Coconut Shrimp is a popular appetizer that’s made with a combination of shrimp and coconut flakes. The shrimp are coated in batter and deep fried, then served with a spicy sauce and garnished with toasted coconut flakes.
As an appetizer, these shrimps are usually served with celery sticks or asparagus spears so you can use your choice of side dishes to complement them. Here are 18 side dishes for coconut shrimp that will make your meal complete!
What Is Coconut Shrimp?
Coconut shrimp is a popular dish that is made with coconut and shrimp. It can be served as an appetizer or as a meal. There are many different variations of coconut shrimp depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. Some people add cheese to their recipes, while others don’t.
Coconut shrimp is made using coconut flour instead of regular flour. This gives the food a unique taste and texture that may not appeal to everyone. Coconut flour is high in protein, so it’s often used in the diets of vegetarians and vegans who want to add more protein to their meals without consuming animal products.
The most common way to prepare this dish is by coating it in batter and frying it in oil until it turns golden brown. You can also bake it or grill it if you prefer not to use oil in your cooking process.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Coconut Shrimp?
One of the most popular ways to serve coconut shrimp is with a side dish. Not only does this allow you to get creative, it also makes it easier for guests to enjoy the meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply making dinner for your family, you can use these tips and ideas to help you prepare a delicious side dish as part of your meal.
1. Serve a Variety of Dishes
One way to make sure everyone at the table enjoys their meal is by serving different types of dishes. This means that if you’re planning on serving coconut shrimp as your main course, then consider adding some side dishes to the menu as well. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated either; just choose something that complements the main dish well and offers something different from what others will eat at the table. You might even want to consider creating several different types of side dishes so that there are options for everyone!
2. Choose Simple Ingredients
When it comes down to choosing ingredients for your side dishes, simplicity is key! The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about sides is often potato chips and other snacks like that, but this isn’t always the best idea when entertaining guests at home. Instead, try looking for some simple side dishes that are easy to prepare and contain ingredients that will complement the main dish. This can include dishes like steamed vegetables, rice and pasta, potato salad, or even fresh fruit.
What to Serve with Coconut Shrimp? 18 BEST Side Dishes
1. Simple steamed vegetables
You can’t go wrong with a simple side dish of steamed vegetables. It’s a great way to add some color and variety to the plate and it’s easy to make. Simply cook your veggies, whether it be broccoli, green beans or carrots, until they’re tender-crisp, then toss them with a little olive oil and salt.
2. Sesame side salad
A simple sesame dressing is all it takes to turn an ordinary salad into something special. Whisk together 2 tablespoons sesame oil with 1 teaspoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar in a small bowl. Toss with 6 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers and 3 tablespoons chopped almonds.
3. Radish, cucumber and arugula salad
This dish is really easy to prepare and it’s a great way to show off your new found cooking skills. The radishes are crunchy and the arugula is peppery. The cucumbers add a bit of sweetness, so this salad is perfect for those who enjoy light foods.
4. Steamed green beans with walnuts and shallots
This side dish is also very easy to make. The green beans are fresh, crunchy and salty from the shallots. The nuts add some richness to this dish without overpowering it. It’s a great addition to any meal!
5. Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great side to coconut shrimp. The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar helps balance out the saltiness of the shrimp and just makes this dish perfect for a summer night.
6. Corn on the cob
This is pretty self-explanatory. Corn on the cob is always good, especially when you’re eating it outside and there’s a breeze. It adds a little crunch to your meal as well as some sweetness.
7. Roasted carrots, squash and onions with poppy seed dressing
This is a very simple roasted vegetable dish. The sweet and savory combination is delightful. You can serve it alongside any protein or as a meal on its own. This recipe calls for adding cabbage to the mix, but you can use any other vegetable you like. Try broccoli, beets or cauliflower instead!
8. Quinoa stuffed peppers
This dish is full of fiber and protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meatless meal that fills you up. The quinoa stuffing gives the peppers a nice crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with their soft centers.
9. Avocado, pomegranate and corn salad
This salad is bright, fresh and colorful. It’s also easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time at all. This would be a great way to use up leftover corn from the summer months!
10. Spicy black bean burgers
Burgers are another crowd-pleasing dish that can be served with coconut shrimp as well as any other meal on your menu! These black bean burgers are spiced with cumin and coriander for an authentic Mexican flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
11. Baked sweet potato fries
A side of baked sweet potato fries is a delicious way to round out your meal. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and other nutrients, but they can be high in carbohydrates. Look for a low-carb sweet potato fry recipe or try baking them without any added oil or fat. You can serve these alongside your main course or add them to your salad to make it a complete meal.
12. Cheesy baked butternut squash bites
This is an easy recipe that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. It uses butternut squash, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese and a little bit of honey to give it sweetness without extra sugar. The result is a savory side dish with just enough sweetness to pair perfectly with any meal.
13. Cauliflower fried rice
Cauliflower fried rice is a great side dish for coconut shrimp. It is a healthy alternative to regular fried rice. The cauliflower is roasted until golden brown and then added to a wok with cooked rice and spices. This easy recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes.
14. Grilled asparagus with Parmesan cheese
Grilled asparagus with Parmesan cheese is a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Asparagus is grilled over an open fire until charred and tender, then topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. A simple but tasty side dish for any meal!
15. Raw carrot ginger soup
This is a great dish for summer because it’s light and refreshing, but if you want to make it year-round, just use frozen carrots and ginger. The recipe calls for coconut milk but you can also use coconut water.
16. Tropical Salsa
This is a simple recipe that can be made even easier by using pre-chopped mango instead of cutting them up yourself. If you have some leftover pineapple from the Coconut shrimp, add that as well! This salsa tastes great with anything else you have on hand too.
17. Lemon herb butter swordfish steaks with grilled vegetables and couscous
The swordfish is then paired with grilled vegetables and couscous for an easy and filling dish that looks impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. It’s also easy to adjust the recipe depending on your personal preferences.
18. Fresh baby spinach with strawberries, goat cheese and balsamic basil vinaigrette
Coconut shrimp is a dish that will make you feel like you’re on vacation. The sweetness of the coconut combined with the saltiness of the shrimp is an awesome combination. I like to serve it with fresh baby spinach, strawberries and goat cheese, with a balsamic basil vinaigrette drizzled over it all.
Tips for choosing your best side dishes
Side dishes can be as simple as some steamed veggies or as complicated as a full-course meal. Here are some tips to help you choose your best side dishes for coconut shrimp:
Match the texture and consistency of your side dish with the main course. If you’re serving rice or noodles with your coconut shrimp, choose a smooth and creamy soup or chowder to accompany it. Likewise, if you’re serving mashed potatoes with your coconut shrimp, serve something crunchy or crispy like fresh vegetables or fried fish.
Choose a flavor profile that matches the main course but isn’t so similar that it’s redundant (for example, don’t serve mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese together).
Conclusion
Coconut shrimp is a classic appetizer that’s a favorite of many. A crunchy coating of coconut bread crumbs is the perfect complement to the sweet, savory shrimp inside. You can serve this dish with a variety of side dishes, but these are some of the most popular options.
