If you’re looking for the perfect sides to go with your coconut shrimp, look no further!
There are so many options available when serving coconut shrimps as a main dish that it can be overwhelming deciding which side dishes to choose.
To ease your stress and inspire your cooking creativity, we have compiled 14 delicious side dishes perfect for accompanying your crispy coconuts shrimps.
From salads to vegetables, grains, potatoes and beans—we guarantee there is something here to suit any palate!
So dig in and explore our selection of lavish hot or cold accompaniments for tomorrow night’s dinner!
What to Serve with Coconut Shrimps? 14 Side Dishes to Try
1. Mango Salsa
Mango salsa is a delicious, sweet, and tangy dish that is perfect for any occasion.
The taste and texture of mango salsa are unlike any other dish out there, and it is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
If you are looking for a new dish to try, mango salsa is a great option.
Mango salsa is made with fresh mangos, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
The sweetness of the mangos pairs perfectly with the acidity of the tomatoes and lime juice, and the cilantro gives the dish a nice pop of flavor.
The dish can be served as is, or you can add some heat by adding jalapeños or serrano peppers.
If you are looking for a new way to enjoy mango salsa, try serving it over grilled chicken or fish.
The heat from the grill will bring out all of the flavors in the salsa, and the protein will make it a complete meal.
You can also use mango salsa as a topping for tacos or burritos.
Simply add some grilled chicken or shrimp, black beans, and shredded lettuce to your tortilla and top with mango salsa.
2. Pineapple Salsa
This pineapple salsa is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a little bit of spice thrown in for good measure.
The pineapple provides a lovely sweetness, while the jalapeno gives it a nice kick.
The rest of the ingredients round out the flavors nicely.
The best thing about this salsa is that it’s so versatile.
You can eat it on its own as a snack or use it as a topping for chicken or fish.
It would also be great as part of a summertime picnic spread.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish even further, consider serving it with some homemade tortilla chips.
3. Caribbean Rice
Caribbean rice is a delicious and unique dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side.
The rice is cooked in coconut milk and tomato sauce, which gives it a rich and creamy flavor.
The dish is also packed with vegetables, making it a healthy and filling option.
When it comes to taste and texture, Caribbean rice is similar to other rice dishes.
The rice is fluffy and moist, and the dish has a slight sweetness from the coconut milk.
However, what sets this dish apart is the addition of spices like curry powder and turmeric, which give it a unique flavor profile.
If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, Caribbean rice is a great option.
It’s easy to make and can be served as a main dish or side.
Plus, the dish can be easily customized to your liking.
If you want to add more protein, you can include beans or chicken.
And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor.
- Include diced avocado or mango for added sweetness and creaminess.
- Top with crispy onions or bacon for a bit of crunch.
4. Coconut Curry Sauce
Coconut curry sauce is a delicious, creamy sauce that can be used in many different dishes.
The taste is sweet and coconutty, with a slight spicy kick from the curry powder.
The texture is smooth and rich, making it a perfect sauce for dipping or coating chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
If you’re looking for a new sauce to try, coconut curry sauce is a great option.
It’s perfect for those who want a little bit of spice in their dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
And, it’s a great way to add some extra protein and healthy fats to your meal.
To elevate your dish with coconut curry sauce, try serving it over rice or quinoa.
Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced almonds for a complete meal.
5. Island Fruit Salad
Island Fruit Salad is a dish that is both sweet and savory.
It is a perfect side dish for any tropical-themed meal.
The salad is made with fresh fruits, including pineapple, mango, and papaya.
The sweetness of the fruit is offset by the savory flavors of the onions and peppers.
The taste and texture of the Island Fruit Salad are what make it so special.
The different textures of the fruits, combined with the crunch of the onions and peppers, create a unique flavor profile that is sure to please any palate.
The sweetness of the fruit is also a nice contrast to the spiciness of the peppers.
If you are looking for a new recipe to try, Island Fruit Salad is a great option.
It is easy to make and can be tailored to your specific tastes.
If you want to add a bit more sweetness to the dish, you could try using additional fruits such as bananas or oranges.
You could also add some chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
6. Plantain Chips
Looking for a delicious and healthy snack? Plantain chips are a great option.
They are crispy, salty, and full of flavor.
Plus, they are a good source of fiber and vitamins.
Plantain chips are made from unripe plantains.
They are sliced thin and fried in oil.
The result is a crispy chip that is similar in taste and texture to a potato chip.
There are many ways to enjoy plantain chips.
You can eat them plain or dip them in your favorite sauce or dip.
You can also top them with cheese or other toppings.
If you want to get creative, try using plantain chips as a base for nachos or as a topping for salads or soups.
- Try dipping them in guacamole, salsa, or another favorite sauce or dip.
- Sprinkle them with shredded cheese, diced onions, or other toppings.
- Use them as a base for nachos by adding beans, meat, vegetables, and other toppings.
- Top salads or soups with plantain chips for added flavor and crunch.
7. Rum Runner Cocktail
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail, the Rum Runner is a great choice.
This refreshing drink is perfect for summer parties or anytime you want to enjoy a tasty rum-based cocktail.
The Rum Runner is made with rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
This combination of ingredients results in a delicious drink that is both sweet and tart.
The Rum Runner is also relatively easy to make, which makes it a great choice for those who are new to mixology.
If you’re looking to elevate your Rum Runner, there are a few things you can do.
First, try using high-quality rum instead of the standard variety.
This will give the drink a more sophisticated flavor.
You can also experiment with different fruit juices to create unique flavor combinations.
For example, adding grapefruit juice or mango juice can add an extra level of sweetness or tartness to the drink.
8. Margaritas
Coconut shrimp is a popular dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course.
The shrimp are usually battered and fried and then served with a dipping sauce.
Coconut shrimp is a popular choice for parties and gatherings, as it is usually easy to make and can be served with a variety of side dishes.
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When it comes to choosing a side dish to accompany your coconut shrimp, there are a few things to consider.
First, you’ll want to think about the taste and texture of the shrimp.
The shrimp are usually fairly sweet, so you’ll want to choose a side dish that is not too sweet or overpowering.
You’ll also want to consider the texture of the shrimp.
If you’re serving fried shrimp, you might want to consider a lighter side dish, such as a salad or veggie tray.
If you’re serving baked or grilled shrimp, you can get away with serving a heartier side dish such as rice or potatoes.
Another thing to consider when choosing a side dish for your coconut shrimp is whether or not you want the dish to be complementary or contrasting.
A complementary side dish would be one that shares similar flavors with the shrimp, such as pineapple salsa or mango chutney.
A contrasting side dish would be one that has opposite flavors from the shrimp, such as a savory dipping sauce or spicy cocktail sauce.
9. Banana Daiquiris
Are you looking for a delicious tropical cocktail to make at your next party? If so, you should definitely consider making banana daiquiris.
This tasty drink is perfect for summertime gatherings and is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Banana daiquiris are refreshing and have a great texture thanks to the addition of ice.
They are also very easy to make – simply blend together some bananas, rum, lime juice, and ice, and you’re done.
If you want to elevate your drink, you can add in other ingredients like strawberries or chocolate chips.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. Ripe bananas will be softer and sweeter than unripe ones.
- Add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve over ice and enjoy.
10. Pina Coladas
Pina Coladas are one of the most popular drinks in the world.
But what exactly is a pina colada? A pina colada is a tropical drink made with rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice.
It is usually served with a garnish of fresh pineapple or a maraschino cherry.
The taste of a pina colada is sweet and creamy, with a strong pineapple flavor.
The texture is thick and smooth, thanks to the addition of coconut milk.
If you’ve never tried a pina colada before, it’s definitely worth considering.
Here are some tips on how to make the perfect pina colada:
- Use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor. Canned pineapple juice will work in a pinch, but it won’t taste as good.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier drink.
- Add a splash of rum for an extra kick.
11. Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup is a hearty, filling dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.
The soup has a rich, savory flavor and a thick, creamy texture.
Black beans are a good source of protein and fiber, so this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your black bean soup, try adding some diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro.
You could also top the soup with sour cream or avocado slices.
For a heartier meal, add some cooked rice or quinoa to the soup.
Black bean soup is easy to make and can be made in advance.
It’s also a great dish to take to potlucks or parties because it can be served hot or cold.
12. Cuban Sandwiches
A Cuban sandwich is a delicious and filling option that is perfect for any time of day.
The sandwich is made with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard; all sandwiched between two slices of bread.
The taste and texture of the sandwich are amazing, and it is definitely a dish that you should consider trying at least once.
There are a few things that you can do to elevate the dish and make it even more amazing.
First, try using different types of bread.
A good option would be to use a baguette or ciabatta bread.
This will give the sandwich a nice crispy texture that is perfect for holding all of the fillings.
Another great tip is to grill the sandwich instead of eating it cold.
This will give the sandwich a smoky flavor that is absolutely delicious.
13. Key Lime Pie
Move over, pumpkin pie—key lime pie is where it’s at.
This tart and creamy dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it a crowd favorite.
The best key lime pies are made with fresh key lime juice, which can be tricky to find outside of Florida.
But trust us, it’s worth the effort.
If you can’t find fresh key lime juice, you can use bottled—just make sure it’s 100% key lime juice and not a mix of lemon and lime juices.
As for the filling, there are two schools of thought: meringue or whipped cream topping.
We’re team meringue all the way. It adds a lightness to the pie that offsets the richness of the custard filling.
And speaking of custard, don’t skimp on the eggs—they play a crucial role in creating a smooth and silky texture.
14. Flan
Flan is a dessert that has a custard-like base and is usually topped with caramel.
It is popular in many Spanish-speaking countries as well as in the Philippines.
Flan has a smooth, creamy texture, and the sweetness of the caramel pairs well with the richness of the custard.
If you’re looking for something new to try, flan is a great option.
It’s a unique dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
And, it’s not as difficult to make as you might think.
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect flan:
- Start with a good quality custard base. This will ensure that your flan is rich and creamy.
- Be careful not to overcook the custard. This will cause it to become tough and rubbery.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This will give your flan the best flavor.
- Top your flan with homemade caramel sauce. This will take your dessert to the next level.
Conclusion
There are a ton of great side dishes that go well with coconut shrimp.
I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration on what to serve next time you make coconut shrimp.
If you have any other great ideas, be sure to leave them in the comments below.
Thanks for reading.
What to Serve with Coconut Shrimps? 14 Side Dishes to Try
Ingredients
- 1. Mango Salsa
- 2. Pineapple Salsa
- 3. Caribbean Rice
- 4. Coconut Curry Sauce
- 5. Island Fruit Salad
- 6. Plantain Chips
- 7. Rum Runner Cocktail
- 8. Margaritas
- 9. Banana Daiquiris
- 10. Pina Coladas
- 11. Black Bean Soup
- 12. Cuban Sandwiches
- 13. Key Lime Pie
- 14. Flan
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!