What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp : 20+ Tasty Side Dishes

There is nothing quite like garlic butter shrimp. The succulent shrimp are bathed in a garlic and herb butter sauce that is to die for. What many people don’t know, however, is that garlic butter shrimp make an amazing dish, especially with side dishes!

I remember the first time I ever had garlic butter shrimp. I was at a restaurant with my family and we were looking through the menu. I spotted the garlic butter shrimp and knew I had to try it. The dish did not disappoint! The succulent shrimp were bathed in a garlic and herb butter sauce that was to die for. I was hooked from that moment on.

So I tried to make them at home, and it turned out fantastic! But I lacked the side dishes for them. With that, I started researching what recipes go well as their side dish. Now, I want to share with you what I have found so far in the hopes that it will help you easily determine what to serve with garlic butter shrimp.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Arugula Salad
2. Green Salad
3. Baked Potatoes
4. Potato Salad
5. Corn On The Cob
6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
7. Roasted Asparagus
8. Sauteed Spinach
9. Cauliflower Rice
10. Roasted Vegetables

Arugula Salad

Arugula is a salad green with a peppery taste. It has a slightly bitter flavor that some people find too intense. This dark green leafy vegetable is low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and C. It is often used in salads, but it can also be cooked and served as a side dish.

Arugula pairs well with other strong flavors like garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. This salad green is also good with fruits like strawberries, oranges, and apples.

Moreover, arugula can be dressed with a simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing. To make a basic vinaigrette, combine equal parts olive oil and vinegar with salt and pepper to taste. On the other hand, for a creamier dressing, add yogurt or mayonnaise to the vinaigrette.

Quick Recipe: Arugula Salad

• Ingredients: Arugula, lemon, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Toss arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and serve.

Green Salad

Green salad is one of the most versatile side dishes out there – it can be dressed up or down, depending on your taste. And best of all, it’s healthy! The key to a great green salad is to use fresh, crisp ingredients.

I like to use a mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce, along with some spinach leaves for extra nutrition. For a bit of sweetness, I add in some grape tomatoes. And for a little crunch, I like to include a few cucumber slices. To finish it off, I add a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar.

Moreover, this dish pairs perfectly with garlic butter shrimp. The shrimp are flavorful and juicy, while the salad provides a light and refreshing contrast. And because this dish is so easy to make, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Quick Recipe: Green Salad

• Ingredients: Iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, spinach leaves, grape tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, vinegar
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all greens and vegetables in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with a mixture of olive oil and vinegar.

 

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are the perfect side dish for garlic butter shrimp. They are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, and they have a great buttery flavor that goes well with the shrimp. Plus, they are easy to make and can be made ahead of time.

The only downside is that they can be a bit dry if not cooked properly. But if you follow these tips, you will end up with a delicious, moist baked potato that your family will love:

• Make sure to use russet potatoes. They are the best type of potato for baking because they have a high starch content, which results in a fluffy texture.
• Don’t overcook them. You want them to be tender, not mushy.
• Wrap them tightly in foil before baking to help retain moisture.
• Add some moisture to the foil by spraying it with cooking spray or rubbing it with butter before wrapping the potatoes. This will help to keep them from drying out.
• Bake them at a high temperature so that the skins get nice and crispy.
• Don’t forget the toppings! Butter, sour cream, and chives are always a good choice, but you can also try ranch dressing or cheese sauce.

• Quick Recipe: Baked Potatoes

  • Ingredients: Russet potatoes, butter, sour cream, chives
  • Average Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Instructions:
    1. Wrap russet potatoes in foil after poking holes with a fork.
    2. Bake in a preheated oven until tender.
    3. Top with butter, sour cream, and chives.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a perfect side for garlic butter shrimp! It has a light, creamy taste that pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the shrimp. Plus, the potatoes provide a nice contrast in texture, making the dish more interesting and enjoyable to eat.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making potato salad.

• Be sure to use waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Golds or Red Bliss, as they hold their shape better during cooking.
• Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they will become mushy and unappetizing.
• Make sure to add plenty of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and herbs, as potato salad can be bland without them.

Quick Recipe: Potato Salad

• Ingredients: Boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, boiled egg, salt, pepper, herbs
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Boil egg
  2. Boil potatoes until tender.
  3. Mix potatoes with mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and herbs.
  4. Add egg, stir and serve

Corn On The Cob

American summer barbecues wouldn’t be the same without Corn On The Cob. This classic side dish is simple to make and can be easily customized to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a traditional flavor, then butter and salt are all you need. This easy recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and is the perfect way to add some extra flavor to your corn.

If you want an even more indulgent treat, try pairing your corn with garlic butter shrimp. The rich flavors of the butter and shrimp complement each other perfectly, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

Of course, there are a few things to bear in mind while preparing Corn On The Cob:

• It is important to cook the corn evenly to avoid any burnt patches.
• Be sure to remove any silk from the cob before cooking, as this can make the corn tough to eat.
• Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins! Eating Corn On The Cob can be a messy affair, but that’s all part of the fun.\

Quick Recipe: Corn On The Cob

• Ingredients: Corn cobs, butter, salt
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Boil or grill corn cobs.
  2. Slather with butter and sprinkle with salt.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a great side dish to any meal, but they especially pair well with garlic butter shrimp. They have a creamy texture with a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp.

Because they are lightweight, they won’t weigh you down if you’re looking for a light meal. And, since they’re already cooked, all you need to do is heat them before serving. Plus, they can be served hot or cold, making them a versatile side dish.

One downside to mashed sweet potatoes is that they can be difficult to make from scratch. But, luckily, there are many pre-made versions available at your local grocery store. Just be sure to read the label carefully to find one without any added sugar or preservatives.

Quick Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butter, milk, salt
• Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender.
  2. Mash with butter, milk, and salt.
  3. Serve

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is a simple and healthy side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses. The key to making roasted asparagus is to not overcook them, so they maintain some crunch.

You also want to make sure they are evenly coated in oil, so they don’t stick to the pan and char. I like to use olive oil, but you can use any type of oil you have on hand. I would also recommend adding some garlic or lemon juice for extra flavor.

Roasted asparagus can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. One of my favorite ways to enjoy roasted asparagus is with garlic butter shrimp. This pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the shrimp and makes for a delicious and healthy meal.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Asparagus

• Ingredients: Asparagus, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Toss asparagus in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
  2. Roast in a preheated oven until tender but still crisp.

Sauteed Spinach

Sauteed Spinach is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The spinach leaves are cooked until they’re wilted and then sauteed with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. This simple preparation brings out the natural flavor of spinach and makes it a delicious accompaniment to fish, chicken, or beef.

Sauteed Spinach is also a healthy choice since it’s low in calories and fat. And it’s easy to make – simply saute the spinach leaves in a pan with some garlic and olive oil. Moreover, it can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile side dish.

Quick Recipe: Sauteed Spinach

• Ingredients: Spinach leaves, garlic, olive oil, salt
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté spinach leaves in olive oil and garlic.
  2. Season with salt.

Cauliflower Rice

Shrimp and cauliflower rice are a perfect match! Cauliflower rice is a light and fluffy alternative to traditional rice that is packed with nutrients. The subtle flavor of cauliflower pairs perfectly with the garlic and butter in this dish.

Plus, cauliflower rice is a great way to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables. The only downside is that it can be a bit watery. To avoid this, make sure to squeeze the excess moisture out of the cauliflower before cooking it.

Quick Recipe: Cauliflower Rice

• Ingredients: Cauliflower, olive oil, salt
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Grate cauliflower to form “rice.”
  2. Sauté in olive oil and season with salt.

Roasted Vegetables

If you’re looking for a side dish to serve with your garlic butter shrimp, roasted vegetables are a great option. The vegetables will soak up the flavorful juices from the shrimp, while the roasting process brings out their natural sweetness. Plus, they’re a healthy option that everyone can enjoy.

When choosing vegetables for roasting, I typically go for a mix of sweet and savory options. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions are some of my favorites. For a bit of extra flavor, I like to add some dried herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Vegetables

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, olive oil, herbs
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Toss vegetables in olive oil and herbs.
  2. Roast in a preheated oven until tender.

Related Questions When Choosing Garlic Butter Shrimp Side Dishes

What are other options when choosing garlic butter shrimp side dishes?

1. Rice Pilaf
2. Steamed Broccoli
3. Green Beans
4. Garlic Bread
5. Mashed Potatoes
6. Au Gratin Potatoes
7. Coleslaw
8. Caesar Salad
9. Coconut Rice
10. Elote-Style Corn
11. Caprese Salad
12. Pascagoula Potato Salad
13. Mango Guacamole
14. Couscous Primavera
15. Grilled Kabobs

What are some tips when choosing garlic butter shrimp side dishes?

When choosing garlic butter shrimp side dishes, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure that the side dish is light and easy to eat. Shrimp is delicate seafood and can be easily overpowered by strong flavors.
• Consider the flavor of the garlic butter shrimp sauce. If you want the side dish to be a bit more savory, look for recipes that include garlic, herbs, and cheese. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, fruit or vegetable-based side dishes are a great choice.
• Make sure to consider the cooking time of the side dish. You don’t want to end up with overcooked shrimp or undercooked vegetables!

Conclusion

So there you have it! These are just a few of my favorite garlic butter shrimp side dishes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, I hope you’ll give one of these recipes a try. Who knows, you might just find a new favorite!