Garlic butter sauce and lemon pair especially well with shrimp. Its mild, delicate flavor stands out with a sauce that is noticeable but not heavy. Keep the sauce from overpowering the shrimp’s faint sweetness. Because shrimp cooks quickly, much of the preparation can go toward the sauce and sides. Grains and vegetables are usually kept light so they add substance without masking the shrimp. Simple, fresh ingredients work better than heavy cream sauces or very spicy sides. As shrimp gets larger, keeping its accompaniments simpler helps the main ingredient stand out.
Sauce Ideas
A classic accompaniment for sautéed shrimp is garlic butter sauce, finished in the same pan with a pinch of parsley and lemon juice. The sauce picks up the shrimp’s cooking juices and gains flavor without extra ingredients. For grilled shrimp, a lighter olive oil and lemon dressing lets its smoky flavor come through. Using a small amount of cold-pressed olive oil keeps the grill flavor in the foreground.
Salad and Vegetable Pairings
Arugula or mixed greens are common sides; their slightly bitter flavor contrasts with the shrimp’s sweetness. A few citrus slices in the salad make that contrast more pronounced. Avocado is another popular option: its creamy texture balances the firmer surface of seared shrimp. Slice the avocado just before serving to preserve its color and freshness.
Grain and Pasta Pairings
Plain rice pilaf is a common base for shrimp dishes. Prepared simply or with light seasoning, it makes the meal filling without competing with the sauce. Cooking the rice with a little olive oil instead of butter better suits the shrimp’s light flavor. For pasta, choose thin spaghetti or linguine and toss it with the garlic sauce. A few spoonfuls of pasta cooking water can thicken the sauce and help it coat the shrimp.
Drinks to Serve With Shrimp
Lemon soda or sparkling mineral water is a common choice; the light fizz and tartness refresh the palate after seafood. Add a few mint leaves to the soda for extra freshness. Lemonade is another popular option in warm weather, and its tartness pairs well with the shrimp’s salty flavor. Serving it over ice is especially popular with grilled shrimp and its smoky taste.
Garlic sauce, a light green salad, and plain rice or pasta make a balanced set of sides for shrimp. Together, these three elements make a meal that is both light and filling. Lemon soda or sparkling mineral water is a common refreshing drink, and serving it over ice on a hot day rounds out the meal.