Who doesn’t love a good dish of fried shrimp? Succulent, juicy, and savory, shrimp make for a lean and tasty meal. But what pairs well as a side? There are so many healthy and delicious options to complement fried shrimp perfectly. Here are some of our favorite recipes that we highly recommend you try.
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Cajun French Fries
Crisp and seasoned to perfection, these crunchy fries are the perfect side for your fried shrimp. This recipe is a Popeyes dupe. If you love their cajun fries, then you’ll love these. You can whip up these restaurant-worthy fries anytime you’re in the mood for a salty, crunchy side dish.
Cocktail Sauce
This tangy and spicy homemade cocktail sauce is so good, you’ll never reach for the store-bought version again. Made with ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and horseradish, this sauce has some serious kick.
Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is so easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Creamy and delicious, this tartar sauce is even better than the store-bought kind.
Fried Squash
This classic southern side dish is perfect when squash is in season. Fried squash has a sweet and nutty flavor and it pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is the potluck side everyone always loves. From barbecue to fried seafood, this hearty side dish complements anything. The best part? It’s a great make-ahead dish, so you can prep the day before.
Orzo Salad
Made with veggies, fresh herbs, and chickpeas, this orzo salad is a quick and simple side the whole family will love.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables with plenty of garlic are just right for your fried seafood meal. To get perfectly roasted veggies every time, avoid mixing root vegetables with high moisture ones (like eggplant or zucchini). Stick to the same category so they roast evenly and caramelize perfectly.
Asparagus
This crunchy green is a healthy and versatile side that complements just about any meal. Steamed, baked, or sautéed, asparagus is a flavorful side that is loaded with nutrients.
Potato Salad
Nothing hits the spot quite like a classic southern potato salad. Made with eggs, bacon, and these chef secrets, this is the best potato salad recipe you’ll ever find.
Corn Salad
Fresh, sweet corn mixed with cherry tomatoes, red onions, crisp cucumbers, and salty feta, this corn salad is a guaranteed hit. Drizzle with a tangy homemade dressing and enjoy.
Elote
This authentic Mexican street food recipe is easier to make than you think. Made with cheese, mayo, chile, and lime, this is one appetizing side dish.
Green Salad
A hearty green salad with veggies and parmesan, tossed in a homemade Italian dressing, this simple salad recipe is going to be your new go-to side dish.
Greek Salad
This simple and classic Greek side dish is healthy and delicious. Made with plum tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, salty, crumbled feta cheese, and tossed in a red wine vinaigrette, this is the summer salad you won’t be able to get enough of.
Mango Salad
Fruity and refreshing, this mango salad is summer in a bowl. Tossed with oil-free, lime peanut dressing, this summer side is ready to devour in just 15 minutes.
Spanish Rice
Loaded with flavor, this traditional, authentic Spanish rice recipe is easy for even a novice chef to prepare.
Sweet Potato Fries
A caramelized crust with a tender center, these sweet potato fries are impossible to resist.
Buttered Noodles
With just two simple ingredients, this quick and simple dish is ready to plate and serve. A weeknight winner in our book.
Pesto Zoodles
This fun recipe adds color and flavor to any meal. Made with spiralized zucchini, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Tangy sweet with just the right amount of heat, this savory sauce beats any store-bought kind.
Seasoned Rice
Made with fresh herbs and spices, this rice dish is loaded with flavor. It’s hearty and satisfying. The best part? It’s quick and simple to make.
Slaw
Tangy and sweet at the same time, coleslaw is a summertime must-have and it only takes 5 minutes to make.
Vegetable Kabob
Looking for a fun and delicious way to get your family to eat more veggies? These savory veggie skewers just might do the trick. Plus, they only take a half hour to prep and grill.
What to Serve with Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
For the French Fries
- 2 large russet potatoes peeled and rinsed
- 2 quarts vegetable oil you can also sub canola oil
For the Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Slice and Soak the Potatoes
- Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick sticks. (You can use a French fry cutter for an even thickness.)
- Soak the potato sticks in cold water for 1 hour or overnight. This process will help to remove the starch and make the French fries extra crispy.
- Rinse the fries again and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Pat dry and let them set for 5 minutes.
- Make Cajun Seasoning
- Whisk together all Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside
Make Popeyes French Fries
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or dutch oven to 300ºF. Use a slotted spoon to lower the potato sticks into the oil very carefully. Fry in batches so that you won’t overcrowd your fryer. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes, and transfer them to a paper towel lined plate. Note that they won’t be crisp yet.
- Increase the heat to 400ºF and fry each batch a second time for about 2-3 minutes. until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning immediately as soon as they come out. Serve with ketchup and enjoy!
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