Barbeque shrimp is a flavorful and crowd-pleasing dish that can easily become the centerpiece of any meal. However, to truly elevate this smoky, sweet, and savory dish, it’s essential to pair it with the right sides and accompaniments. For instance, creamy coleslaw and buttery corn on the cob are classic Southern favorites that add comfort and nostalgia. On the other hand, bold international-inspired options, such as tangy mango salsa or Asian-style noodles, bring a touch of excitement and variety to the table.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a wide range of pairings to answer the question: What goes with barbeque shrimp? From light and fresh salads to hearty starch-based sides, there’s a perfect match for every preference. Furthermore, we’ll delve into refreshing beverage pairings and indulgent desserts that will complete your meal. By the end, you’ll have all the inspiration you need to create a balanced, flavorful, and visually stunning shrimp feast.
Classic Southern Pairings
When deciding what goes with barbecue shrimp, classic Southern sides are a natural choice. They not only complement the bold flavors of the shrimp but also add a nostalgic and comforting touch to your meal.
Creamy Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a staple of Southern cuisine that pairs perfectly with barbecue shrimp. Its creamy and tangy flavors balance the smoky sweetness of the shrimp, creating a harmonious combination.
- Why it Works: The crunchy texture of cabbage and carrots contrasts the tenderness of the shrimp, while the tangy dressing adds a refreshing element.
- Serving Tip: For the best results, serve the coleslaw chilled to create a delightful temperature contrast with the warm shrimp.
Buttery Corn on the Cob
Few dishes scream Southern comfort more than corn on the cob. Grilled or boiled, this sweet and buttery side dish enhances the smoky flavors of barbecue shrimp beautifully. Adding a dash of chili powder or paprika can give it an extra kick.
- Why it Works: The natural sweetness of corn balances the shrimp’s savory and smoky flavors. Additionally, the buttery coating creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Serving Tip: Serve corn directly off the grill, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with herbs for an added touch of flavor.
Fresh and Light Options
For a healthier or lighter take on what goes with barbecue shrimp, fresh salads and grilled vegetables are excellent choices. They add a burst of color, nutrients, and refreshing flavors to your plate.
Green Salads with Citrus Dressing
A crisp green salad with a zesty citrus dressing offers a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of barbeque shrimp. Use mixed greens, arugula, or spinach as a base, and add orange slices, cranberries, and almonds for extra flavor.
- Why it Works: The acidity of the dressing complements the shrimp’s sweetness.
- Serving Tip: Serve in individual bowls for a sophisticated presentation.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are a healthy and delicious addition to a barbeque shrimp meal. Lightly seasoned and grilled until tender, these veggies offer a smoky, earthy flavor that matches the shrimp.
- Why it Works: The acidity from the citrus dressing enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness while keeping the meal fresh and balanced.
- Serving Tip: Include seasonal fruits like oranges or grapefruit slices in your salad for a pop of color and flavor.
Bold and Zesty Combinations
For those who enjoy adventurous flavors, bold and zesty sides can make barbeque shrimp even more exciting. These options add a punch of spice and tanginess to your meal.
Spicy Potato Wedges
Potato wedges seasoned with a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper bring a fiery kick to the table. Roasted to perfection, these crispy, golden wedges are an irresistible companion to barbeque shrimp.
- Why it Works: The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the wedges provide a textural contrast to the shrimp.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a cooling dip like sour cream or ranch to balance the heat.
Tangy Mango Salsa
A vibrant mango salsa made with diced mangoes, red onions, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro offers a sweet and spicy contrast to barbeque shrimp. This tropical side is as colorful as it is flavorful.
- Why it Works: The sweetness of mango balances the spiciness and smokiness of the shrimp.
- Serving Tip: Serve salsa in small bowls or on the side as a topping for shrimp skewers.
Starch-Based Sides
Starch-based sides are perfect for creating a hearty, satisfying meal with barbeque shrimp. These options provide comfort and a filling component to your plate.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes with butter, cream, and a hint of garlic create a rich and smooth side that complements the bold flavors of barbeque shrimp. Adding chives or parsley on top enhances the presentation and flavor.
- Why it Works: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the smokiness of the shrimp.
- Serving Tip: Serve in a bowl with a drizzle of melted butter for a luxurious touch.
Garlic Butter Rice
Garlic butter rice is an aromatic and flavorful side that pairs seamlessly with barbeque shrimp. The buttery richness and subtle garlic flavor enhance the overall taste of the meal.
- Why it Works: The fluffy rice absorbs the juices and flavors from the shrimp.
- Serving Tip: Add a sprinkle of parsley or a wedge of lemon for an extra touch.
Bread Pairings for Barbeque Shrimp
Bread serves as a versatile accompaniment, adding texture and warmth to your barbeque shrimp meal. Whether it’s fluffy cornbread or garlicky goodness, bread rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Fluffy Cornbread
Cornbread’s slightly sweet flavor and tender crumb make it a quintessential pairing for barbeque shrimp. It soaks up the shrimp’s flavorful juices and provides a delightful contrast in texture.
- Why it Works: The light sweetness of cornbread complements the smoky flavors of the shrimp.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.
Warm Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, toasted to perfection with a buttery garlic spread, is another fantastic side. Its robust garlic flavor enhances the savory profile of barbeque shrimp.
- Why it Works: The crispy exterior and rich garlic flavor add depth to the meal.
- Serving Tip: Serve sliced, with a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.
International Pairings
For a global twist, international sides can bring exciting flavors and textures to your barbeque shrimp dish.
Shrimp Tacos with Avocado
Transform your barbeque shrimp into tacos by serving them in soft tortillas with fresh avocado slices, lime, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Add a dash of spicy aioli for an extra kick.
- Why it Works: The creamy avocado and zesty lime create a fresh, balanced bite.
- Serving Tip: Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce for customization.
Asian-Inspired Noodles
Asian-style noodles tossed in a soy-ginger sauce with stir-fried vegetables are a unique way to pair barbeque shrimp. The umami-rich sauce highlights the shrimp’s smoky flavor.
- Why it Works: The bold flavors of the noodles complement the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Serving Tip: Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an authentic touch.
Beverage Pairings
Pairing the right beverage with barbeque shrimp can elevate the entire dining experience. From wines to non-alcoholic options, there’s a drink for every preference.
Wine Recommendations
White wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay are excellent choices for barbeque shrimp. Their crisp, citrusy notes balance the smoky and sweet flavors of the dish. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works well.
- Why it Works: The acidity in wine enhances the shrimp’s flavors and cleanses the palate.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled white wine or room-temperature red for the best experience.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling lemonade or a refreshing cucumber mint mocktail. These drinks provide a light, fizzy contrast to the shrimp’s robust flavors.
- Why it Works: The refreshing bubbles and citrus notes cleanse the palate.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a slice of lemon or mint sprig for garnish.
Dessert Pairings
No barbeque shrimp meal is complete without a sweet ending. Desserts that are light and refreshing or tangy and rich complement the smoky flavors of the main dish.
Sweet Berry Tarts
Berry tarts with a buttery crust and a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are a delightful dessert choice. Their tangy sweetness provides a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp.
- Why it Works: The tartness of the berries cleanses the palate and refreshes the taste buds.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for added indulgence.
Lemon Cheesecake
Lemon cheesecake, with its creamy texture and citrusy zing, is another fantastic option. The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the smoky and sweet profile of barbeque shrimp.
- Why it Works: The richness of the cheesecake is balanced by the tartness of the lemon, making it a satisfying dessert.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with lemon zest and serve chilled for the best experience.
Tips for a Well-Rounded BBQ Shrimp Meal
Planning and execution are key to creating a meal that impresses your guests. Here are some tips to ensure a well-rounded barbeque shrimp dining experience:
- Balance Flavors: Include a mix of savory, sweet, and tangy dishes to keep the meal exciting.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange the shrimp and sides on colorful platters to make the meal visually appealing.
- Serve Fresh: Barbeque shrimp is best enjoyed hot, so prepare your sides in advance to serve everything together.
Additional FAQs About Grilling and Barbecuing Shrimp
How do you grill shrimp without drying it out?
To prevent shrimp from drying out on the grill, follow these tips:
- Marinate the shrimp: Use a marinade with oil, citrus, or other liquids to retain moisture.
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly; grill each side for about 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use skewers: Skewering shrimp makes them easier to handle and prevents overcooking.
- Brush with oil: Lightly brush shrimp with oil during grilling to lock in moisture.
Can you put frozen shrimp on the barbecue?
It’s best to thaw shrimp before barbecuing to ensure even cooking. However, if you’re short on time:
- Rinse the frozen shrimp under cold water for a few minutes to remove ice crystals.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Grill the shrimp over medium heat, adjusting cooking time as needed to account for their frozen state.
What is the best way to barbecue shrimp?
The best way to barbecue shrimp involves a combination of preparation, seasoning, and technique:
- Clean and devein shrimp: Start with fresh or thawed shrimp and remove the shell if desired.
- Season well: Use a flavorful marinade or rub that complements the smoky barbecue flavors.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat to avoid over-charring.
- Use skewers or grill baskets: This helps prevent shrimp from falling through the grill grates.
- Grill quickly: Barbecue shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and slightly charred.
What are the best side dishes for barbecue shrimp?
The best side dishes for barbecue shrimp depend on the flavor profile you want to achieve. For classic pairings, try creamy coleslaw or buttery corn on the cob. If you’re looking for something light, opt for a green salad with citrus dressing or grilled vegetables. Starch-based sides like garlic butter rice or mashed potatoes are also excellent choices for a hearty meal.
Can I serve barbecue shrimp with bread?
Yes! Bread is a fantastic option when deciding what goes with barbecue shrimp. Fluffy cornbread complements the smoky shrimp beautifully, while garlic bread adds a savory, crispy texture. Both choices work well to soak up the delicious barbecue flavors.
What drinks pair well with barbecue shrimp?
For beverages, white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay are classic pairings for barbecue shrimp, as their crispness balances the rich flavors of the shrimp. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, sparkling lemonade or a cucumber mint mocktail offers a refreshing alternative.
Conclusion
Barbeque shrimp is a delicious and versatile dish that can be elevated with the right pairings. Whether you prefer classic sides like creamy coleslaw and buttery corn on the cob, or you’re eager to try bold flavors like tangy mango salsa and Asian-style noodles, there’s something to suit every taste. Additionally, refreshing beverages and light desserts, such as lemon cheesecake or berry tarts, provide the perfect finishing touch to your meal.
If you’re looking for more ideas, you can explore this ultimate BBQ shrimp recipe to learn how to grill shrimp like an expert. Moreover, what is a good combo with shrimp offers excellent pairing suggestions that complement barbecue shrimp beautifully. Furthermore, for tips on achieving the perfect grill, check out the best way to barbecue shrimp and ensure your shrimp is cooked to perfection.
In conclusion, with these tips and links, you are ready to create a flavorful and unforgettable barbecue shrimp meal. So, why not mix and match flavors, experiment with new ideas, and impress your guests? It’s time to enjoy the endless possibilities!