Top 10 Tasty Side Dishes to Pair with Coconut Shrimp

 

Flaky coconut shrimp is a deliciously indulgent dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for satisfying your cravings. The crispy shrimp, with its sweet coconut coating, takes center stage but truly shines when paired with a range of fresh and vibrant sides. Consider serving it alongside colorful salads filled with zesty citrus, sweet and savory grains like coconut rice or quinoa, or roasted vegetables that add warmth and depth. These side dishes not only enhance the meal with different textures but also bring contrasting flavors that beautifully complement the tropical, crunchy shrimp, making every bite more exciting and well-rounded.

The Best Side Dishes for Coconut Shrimp

1. Mango Salsa with a Kick

Courtesy of OnTheGoBites.com 

This chunky mango salsa strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory and spicy using tropical flavors that mirror the coconut essence in the crispy shrimp. 

Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe mangoes, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the mangoes, onions, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro and spices. Season to taste preferences. Chill until ready to serve to let flavors meld deliciously!

See the full recipe on OnTheGoBites.com 

2. Pineapple Fried Rice with a Twist

Courtesy of SpicedBlog.com

Take the traditional fried rice up a notch with juicy pineapple chunks and a dash of curry powder. The tangy tropical fruit adds pops of sweetness to the savory rice punctuated by bits of ham and egg. 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cold cooked rice or basmati rice
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red chili pepper diced (optional)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup diced ham
• 2 scallions, chopped

Instructions: 

Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add eggs and scramble until cooked then transfer to a plate. Add garlic, ginger and curry powder to skillet and cook until fragrant. Add onion, chili and pineapple cooking 2 minutes. Add rice, ham, soy sauce and toss while cooking about 5 minutes until warmed through. Stir in scrambled egg and scallions until combined. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve!

The sweet and savory essence blending tropical fruitiness and spices make this fried rice pairing an instant favorite alongside crispy coconut shrimp.

See the full recipe on SpicedBlog.com

3. Creamy Coconut Rice

Courtesy of JustaTaste.com

For the ultimate flavor synergy based on the key coconut ingredient, this lusciously creamy coconut rice makes for an incredible counterpart. Simmering white rice in a coconut milk broth infuses every grain with its signature tropical essence and subtle sweet spice accent. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 3 green cardamom pods, cracked
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or ghee, divided
• 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions: 

In a skillet over medium heat, toast the shredded coconut in 1 tbsp oil until starting to lightly brown – about 2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. Add remaining oil to pan and toast cardamom pods for 1 minute until fragrant. Add rice, coconut milk, water and salt. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce to a simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before removing cardamom pods. Fold in coconut chips until combined. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

See the full recipe on JustaTaste.com

4. Spicy Asian Slaw

Courtesy of Food.com

Crunchy vegetables get bathed in a fiery dressing that perfectly mirrors the coconut and breading layers enveloping the shrimp but with an added kick of chili heat. 

Ingredients:

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp Sriracha chili sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Slaw:

• 1/2 small head of purple cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 3 scallions, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves

Instructions:

Whisk together dressing ingredients and set aside. In a large bowl, toss to combine cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, scallions, and mint. Pour in dressing and toss again until evenly coated. For best flavor, chill 1 hour before serving.

See the full recipe on Food.com

5. Tropical Fruit Salad with a Hint of Mint

Courtesy of WhatsForLunchHoney.net

Bursting with juicy pineapple, mango, and kiwi over a bed of crisp cool lettuce, this vibrant salad boasts lively flavors mirroring the tropical essence at the core of coconut shrimp with a slight herbaceous lift from the mint. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 mango, cubed
• 2 kiwis, sliced
• 1??4 cup toasted coconut chips
• 1??4 cup chopped mint leaves

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Pinch of salt

Instructions: Whisk together dressing ingredients; set aside. On a serving platter or individual plates, arrange lettuce. Top with pineapple chunks, mango cubes, kiwi slices, and coconut chips. Drizzle dressing over top and garnish with mint leaves.

See the full recipe on WhatsForLunchHoney.net

6. Grilled Pineapple with a Balsamic Glaze

Courtesy of WholeFoodsMarket.com

Beautifully caramelized pineapple wedges glazed in a syrupy sweet-tart balsamic reduction make for exceptional texture and flavor contrasts playing off flaky golden coconut shrimp. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

Whisk balsamic vinegar and brown sugar until sugar dissolves forming a thick glaze. Brush pineapple wedges with oil then grill over direct heat 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Brush pineapple all over generously with balsamic glaze during the last minute of grilling each side so it becomes sticky and caramelized. Serve warm.

See the full recipe on WholeFoodsMarket.com

7. Avocado and Tomato Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Courtesy of HeidisHomeCooking.com

This vibrant salad keeps things cool, crisp, and refreshing with fresh tomatoes, avocados, and mixed greens punctuated by the vibrant pop of a cilantro-lime dressing that mirrors the tropical vibes of coconut shrimp. 

Ingredients:

• 5 oz mixed baby greens
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced Dressing:
• 1??4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1??4 cup cilantro leaves
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1??2 tsp black pepper

Instructions: 

Blend dressing ingredients until smooth consistency forms. Arrange salad greens on a plate, and top with avocados and tomatoes. Drizzle dressing generously over top.

The cooling flavors with indulgent avocado richness create the perfect bed for warm crispy coconut shrimp to shine at center stage while lending delicious contrast.

See the full recipe on HeidisHomeCooking.com

8. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Courtesy of CookieandKale.com

Take sweet potato fries up a tropical notch by tossing crisp-baked wedges in coconut sugar for subtle coconutty depth beneath the surface. 

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1??4 tsp salt
• Honey ginger aioli dipping sauce

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450?F and line a baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato wedges with oil. Arrange wedges in a single layer on a sheet and mist with cooking spray. Bake 25 minutes flipping once halfway. Sprinkle with coconut sugar and return to oven 2-3 minutes until sugar caramelizes slightly. Season with salt and transfer to serving dish alongside dipping sauce.

The subtle aromatic coconut sweetness and perfectly crisp exterior with melty interior make these addicting sweet potato fries an indulgent match for crispy coconut shrimp.

See the full recipe on CookieandKale.com

9. Zesty Cucumber Salad

Courtesy of ForTheLoveOfCooking.net

This simple cucumber salad offers pleasant crunch and cooling freshness acting as palate cleanser between bites of crispy coconut shrimp. Thin English cucumber slices soak up the citrusy flavor of a tart lemon dressing speckled with fiery bits of red chili pepper. 

Ingredients:

• 1 large English cucumber, very thinly sliced
• 1??4 cup pistachios, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 small chili pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, chili flakes, salt and pepper for dressing. Pour dressing over cucumbers and gently toss until evenly coated. Top salad with pistachios and fresh dill. Let stand 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.

The addicting crunch factor with flavors that sing makes this zesty cucumber salad the ultimate revitalizing reprieve between enjoying more golden crispy coconut shrimp.

See the full recipe on ForTheLoveOfCooking.net

10. Ginger-Glazed Carrots

Courtesy of AllRecipes.com

For a fresh veggie side bringing plenty of vibrant color to the plate, these honey-ginger glazed carrots charmed under the broiler lend plenty of flavor and textural contrast to golden crispy shrimp. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, cut diagonally
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped roasted pistachios
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves

Instructions: 

In a large bowl, toss carrots with oil, honey, vinegar, ginger, and garlic until well coated. Transfer to a baking sheet and broil 6 minutes until lightly charred, gently stirring halfway through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with pistachios, cilantro, and mint. Transfer to a dish and enjoy these scrumptious sweet and spicy glazed carrots alongside your crispy coconut shrimp and fixings for added color, crunch, and flavor contrast, indulging the senses further.

See the full recipe on AllRecipes.com

The Bottom Line

Crispy coconut shrimp makes for an indulgent, irresistible dish on its own but can be elevated into extraordinary culinary dimensions by thoughtfully pairing it with fresh, invigorating sides spanning colorful salads, perfectly crisped and roasted veggies, or fragrant rice and grain bowls. Savory, spicy, herby, sweet, or tangy, these sides perfectly complement and contrast the crispiness of coconut shrimp.

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