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Home - Sides

Latest Updated: Jan 27, 2026 by Carrie Boyd

What to Serve with Tempura Shrimps? 10 Side Dishes

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Are you stuck in a dinner rut and trying to break out?

If so, why not give some delicious seafood tempura shrimps a try!

Not only is this dish absolutely tempting and packed full of flavor, but it also pairs well with an array of side dishes that will keep things exciting.

From tangy coleslaw and couscous salad to roasted vegetables and creamy potatoes au gratin - there's something here for everyone's palate!

Page Contents

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  • 10 Best Side Dishes for Tempura Shrimps
    • 1 - Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
    • 2 - Salad
    • 3 - Rice
    • 4 - Noodles
    • 5 - Soup
    • 6 - Stir Fry
    • 7 - Tempura Sauce
    • 8 - Ketchup
    • 9 - Mayonnaise
    • 10 - Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 10 Choosing Complementary Sides for Tempura Shrimps
  • What to Serve with Tempura Shrimps? 10 Side Dishes
    • Method 
    • Tried this recipe?

10 Best Side Dishes for Tempura Shrimps

1 - Grilled or Roasted Vegetables

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There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh, grilled vegetables.

The smoky flavor and crispy texture of grilled veggies are irresistible.

But what if you want to take your dish to the next level? Here are some tips on how to improve the flavors of your grilled veggies.

First, let's talk about taste.

When you're grilling or roasting vegetables, you want to make sure that they're properly seasoned.

A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of salt for every pound of vegetables.

You can also add other herbs and spices to taste.

If you're using a marinade, make sure it's well-balanced so that the vegetables don't end up tasting too salty or too sweet.

Now let's talk about texture.

The key to getting that perfect crispy texture is to cook the vegetables over high heat.

This will help them to caramelize and develop a nice char.

If you're worried about them sticking to the grill, you can always brush them with oil before cooking.

Finally, if you really want to impress your guests, try serving your grilled vegetables with a dipping sauce or pesto.

This will take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

2 - Salad

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A salad is the perfect side dish to accompany tempura shrimp.

It is healthy and refreshing, but it's also incredibly versatile.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can put in a salad, so you can easily tailor it to your own taste.

A salad should be light and bright to go with the tempura shrimp.

I like to use a mix of greens, including baby spinach, arugula, and endive.

For texture, I like to add some crunch with chopped nuts or seeds.

And for a touch of sweetness, I add dried fruit or fresh berries.

To improve your salad and make it more special, there are a few things you can do.

First, you can use high quality ingredients.

This includes using fresh greens that have been carefully washed and dried, as well as ripe fruits and nuts that have been roasted or candied.

You can also dress up your salad with a flavorful vinaigrette or by adding shaved Parmesan cheese on top.

3 - Rice

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Rice is a flexible dish that can be used as a side or main course.

It can be plain or flavored, and is a great way to absorb the flavors of other dishes.

Rice is a perfect match.

The taste and texture of rice goes well with the light, crispy tempura shrimp.

And because rice is so versatile, there are endless ways to improve this dish.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Add sautéed vegetables: This will add color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
  • Try different types of rice: There are many different types of rice available, from white to brown to black. Each type has its own unique flavor and texture.
  • Use broth instead of water: This will give the rice more flavor and make it more moist.
  • Add spices: A pinch of cumin or turmeric can go a long way in adding flavor to this dish.

4 - Noodles

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Noodles are a type of pasta that is made from unleavened dough that is rolled flat and cut into thin strips.

Noodles can be made from a variety of different ingredients, including wheat, rice, buckwheat, and even potatoes.

Noodles are a staple food in many cultures and can be served as a side dish or as the main course of a meal.

Noodles have a chewy texture and can be either firm or soft depending on how they are cooked.

Noodles can be boiled, fried, or even baked.

When noodles are cooked, they should be drained and rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process.

There are many ways to dress up noodles and make them more interesting.

Noodles can be tossed with vegetables, meat, or seafood.

They can also be stir-fried or served in soup.

Sauces can also be added to noodles to give them more flavor.

5 - Soup

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Soup is such a flexible dish - it can be light or hearty, smooth or chunky, and can be made with almost any combination of ingredients.

Tempura shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make addition to any soup.

Tempura shrimp add a great texture to soup - they are light and crispy, and provide a nice contrast to creamier soups.

If you're looking for something a little heartier, tempura shrimp also pair well with stews and chowders.

For an extra bit of flavor, try adding some chopped green onions or cilantro to your soup before serving.

One thing to keep in mind when adding tempura shrimp to soup is that they will cook very quickly once they are added to the hot liquid.

This means that it's important not to overcook the shrimp, or they will end up rubbery.

To avoid this, either add the shrimp right before you are ready to serve the soup, or remove the soup from the heat once the shrimp have been added so that they can finish cooking in the residual heat.

6 - Stir Fry

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Com/stir-fry-sides/">stir fry.

Stir fry is a great way to use up any veggies you have in your fridge and can be made with chicken, beef or shrimp.

The best part about stir fry is that it can be tailored to your taste preferences and is a dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Stir fry is pretty versatile.

You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like depending on your preference.

If you like things on the spicier side, add some chili peppers or Sriracha sauce to your dish.

For a more mild flavor, stick to basic soy sauce.

As for texture, stir fry is usually crunchy due to the vegetables that are used.

However, you can also add in some softer ingredients like mushrooms or tofu if you prefer.

There are endless ways to improve your stir fry dish.

One way is to experiment with different sauces and seasonings.

Another way is to add in some unique ingredients like pineapple or cashews.

Get creative and have fun with it.

7 - Tempura Sauce

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Tempura sauce is a delicious and easy way to enjoy tempura shrimp.

The sauce is made with a variety of different ingredients, including soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and mirin.

The result is a slightly sweet and sour sauce that goes well with the crispy tempura shrimp.

Tempura sauce is also incredibly versatile.

In addition to being a great dipping sauce, it can also be used as a marinade or stir-fry sauce.

If you're looking for ways to improve your dish, try adding some chopped scallions or ginger to the sauce.

You can also use it as a base for other sauces and seasonings.

This flexible sauce can be used in a variety of different ways, making it the perfect accompaniment to any dish.

8 - Ketchup

ketchup Save for Later!

There are two types of people in this world: those who love it and those who don't.

And, depending on which camp you fall into, you either think it goes with everything or that it has no place outside of a hamburger bun.

But we're here to tell you that ketchup is so much more than just a condiment.

In fact, when used correctly, it can improve even the most ordinary of dishes.

So what exactly is ketchup? Technically speaking, it's a sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

But the key ingredient here is the tomatoes.

Which is why the best ketchups are always made with ripe tomatoes that have been cooked down until they're super concentrated and jammy.

As for the sugar and vinegar, they help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and give the ketchup its signature sweetness.

Finally, we want to leave you with one last tip: don't be afraid to get creative with your ketchup use.

Sure, it's delicious on its own, but there are also tons of recipes out there that call for ketchup as an ingredient.

From BBQ sauces to baked goods, there's really no limit to what you can do with this flexible condiment.

So go ahead and experiment - your palate will thank you.

9 - Mayonnaise

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Mayonnaise is one of those divisive condiments. You either love it or you hate it.

There's no in-between. Personally, I love mayonnaise.

I think it's creamy, tangy, and versatile. It can be used as a dip, a spread, or a dressing.

And it goes with just about everything. If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, I challenge you to give it another try.

The key is to find the right brand. Some brands are heavy on the egg while others are more vinegary.

Once you find a brand that you like, experiment with different ways to use it.

You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

One of my favorite ways to use mayonnaise is in tempura shrimp dishes.

The mayonnaise adds creaminess and body to the dish without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the shrimp.

If you want to improve your tempura shrimp, try using a flavored mayonnaise such as sriracha mayo or wasabi mayo.

10 - Sweet and Sour Sauce

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One of the most popular ways to enjoy tempura shrimp is with a sweet and sour sauce.

The sauce is traditionally made with vinegar, sugar, and tomato paste, and it can be enhanced with different seasonings like garlic, ginger, or onion.

The acidity of the vinegar balances out the sweetness of the sugar, while the tomato paste adds some savory flavor.

The sauce should have a balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a slightly thick consistency that coats the tempura shrimp without making them too soggy.

When made correctly, the sauce should go with the crispy texture of the tempura shrimp.

There are many ways to improve this dish and make it even more delicious.

One way is to add some fresh fruit to the sauce, such as pineapple or mango.

This will give the sauce a sweetness that is not as one-dimensional as sugar alone.

You can also add some heat to the sauce by including chili peppers or Sriracha sauce.

This will give it a nice kick that goes well with the tempura shrimp.

10 Choosing Complementary Sides for Tempura Shrimps

Plain rice is the best thing to serve with tempura shrimps.

The rice will help to offset the grease from the tempura and the shrimp will add a nice sweetness to the dish.

You can also try other side dishes such as noodles, soup, or salad.

These dishes will help to fill you up and round out the meal.

Tempura sauce, ketchup, and mayonnaise are all great dipping sauces for tempura shrimp.

Finally, sweet and sour sauce is a great option if you want something a little bit different.

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What to Serve with Tempura Shrimps? 10 Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Sides
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 - Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
  • 2 - Salad
  • 3 - Rice
  • 4 - Noodles
  • 5 - Soup
  • 6 - Stir Fry
  • 7 - Tempura Sauce
  • 8 - Ketchup
  • 9 - Mayonnaise
  • 10 - Sweet and Sour Sauce

Method
 

  1. Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  2. Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  3. If you're short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

More From EpicureDelight

The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best side dishes to serve with Tempura Shrimps?

The best sides for Tempura Shrimps balance its main flavors - think roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or a starchy base like rice or potatoes. The right pairing enhances the whole meal.

Can I make the sides ahead of time when serving Tempura Shrimps?

Yes - many great sides for Tempura Shrimps can be prepped hours in advance. Grain salads, roasted vegetables, and slaws actually improve as they sit and absorb seasoning.

Can it be made ahead and reheated without losing quality?

Most roasted and grain-based sides reheat well - store them separately and warm in the oven at low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Are there low-carb or keto-friendly side options?

Yes - cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad are all low-carb options that feel satisfying without the starch.

Carrie Boyd

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 EpicureDelight, 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!

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