20 Best Fried Shrimp Sides Recipes

Say goodbye to boring sides with these delicious fried shrimp sides! Discover your favorite side dish with these quick and easy recipes that can be enjoyed by the entire family! Try it today and say goodbye to boring, bland sides!

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This article is penned down for those who are in love with shrimp! Just like us! We can't imagine a dish without shrimp! You must be feeling the same way too! Whether you are preparing rice or noodles, trying out some side dish, or whatsoever, shrimp can enhance the taste of the dish manifold. Why do you need to go to restaurants to enjoy shrimp when you can readily prepare them at home? All you need to know are a few basic steps and some fried shrimp sides recipes to keep you company.

Common mistakes that you can avoid while making shrimp

1. Always buy fresh shrimp

By fresh shrimp, we mean the ones which have been bought from the tanks! If you observe a pile of shrimp on slabs of ice, then they are probably not as fresh as they seem! These shrimps have been frozen and then thawed before being presented in front of the buyers!

The continuous freezing and thawing can impact the taste and quality of the flesh! Even if they do not go stale, the flavors will definitely get affected, and the shrimp skin will be tough. As a bottom line, we can state that frozen shrimp should be avoided at all costs!

There is one more thing that you need to understand! The head contains an enzyme, and if it is not removed immediately in the case of larger shrimps and lobsters, it can turn the flesh to rot.

2. If you do not know the right technique to thaw the shrimp

If you are not aware of the right way to thaw the shrimp, then both the taste, texture as well as the quality of the shrimp can be affected. Thawing on the kitchen counter or inside the microwave is a big no-no! Instead, you should opt for thawing them in the refrigerator overnight in a colander.

There is another way to do so as well! You need an airtight bag, and then put the shrimp inside and lock it right! Run cold water over it for ten minutes( do not use warm water). Directly subjecting them to water is not good as the shrimps tend to turn soggy.

3. Never forget the skewers

Shrimp hardly takes a couple of minutes to roast on fire, and to ensure that you do not waste time or burn them while flipping sides, skewers are the best way to deal with shrimps! This way, you can turn and flip multiple of them at the same time.

4. Never forget to clean them

There are some parts of the shrimp which are inedible and harmful to your stomach as well! If you wish to manage the situation, then remember that cleaning your shrimp before cooking is absolutely essential and cannot be avoided.

Deveining the shrimp is basically asking one to remove the digestive tract! There is no harm if you let them remain, but there can be dirt and sand particles inside, which can cause stomach issues or simply make the experience of chewing on shrimp too much gritty and grainy.

6. When you leave the shells on

Depending on your preferences, you can choose to have the shell on or remove it while cooking or even after that! Shells definitely make the surface extremely crunchy, though! Depending on the recipe you are making, you can choose to let the shell on or remove it.

Also, never make the mistake of overcooking when it comes to preparing shrimp. Otherwise, the skin will turn tough or even get burnt.

Say Goodbye to Boring Sides - Discover the Best Fried Shrimp Sides

1. Margarita grilled shrimp

Delicious and smokey, the shrimp are charred and then seasoned with the right dose of spices!

Served with herbs and a dash of lemon, you will fall for this one right away!

2. Easy grilled shrimp

If you want something simple and yet spicy with your shrimp, then you must try out this gorgeous grilled shrimp right here.

Packed with great flavors, you will definitely fall in love with this creation and be tempted for more. Shall we, then?

3. Baked shrimp( with lemon butter garlic sauce)

If you are in the mood for something nice and rich, then you should go ahead with the gorgeous baked shrimp recipe!

Drizzled with zesty lemon sauce, you must try them out as a juicy side dish.

4. Simple roasted shrimp

There is something so good about shrimp that even with minimal spices, the roasted shrimp recipe tastes so divine.

Crispy and savory, the smokey essence of the shrimp is palpable in every bite. So what are you waiting for? Make it today!

5. Shrimp macaroni salad

If you are fond of shrimp and also pasta, then we know the right way to combine them.

The cold macaroni salad with shrimp is an extraordinary creation and leaves you with the temptation to have more and more.

Make sure you prepare a big bowl of this pasta.

6. Pesto shrimp mushroom pasta

If you want to try something comforting and cozy with mushroom pasta, then you should go ahead with the exclusive idea of the pesto shrimp option!

Savory and creamy, you can serve it as a side, along with some bread toasts for dinner.

7. Shrimp and zucchini skillet

Packed with red bell pepper and diced zucchini, the recipe for shrimp tossed with veggies is not only yummy but also such a healthy option!

Savory and crispy, you ought to try it out!

8. Easy bang bang shrimp bowls

If you find it tough to resist yourself in front of shrimp, then with this recipe, you will see that it becomes completely impossible.

Savory and crunchy, and creamy, the shrimp bowls taste so delightful and delicious indeed.

9. Spicy cajun shrimp

If you like to go spicy with your shrimp, then we will encourage you to go ahead with the cajun seasoning for the dish!

The wonderful spicy cajun shrimp is simply lovely and flavored with herbs while garnishing! Perfect to call a side dish.

10. Bang bang shrimp

The creamy and crunchy Bang Bang shrimp is the best side dish ever!

The combination of spicy and sweet is perfectly blended well when it comes to this recipe.

So if you are wondering what to do with the freshly bought shrimp from the store, try out this one right away!

11. Shrimp fajita pasta salad

If you like cold pasta salads, then you can opt for shrimp fajitas pasta salad this season!

Creamy, crunchy, and packed with veggies and everything that is good, you must find out personally how this one tastes.

12. Grilled shrimp

If you want to make your BBQ session with friends and family special during the weekends, then you must try out grilling some shrimp.

The perfectly smokey shrimp served in a skewer tastes so divine that you can hardly resist yourself at all!

13. Sheet pan garlic butter shrimp

If you are consuming rice and need something with gravy, then the sheet pan garlic butter shrimp is the best!

Flooded with a smooth saucy gravy marinating the shrimps, this is one of a kind.

14. Boom boom shrimp recipe

The idea for Boom Boom shrimp is rather very radical, and if you wish to learn how to make them, then quickly follow this recipe and make yourself a great side dish for lunch.

You will definitely thank us later for the idea!

15. Sheet pan shrimp scampi

We almost forgot about the classic sheet pan shrimp scampi before we came across this recipe!

Savory and perfect even for kids, the mild and subtle spices with a smoothing seasoning taste are so gorgeous indeed.

Do give it a try for sure.

16. Easy cajun shrimp scampi

Well, how can we miss out on the cajun shrimp scampi recipe?

Savory and gorgeous, the recipe is perfect and easily combined with steamed rice on the side.

What an incredible idea to relish this season!

17. Best shrimp cake with aioli

Making shrimp cake is super easy and flooded with great taste!

The crunchy and spicy cakes packed with shrimp meat and veggies are simply the best, and you can serve it with a dip on the sides.

So what are you waiting for?

18. Orzo with Shrimp

Here is yet another magnificent shrimp recipe that we are sure you will fall in love with at the very first bite.

Served with rice, this is a one-pot meal that is wholesome and filling for the afternoon.

19. Easy shrimp salad recipe

Refreshing and savory, the shrimp salad is lovely and packed with veggies!

Gorgeous and creamy, the salad is perfect to set your mood at the pre-appetizer.

You will be compelled to make this salad again and again. Trust us on this!

20. Easy blackened shrimp

The gorgeous blackened shrimp tastes so divine that you will be rendered speechless in every bite!

In fact, do not be surprised if the bowl goes empty in the blink of an eye. So what are you waiting for? Quickly make it today!

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Conclusion

Fried shrimp is a classic dish that calls for an equally classic side. Whether you are a fan of traditional coleslaw or a lover of oven-roasted potatoes, there is a perfect fried shrimp side for everyone out there. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of preparation, you can create a restaurant-quality fried shrimp experience for your family and friends. So don’t be afraid to try something new—discover the best fried shrimp sides recipe and create a meal that is sure to impress.

No matter your preference, fried shrimp is a great way to add a unique flavor to any dish. A great fried shrimp side will enhance the flavor and make the meal even more enjoyable. With just a bit of creativity and preparation, you can create a unique, flavorful experience that your family and friends will remember for years to come. As G.K. Chesterton once said, “There is no such thing on earth as an uninteresting subject; the only thing that can exist is an uninterested person.” So get creative and make your fried shrimp dish an unforgettable experience.