Preparing a shrimp boil is only half the story – finding the right side dishes can be challenging. Many home cooks struggle to pick foods that complement the spicy, seafood-rich main course without overwhelming it.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to stress about side dish selections anymore.
We’ve compiled a list of 42 tested side dishes that pair perfectly with your shrimp boil, from light vegetables to filling starches.
This guide walks you through our top picks for shrimp boil sides, with serving suggestions for each option.
Every dish is chosen to enhance your seafood feast while keeping the cooking process simple and stress-free.
Top Dishes to Serve along with Shrimp Boil
1. Corn on the Cob
- Key Ingredients: Fresh corn, butter, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The sweetness of corn perfectly balances the savory and spicy flavors of the shrimp boil. The butter adds richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Serving Tip: Serve with extra melted butter and a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and color.
2. Red Potatoes
- Key Ingredients: Red potatoes, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt
- Why it Works: The earthy flavor of red potatoes complements the shrimp and other proteins in the boil. Their waxy texture ensures they hold up well in the boil.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, bright finish.
3. Sausages (Smoked or Andouille)
- Key Ingredients: Smoked sausage or Andouille sausage, spices, garlic
- Why it Works: The smoky, spicy flavor of the sausage adds depth to the dish, enhancing the bold flavors of the shrimp and other ingredients.
- Serving Tip: Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces before adding to the boil for easy serving.
4. Garlic Bread
- Key Ingredients: French bread, garlic, butter, parsley, salt
- Why it Works: The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the juicy shrimp, while the garlic complements the seafood’s delicate flavor.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm with extra garlic butter on the side for dipping.
5. Coleslaw
- Key Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The tangy and creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the shrimp boil. It adds crunch and balance to the meal.
- Serving Tip: Make ahead and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
6. Steamed Broccoli
- Key Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The slight bitterness of steamed broccoli provides a nice contrast to the rich, buttery shrimp, adding freshness and color to the plate.
- Serving Tip: Drizzle with lemon juice and a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
7. Cornbread
- Key Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, baking powder
- Why it Works: Cornbread’s slightly sweet and crumbly texture complements the savory and spicy flavors of the shrimp boil, making it a comforting side.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm with a dollop of honey butter for added richness.
8. Grilled Asparagus
- Key Ingredients: Fresh asparagus, olive oil, garlic, lemon, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: Grilled asparagus adds a smoky, charred flavor that pairs well with shrimp. Its crisp texture offers a nice contrast to the softness of the other sides.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a dusting of parmesan for a simple yet elegant touch.
9. Sweet Potato Fries
- Key Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika
- Why it Works: The natural sweetness of the fries balances the spicy and savory flavors of the shrimp boil, adding a comforting, hearty side to the meal.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a spicy aioli or chipotle mayo for an extra kick.
10. Buttered Rolls
- Key Ingredients: Soft rolls, butter, garlic, parsley, salt
- Why it Works: The warm, soft texture of buttered rolls is a perfect match for the juicy shrimp. The rich butter adds a comforting element to the meal.
- Serving Tip: Serve alongside the shrimp boil, allowing guests to dip the rolls in the flavorful broth.
11. Fried Green Tomatoes
- Key Ingredients: Green tomatoes, cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, salt, pepper, oil
- Why it Works: The crispy, tangy green tomatoes provide a crunchy contrast to the soft shrimp. Their tartness balances the richness of the dish.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a side of ranch or remoulade sauce for dipping.
12. Hush Puppies
- Key Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, onions, egg, buttermilk, baking powder, salt
- Why it Works: These deep-fried cornmeal balls offer a sweet, savory crunch that pairs well with the shrimp and the rich boil broth.
- Serving Tip: Serve hot with honey butter or a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
13. Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Key Ingredients: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lemon, olive oil, Dijon mustard
- Why it Works: The light, tangy lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, bright contrast to the heavier, richer flavors of the shrimp boil.
- Serving Tip: Toss the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
14. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Key Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The slight bitterness and crispy edges of roasted Brussels sprouts enhance the flavors of the shrimp, creating a balanced and savory side dish.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth and sweetness.
15. Caesar Salad
- Key Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, parmesan cheese, garlic
- Why it Works: The creamy, tangy Caesar dressing complements the shrimp’s flavor, while the crunch of croutons and freshness of lettuce balance the meal.
- Serving Tip: Add freshly shaved parmesan and freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
16. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Key Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, breadcrumbs, mustard powder
- Why it Works: The creamy, cheesy sauce provides comfort and richness, balancing the bold flavors of the shrimp boil. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds texture.
- Serving Tip: Bake until golden and bubbly, and sprinkle with extra cheese before serving for added indulgence.
17. French Fries
- Key Ingredients: Potatoes, vegetable oil, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The crispiness and saltiness of French fries pair perfectly with shrimp, offering a satisfying crunch alongside the tender seafood.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, aioli, or spicy mustard.
18. Grilled Pineapple
- Key Ingredients: Fresh pineapple, olive oil, honey, cinnamon, lime juice
- Why it Works: The caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple complements the spicy and savory elements of the shrimp boil, offering a tropical contrast.
- Serving Tip: Grill until lightly charred, and serve with a squeeze of lime for added zing.
19. Cucumber Salad
- Key Ingredients: Cucumbers, red onion, vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The refreshing and slightly tangy flavor of cucumber salad offers a light, crisp side that contrasts with the richness of the shrimp boil.
- Serving Tip: Chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
20. Rice Pilaf
- Key Ingredients: Basmati rice, chicken broth, garlic, onions, olive oil, parsley
- Why it Works: The light, fluffy rice soaks up the flavorful shrimp boil broth, making it an ideal accompaniment to the shrimp and other ingredients.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs or toasted almonds for extra flavor and texture.
21. Grilled Mushrooms
- Key Ingredients: Mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The earthy flavor of grilled mushrooms complements the shrimp, adding depth and a smoky touch to the overall meal.
- Serving Tip: Serve on skewers or sliced, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced flavor.
22. Fried Pickles
- Key Ingredients: Pickles, flour, cornmeal, buttermilk, salt, pepper, oil
- Why it Works: The crispy, tangy fried pickles add a zesty crunch that cuts through the richness of the shrimp boil, offering a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.
- Serving Tip: Serve with ranch dressing or a tangy dipping sauce to enhance the flavor.
23. Grits
- Key Ingredients: Grits, butter, cream, cheese, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: Creamy, cheesy grits add a comforting, slightly rich base to the shrimp boil, balancing the spiciness and savory flavors.
- Serving Tip: Serve as a side dish or even under the shrimp for a hearty and satisfying plate.
24. Roasted Carrots
- Key Ingredients: Carrots, olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The sweetness of roasted carrots complements the bold, savory flavors of the shrimp boil, adding a tender, caramelized contrast.
- Serving Tip: Roast until golden and tender, and drizzle with a touch of honey or balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.
25. Lemon Wedges
- Key Ingredients: Fresh lemons
- Why it Works: The bright, citrusy tang of lemon wedges enhances the flavor of the shrimp, cutting through the richness and adding a burst of freshness.
- Serving Tip: Serve alongside the shrimp for guests to squeeze over their dish for added zest.
26. Spicy Dipping Sauce
- Key Ingredients: Mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic, lemon juice, paprika
- Why it Works: A spicy dipping sauce provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the shrimp, adding a punch of heat that complements the spices in the boil.
- Serving Tip: Serve in small bowls on the side, allowing guests to dip their shrimp or vegetables.
27. Lobster Tails
- Key Ingredients: Lobster tails, butter, garlic, lemon, paprika
- Why it Works: Sweet and tender lobster tails add a luxurious touch to the meal, pairing perfectly with shrimp to create a seafood feast.
- Serving Tip: Grill or broil until the shells are slightly charred, and serve with drawn butter for dipping.
28. Crab Cakes
- Key Ingredients: Crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, Dijon mustard, herbs
- Why it Works: The crispy, savory crab cakes complement the shrimp boil, adding another layer of seafood flavor and a satisfying texture to the meal.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a tangy remoulade or cocktail sauce for dipping.
29. Fried Okra
- Key Ingredients: Okra, cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, salt, pepper, oil
- Why it Works: The crispy, crunchy texture of fried okra pairs perfectly with the juicy shrimp, offering a southern-inspired side that complements the flavors of the boil.
- Serving Tip: Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with a side of ranch or spicy dipping sauce.
30. Avocado Slices
- Key Ingredients: Ripe avocados, salt, pepper, lime juice
- Why it Works: The creamy, buttery texture of avocado balances the bold, spicy flavors of the shrimp, adding a fresh and smooth contrast to the dish.
- Serving Tip: Serve the avocado slices chilled, with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.
31. Deviled Eggs
- Key Ingredients: Eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, paprika, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The creamy, tangy filling of deviled eggs adds richness and texture, providing a perfect contrast to the spicy and savory shrimp boil.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chives for added color and flavor.
32. Baked Beans
- Key Ingredients: Canned beans, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, ketchup, onion
- Why it Works: The smoky sweetness of baked beans balances the heat of the shrimp boil, adding a hearty and comforting side to the meal.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm, with a side of cornbread for a satisfying combination.
33. Tangy Mustard Sauce
- Key Ingredients: Mustard, honey, vinegar, mayonnaise, garlic
- Why it Works: The tangy, slightly sweet mustard sauce adds a zesty flavor that enhances the shrimp and other boiled ingredients, offering a bold contrast.
- Serving Tip: Serve as a dipping sauce on the side or drizzle over shrimp for added flavor.
34. Chilled Cucumber Soup
- Key Ingredients: Cucumbers, yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil
- Why it Works: The cool, refreshing cucumber soup provides a light and soothing contrast to the spicy shrimp boil, offering a balanced and cooling effect.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled in small bowls as an appetizer or side dish.
35. Pesto Pasta
- Key Ingredients: Pasta, basil pesto, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic
- Why it Works: The herby, flavorful pesto pasta adds a fresh and aromatic side dish that complements the shrimp while offering a different texture and taste.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of pine nuts.
36. Shrimp Cocktail
- Key Ingredients: Shrimp, cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, horseradish, Tabasco sauce
- Why it Works: The cool, tender shrimp paired with tangy, spicy cocktail sauce offers a refreshing start or side dish, balancing the heat of the shrimp boil with its clean, crisp flavor.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled with lemon wedges for squeezing and extra cocktail sauce for dipping.
37. Cajun Fries
- Key Ingredients: Potatoes, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The crispy, spicy fries enhance the bold flavors of the shrimp boil, adding an extra layer of heat and crunch to the meal.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy aioli, for an added kick.
38. Sautéed Spinach
- Key Ingredients: Fresh spinach, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The mild, earthy flavor of sautéed spinach provides a light, healthy side that complements the richness of the shrimp and other ingredients in the boil.
- Serving Tip: Sauté until just wilted and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
39. Cherry Tomatoes with Herbs
- Key Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, olive oil, basil, parsley, salt, pepper
- Why it Works: The sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs offer a light and refreshing contrast to the spicy and savory shrimp boil.
- Serving Tip: Serve as a chilled side salad or a garnish for the shrimp for added color and flavor.
40. Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce
- Key Ingredients: Butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt
- Why it Works: The rich, garlicky butter sauce enhances the flavor of the shrimp, adding a creamy and savory element that complements the boil’s spices.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm in small bowls for dipping, and provide extra lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the shrimp.
41. Smoked Salmon
- Key Ingredients: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, red onion, dill
- Why it Works: The smoky, delicate flavor of the salmon pairs wonderfully with the shrimp, providing a luxurious seafood option that complements the boil’s bold flavors.
- Serving Tip: Serve on small crackers or toast points, garnished with capers and fresh dill for a sophisticated touch.
42. Pickled Onions
- Key Ingredients: Red onions, vinegar, sugar, salt, water, peppercorns
- Why it Works: The tangy, slightly sweet pickled onions offer a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the shrimp boil, adding a refreshing zing.
- Serving Tip: Serve in small bowls on the side, or use as a garnish on shrimp or other boiled vegetables.
Conclusion
A shrimp boil shines brightest when paired with the right supporting dishes. With these 42 side dish options, you can turn your seafood feast into a complete meal that will satisfy all your guests’ tastes.
From simple vegetable sides to hearty bread options, each suggestion brings something special to your table.
Remember, the best side dish is one that fits your guests’ preferences and your cooking comfort level.
You don’t need complex recipes to create a memorable meal – sometimes the simplest sides make the biggest impact.
Why not try one of these sides at your next shrimp boil? Share your experience in the comments below, and let us know which dish became your new favorite pairing!
