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Coconut Shrimps is a perfect dish. The magic of coconut flakes and the distinctive aroma can make you eat dozens of them. Since they disappear immediately from the table, a side dish must complement the main meal.
So, what are the best sides that go with coconut shrimp? The best sides to serve with coconut shrimp are Tropical Pineapple Mango Salsa, Grilled Corn with Lime and Chili Butter, Cilantro Lime Jasmine Rice, Mango, and Avocado Salad. We have added 26 more such recipes that can be served with this dish. They will help you decide on a complete menu for any party, or just a regular meal for your family.
Salads
Tropical Pineapple Mango Salsa
Pairing up the tropical flavors is a good idea when planning a hot, summertime meal. Pineapple and mango together bring in a fruity, tangy, and tropical flavor burst to upgrade any seafood meal.
Spice the salsa up with jalapeno and red peppers. Add a bit of fresh cherry tomatoes and onions if you like, as they make the flavors bold and introduce the crunch to the salsa.
Cilantro Lime Jasmine Rice
When all else fails, rice works because rice dishes have infinite varieties. The Cilantro Lime Jasmine Rice introduces a blend of sweet aroma and a balanced flavor.
If you have cooked the coconut shrimp in a sauce or gravy, jasmine rice is perhaps the best side to serve with. The recipe requires a bit of olive oil, tang from the lime juice, bold flavors of garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper.
A free tip! Try cooking the rice in vegetable or chicken stock to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Mango and Avocado Salad
The zesty and spicy salad introduces bold and exciting flavors to the table and complements the coconut shrimp. As long as mangoes are in the season, make the best of them by adding them to this tasty and healthy salad.
Avocados are nutritious and healthy, so this makes the salad low-calorie, highly nutritious, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. You can also add this salad to your everyday lunch menu in the summer season. It is also an ideal side to take to potluck parties or camping trips.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Pasta is yet another food that goes with almost any meal. Hawaiian Macaroni salad has a distinctive flavor because of the creamy dressing. It is sweet and tangy and makes pasta salad almost a complete meal.
Mostly I add celery and carrots to my Hawaiin salad, but you can give it a more tropical flavor by adding a few pineapple chunks to it too. It is the best side to serve at potluck parties and festive dinners.
Tropical Quinoa Salad
Since Quinoa has gained popularity and is a good source of protein, we can incorporate it into various salads and sides. It makes a meal nutritious and wholesome, keeping it vegan and Gluten-free.
The tropical flavors pair best with coconut shrimp, so this salad is loaded with pineapple, mango chunks, bell peppers, onions, and almonds.
The honey lime dressing incorporates a zesty tang to it. This refreshing salad is a healthy, low-cal option to complement many protein-based meals.
Spicy Mango Salad
When mangoes are in season, make the most of them! Cut them up into chunks and add some onions and refreshing cucumbers. The most interesting company is the spicy dressing, which pops up the flavor of vegetables.
The salad gets ready within 20 minutes. To make it even more flavorful and crunchy, roast some peanuts and add to the salad, just before serving. This salad complements any Chinese and Thai meal and can be served as it is for lunch on a hot afternoon
Cucumber and Mango Salad
Refreshing cucumbers are an essential part of almost every summer meal. This salad bowl, filled with cucumbers, red onions, mangoes, and tangy vinaigrette pops up the dinner table instantly.
The salad bowl gets ready to serve within 15 minutes. Be it coconut shrimp, meatballs, clear vegetable soup, or anything on your table, the Cucumber and Mango salad complements it very well. Try adding a few pineapple chunks or shredded coconut for more crunch and texture.
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Avocado Pasta Salad
When you make a nutritious and healthy salad, Avocado is the best option as it is full of nutrients. It makes a vibrant and colorful salad loaded with sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, fresh green peas, and other vegetables.
The creamy dressing makes it a hearty meal but is still a low-cal recipe, so anyone can enjoy it without worrying about the caloric count.
The trick is to boil the vegetables along with pasta to infuse more flavor and color, and to prevent the loss of nutrients.
Lime Tomato Salad
Cherry tomatoes make the perfect salad bowl which makes an appearance on almost every dinner table. But don’t rely on tomatoes solely. Add chopped cucumbers, avocados, and red onions to make them more crunchy, nutritious, and wholesome.
What adds taste, aroma, and flavor to the salad is its zesty lime vinaigrette. Spice up the salad using red chili flakes, black pepper, and sea salt.
The salad acts like a salsa when served with coconut shrimp as it has a boost of flavors, a zesty tang, and a lot of crunch. Let us make that dinner table appear wonderful!
Sweet and Sour Cabbage Slaw
Cabbage comes in handy when you do have not much in your pantry to make a side. Pair it with some carrots and bell peppers to create a fun, refreshing, and light Cabbage slaw.
The dressing features vinegar or lime juice and sugar to give a sweet and sour flavor, which goes well with the coconut shrimp. Together these two create a perfect meal, which everyone on the table loves to have.
Sweet and Sour Cabbage Slaw is a perfect side for a summer afternoon get-together or a snack to munch in this blazing heat.
Tropical Coconut Coleslaw
Just as the Hawaiin braches give you a dreamy feeling of being on a fairy-tale island, this Hawaiin-style salad will also make you feel fantastic. The rich coconut cream along with the zesty tang of lime transforms the dull boring coleslaw into a creamy delight.
The Tropical Coconut Coleslaw features mainly cabbage and coconut, but feel free to add pineapples for added sweetness, flavor, and texture. Serve this magical side on a blazing hot summer afternoon alongside coconut shrimp, fried chicken, or fish and chips.
Papaya Avocado Salsa
Since coconut shrimp is mild in flavor, salsa can boost it up by adding tang, spice, and aroma. Just like Avocado Salad, Papaya and avocado are low-cal, superfoods rich in nutrients and antioxidants, so these foods create a health-boosting salsa when paired with a bit of spice.
The key to fresh, crunchy salsa is to use only fresh ingredients and not prepare it way before serving. The vegetables should not get watery by the time of serving, so it is best to prepare them fresh, serve immediately, and discard any leftovers.
Grain And Rice Side Dishes
Coconut Ginger Fried Rice
As I said before, Rice makes a perfect side dish to any meal. Sometimes, you can complement two similar flavors in different recipes to complete a meal. The Coconut ginger rice has a refreshing taste and is light on your stomach.
This rice dish is a completely vegan and low-cal recipe. You simply need coconut oil, coconut milk, and shredded coconut to make this. Easy-peasy and quick to make when you have unexpected guests.
Coconut Jasmine Rice
The Jasmine Rice cooked in coconut milk gives a distinctive sweet flavor, complementing that of coconut shrimp. It is a universal kind of side that goes with almost anything. The coconut milk not only gives the rice a sweet flavor but a nice, sticky texture as well.
So if you are planning for a party menu, try serving Coconut shrimp along with Coconut Jasmine Rice and Ginger chicken to complete the meal. The recipe only requires 25 minutes to cook.
Quinoa with Lemon and Almonds
Quinoa has such a unique and versatile texture that it acts as grain and rice. The citrusy quinoa along with almonds may look like a salad, but acts as a refreshing meal on a hot summer day.
The citrus forms tangerines and lemons incorporate a fresh taste and sriracha sauce makes it a bit spicy. The flavor blend makes it an ideal side to pair with Chinese or Thai food.
This superfood side sits well with grilled chicken or beef steaks, coconut shrimp, chicken tenders, etc. You can conveniently store the leftovers in the refrigerator to use the next day.
Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice
Cooking rice in coconut milk introduces a lot of variety in rice dishes, especially in Chinese and Thai cuisine. The Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice has a beautiful contrast of creamy yet tangy taste.
To introduce a variation and make it similar to egg-fried rice, you can also add pieces of omelet to the final mix of the rice. This adds protein to the meal making it a complete dish as it is.
Without the egg, it is a vegan and refreshing side to serve with Beef Chili Dry, Coconut shrimp, Schechuan, or other Chinese gravies.
Pineapple Coconut Quinoa
Quinoa is neutral in taste, so we can prepare it to complement any main meal. This Pineapple and Coconut Quinoa yields a truly tropical flavor and goes well with Coconut Shrimp.
Cooking quinoa in coconut milk infuses more flavor than simply adding shredded coconut. I prefer to add a bit of pineapple juice during cooking too.
This site is a vegan, gluten-free, and low-cal meal that everyone on the table can enjoy.
Pineapple Fried Rice
You can make fried rice in as many flavors as possible, but pairing it with a tropical main meal seems to be a challenge. Pineapple fried rice complements the flavor with coconut shrimp, and also adds a new flavor to your rice menu.
Pineapple fried rice is a tasty meal. You can serve it as it is or pair it up with Prawn Tempura, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Tofu Manchurian, or other entrees. Serve it on a special celebration to make the festive meal an exciting one.
Stir Fry And Skillet Sides
Chili Garlic Green Beans
Green Beans might not appeal much to people who love bold and spicy flavors. But this Chili Garlic Green Beans side dish is mouthwatering.
The fact that it gets ready within 10 minutes makes it a quick fix for some sudden guests or get-togethers. It is a dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free side dish to pair with coconut shrimp.
Add a bowl of tom yum soup to your dinner table with this side to make a complete meal on a cold winter evening. It is best served as an appetizer too.
Lemon Garlic Asparagus
To be honest, I find asparagus a less appealing vegetable, so I always look for recipes to make it a little more flavorful. Surprisingly, the asparagus side dishes are quick to make and serve well if have unexpected guests.
Sauteing asparagus with chopped garlic and a bit of lemon juice brings out the flavor and makes it more aromatic. The side goes well with coconut shrimp, baked beans, or other main courses. Since it is sauteed in olive oil, it is a low-cal and healthy option for those trying to lose weight.
Crispy Fried Plantains
Crispy Fried Plantains are one of those delicious foods that can be served as a side dish, lunchbox meal, or a tea-time snack. It only requires a few simple ingredients and gets ready within minutes.
The key to perfectly crisp fried plantains is to deep fry them in hot oil. However, if you want to keep this side dish a low-cal, healthy one, you can also air fry them while applying olive oil.
Serve with ranch sauce, garlic mayo dip, or pesto sauce for a spicier flavor. These Plantains also make a great lunchbox item and a snack for outdoor picnics.
Creamy Coconut Polenta
Polenta is a nutritious and high-protein meal. Adding coconut to it not only gives it a mild, sweet flavor but also enhances its texture and flavor.
Creamy Coconut Polenta makes a great side to serve with Coconut shrimp or Pan de Coco. if you plan a tropical menu for a beach party or a celebration, these two can make a great combination.
Usually, it is great on its own, but adding some balsamic mushrooms and chickpeas gives it a nice, brown color. Makes a nice, warm, and cozy one-pot meal.
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
Since sweet potatoes are high in fiber content, you can enjoy spicy sweet potato fries on a weight-loss diet too. The trick is to air-fry them in light olive oil. Spices like cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder make the taste bold and boost the flavor.
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries make a great combination with coconut shrimp both in terms of flavor and texture. Try serving it with garlic mayo dip or ranch sauce to complete the meal and enhance the overall flavor.
Ginger and Garlic Stir-Fried Vegetables
A bowl of chopped mixed vegetables comes in handy when you need to prepare a side dish with a meal, in a short time. Choose any vegetables you like i.e. bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, green beans, and peas.
Stir-frying them in ginger garlic paste not only enhances the overall taste but also makes the meal aromatic. You can serve this side on a bed of jasmine rice, your choice of pasta, garlic bread, or any complementing carb food.
Roasted Sides
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lime Zest
Roasted sweet potatoes are more tender than simple boiled ones, and their flavor is also intense. What makes them more aromatic is a perfect blend of honey, lime, olive oil, and spices.
This may perhaps be the best sweet potato dish to complement the coconut shrimp. You can also make this ahead of time and refrigerate it so that you only need to heat it when serving.
Since sweet potatoes are high in fiber content and gluten-free, it makes a healthy and nutritious side, fit for anyone.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Coconut
Some of us do not like to include soy sauce in our meals. A healthy alternative is the coconut amino, which brings out the flavor and sauciness of a dish.
Brussels sprouts get a natural boost in flavor when roasted. Using coconut oil and coconut amino brings out an entirely new flavor, not resembling the coconut.
Serve this exciting new flavor of Brussels sprouts with Coconut Shrimp or Pineapple Coconut Quinoa to complete the meal. You can also serve these as tasty evening-time snacks.
Sweet Chili Roasted Carrots
Carrots might have a very bland taste, but since roasting boosts the flavor of any vegetable, these roasted carrots might tantalize your taste buds.
The trick is to use sweet chili oil and a few red chili flakes before you set to roast them. They serve as a must-have side, especially in the summer afternoons as children love to eat them as it is.
The recipe is entirely gluten and dairy-free, so you can prepare it even on a low-cal, allergen-free diet.
Grilled Sides
Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Lime
Want to prepare a healthy side within minutes? Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Lime is that recipe. A tropical flavored, tasty, and zesty side that needs only 20 minutes to prepare.
I prefer serving it with a scoop of coconut ice cream, so it can also act as a dessert. Without ice cream, it is still sweet with all the honey and coconut, and so creates a balance with the flavor of coconut shrimp. The recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian so everyone in the family can enjoy it.
Grilled Corn with Lime and Chili Butter
A true statement about corn! It makes space on every menu. You can boil the corn and grill it to add it to your soups. But what goes well with the coconut shrimp is the grilled version, flavored with lime juice and chili butter.
Children and adults alike adore this side because it is a perfect balance between spice and sweetness. It is simple and easy to prepare, you can take it to any potluck party or summer outdoor picnics.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Admit it or not, our children love to eat anything that is on skewers, so the best idea to feed them veggies is to put them on skewers and grill them.
Usually, I keep them mild in terms of spice but feel free to make a more spicy version by adding cayenne and paprika. Drizzle a bit of hot sauce before serving. Grilled Vegetable Skewers are a quick and easy meal to take to picnics or serve at informal outdoor parties.
30 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
- Tropical Pineapple Mango Salsa
- Grilled Corn with Lime and Chili Butter
- Cilantro Lime Jasmine Rice
- Mango and Avocado Salad
- Coconut Ginger Fried Rice
- Sweet and Sour Cabbage Slaw
- Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Lime
- Coconut Jasmine Rice
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Chili Garlic Green Beans
- Tropical Quinoa Salad
- Spicy Mango Salad
- Lemon Garlic Asparagus
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lime Zest
- Cucumber and Mango Salad
- Quinoa with Lemon and Almonds
- Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
- Tropical Coconut Coleslaw
- Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
- Ginger and Garlic Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Papaya Avocado Salsa
- Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Coconut
- Lime and Tomato Salad
- Pineapple Coconut Quinoa
- Sweet Chili Roasted Carrots
- Crispy Fried Plantains
- Creamy Coconut Polenta
- Pineapple Fried Rice
Instructions
- Choose from any one of these side dishes that can be paired with Coconut Shrimp.
- Gather the required ingredients.
- Start making the recipe and carefully follow the instructions.
- hope you’ve made the side for Coconut Shrimp in 20 minutes.
