
References
- https://thekitchencommunity.org/side-dishes-for-shrimp/
- https://amandascookin.com/popcorn-shrimp/
- https://americasrestaurant.com/fried-shrimps-sides/
- https://www.foodlovinfamily.com/fried-shrimp-sides/