If you’re wondering what to serve with your coconut shrimp, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I list 45 of the most popular side dishes for coconut shrimp.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with coconut shrimp are garlic chili oil noodles, pineapple fried rice, Asian chopped salad, corn succotash, and grits. You can also try mango slaw, zucchini fries, crab rangoon, or broccoli stir-fry. For a surf-and-turf meal, go with garlic butter sirloin steak.
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Appetizers
Coconut shrimp is a great appetizer for parties!
I usually whip up an orange chili dipping sauce to add a spicy kick to the coconut shrimp, but you can also serve it with yum-yum sauce for a creamy bite.
Coconut shrimp is also delicious alongside other small bites like crab rangoon and egg rolls.
Orange chili dipping sauce
This isn’t technically a side dish, but this sauce is a must-have accompaniment for coconut shrimp.
It’s a no-cook sauce made from sweet orange marmalade that’ll add a zesty twist to your crispy coconut shrimp.
This recipe uses a teaspoon of sriracha to bring a hint of heat, but you can add more to make it spicier. Or you can use one of these sriracha substitutes.
Why we love this recipe: this sauce is super versatile.
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Orange-chili dipping sauce
Make it creamy
Mango habanero aioli
Stick with the basics
Cocktail sauce
Crab rangoon
Complete your party spread with these crab rangoons.
They’re super easy to make, and the combination of crispy wonton wrappers and the creamy crab filling is simply irresistible.
You can bake these parcels for a healthier version, but I always go for frying to get that bubbly exterior.
Psst… these are also delicious with the orange-chili dipping sauce.
Why we love this recipe: they’re better than the takeout version.
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Crab rangoons
Skip the wontons
Crab rangoon-stuffed mushrooms
Make it different
Deep-fried shrimp dumpling bundles
Vietnamese spring rolls
These spring rolls are another appetizer you can serve with your coconut shrimp.
They may remind you of egg rolls, except they have mung bean noodles in the filling and are wrapped in thin rice paper.
They’re usually dipped in a nuoc cham sauce, but… they’re perfect with the orange chili dipping sauce too!
Did you guess what I was going to say?
Why we love this recipe: these will be gone in a flash.
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Vietnamese spring rolls
Go Filipino
Lumpia shanghai
Skip the oil
Baked vegetable egg rolls
Zucchini fries
Love fries, but wish they were healthier? Curb your cravings with this zucchini version.
The zucchini sticks won’t crisp up on their own, so this recipe coats them with a parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture to give you that crunch.
Pair the, coconut shrimp and sriracha aioli for a tasty snack (I went for a different dipping sauce here!).
Why we love this recipe: you can indulge without feeling too guilty.
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Parmesan zucchini fries
Make a favorite
Roasted sweet potato wedges
Skip the oven
Twice-fried French fries
Asian-inspired dishes
Coconut shrimp may not be authentically Asian, but it goes well with other Asian dishes like garlic chili oil noodles and vegetable stir fry.
You can also whip up an Asian-style salad for a light but satisfying meal.
Garlic chili oil noodles
These noodles are an excellent starchy side dish for your coconut shrimp.
True to their name, they boast a delectable spicy kick that contrasts the mildly sweet shrimp.
And these noodles are a breeze to make.
The whole thing can be on the table in just 10 minutes (it took me 12 when I timed it, but next time I’m going to aim for 10).
Why we love this recipe: it’ll satisfy those midnight cravings in a flash.
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Garlic chili oil noodles
Make a favorite
Vegetable lo mein
Make it refreshing
Vietnamese noodle salad
Asian chopped salad
This Asian-style chopped salad is anything but boring.
Instead of leafy greens, it’s loaded with fresh, colorful ingredients guaranteed to brighten your mood.
But the game-changer for this salad is its zippy, umami-loaded sesame ginger dressing. It brings everything together.
Why we love this recipe: it will look great in your Instagram stories.
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Asian chopped salad
Skip the oranges
Kale mango salad
Make it Thai-inspired
Pad thai salad
Broccoli stir-fry
If you want to keep your veggie side simple, try this stir-fry.
The broccoli florets are quickly stir-fried and then steamed in a mixture of stock, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
This technique ensures a perfectly crisp-tender bite and infuses the florets with savory umami goodness.
Pssst… want to make this healthier? Add more of your favorite veggies!
Why we love this recipe: a serving only has 129 calories.
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Broccoli stir-fry
Make it quick
Steamed broccoli
Preheat the oven
Sesame roasted broccoli
Spaghetti squash chow mein
Got a craving for noodles but cutting down on calories? Make this spaghetti squash chow mein instead.
These faux noodles don’t taste exactly like your usual Chinese egg noodles, but you won’t notice the difference once they’re coated with the umami-loaded sauce.
Serve these faux noodles with your coconut shrimp for the ultimate low-carb meal.
Why we love this recipe: everyone will be clamoring for second servings.
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Spaghetti squash chow mein
Add more veg
Spaghetti squash stir-fry with broccoli and edamame
Make it Thai-inspired
Pad thai zucchini noodles
American classics
Pairing coconut shrimp and grits is a deliciously fun play on the classic combo, but why not go all out with a luscious mash?
Or skip the starchy options and sear a juicy steak for a surf-and-turf twist?
Rosemary garlic butter sirloin steak
Sirloin steak is one of my favorite cuts to cook with.
It’s not too expensive, but you still get a naturally tender cut loaded with beefy flavors.
All it needs is a quick sear in a pan with butter, fresh garlic, and rosemary to make it totally delicious.
Prop the coconut shrimp on top for a restaurant-worthy meal.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a delicious steak dinner minus the luxurious price tag.
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Rosemary garlic butter sirloin steak
Go splurge
Pan-seared garlic rib-eye steak
Fire up the grill
Marinated flank steak
Corn tortillas
Corn tortillas are widely available in groceries, but making them from scratch is the way to go.
They only require three ingredients – two of which you will already have – and a 10-minute rest before you can shape and form them.
Load soft, warm corn tortillas with coconut shrimp and coleslaw for a fun twist on classic shrimp tacos.
Why we love this recipe: these last for a week in the fridge.
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Homemade corn tortillas
Make another staple
Flour tortillas
Make sliders
Hawaiian rolls
Grits
Go full Southern and serve your coconut shrimp over a bed of grits.
Grits are naturally creamy, but this recipe goes the extra mile and adds half and half, butter, and heavy cream to make these grits extra luxurious.
And to ensure the best results, use stone ground grits – they’ll take longer to cook but one taste, and you’ll see why it’s worth the wait.
Why we love this recipe: it’s great for a special breakfast.
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Grits
Add heat
Jalapeno cheddar grits
Go Italian
Cheddar parmesan polenta
Corn succotash
Want a healthy side dish for your coconut shrimp? This corn succotash has your back.
The great thing about this veggie dish is how customizable it is.
As long as you have corn and lima beans in the mix, you can add any veggie you want.
Why we love this recipe: you can serve it warm or cold.
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Corn succotash
Make it indulgent
Creamed corn
Make it spicy
Roasted chili corn salsa
Summer-inspired options
Bring the tropical vibes to your coconut shrimp meal with these fruity sides.
A fresh berry quinoa salad may sound odd, but trust me – it’ll leave your taste buds buzzing.
You can also go with a fruity slaw if you prefer a crisp, fresh bite.
Thai pineapple fried rice
Skip the typical egg fried rice and whip up this jazzed-up version instead.
The pineapple chunks’ acidity and sweetness pair superbly with your fried rice’s savory, umami flavors.
Fresh pineapple is the way to go, but you can also use the canned variety in a pinch.
Enjoy this vibrant fried rice with your crunchy, juicy coconut shrimp for a delicious tropical-inspired meal.
Why we love this recipe: it’s highly addictive.
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Thai pineapple fried rice
Keep it simple
Golden fried rice
Make it low-carb
Cauliflower egg fried rice
Fresh berry quinoa salad
Fresh berries are usually found in desserts, but this recipe shows they work in savory salads too.
They add a delightful sweet-tart bite, helping offset the salty gorgonzola cheese and give the quinoa a gorgeous pink hue.
Everything is tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette that enhances the berries’ natural flavors.
Prop your golden coconut shrimp over this salad for the ultimate summer meal.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
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Fresh berry quinoa salad
Make it for winter
Pomegranate salad with kale and quinoa
Go Thai
Peanut and quinoa salad
Mango slaw
Coconut shrimp reminds me of summer, so you can’t go wrong with serving it alongside this gorgeous mango slaw.
But it isn’t just about the looks – this slaw boasts a bright, zesty taste that helps cut through the greasiness of your fried coconut shrimp.
Not a fan of mangoes? Use juicy peaches instead.
Why we love this recipe: it’s super nourishing.
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Mango slaw
Make it simple
Mango jicama slaw
Back to basics
Classic coleslaw
The best side dishes for coconut shrimp
- Orange chili dipping sauce
- Crab rangoons
- Vietnamese spring rolls
- Zucchini fries
- Garlic chili oil noodles
- Asian chopped salad
- Broccoli stir-fry
- Spaghetti squash chow mein
- Rosemary garlic butter sirloin steak
- Corn tortillas
- Grits
- Corn succotash
- Fresh berry quinoa salad
- Thai pineapple fried rice
- Mango slaw
What To Serve With Coconut Shrimp (45 Ideas)
Ingredients
- 1 portion orange chili dipping sauce
- 1 portion Asian-chopped salad
- 1 portion grits
- 1 portion berry quinoa salad
- 1 portion garlic chili oil noodles
- 1 portion crab rangoon …. and more
Instructions
- Prepare your coconut shrimp according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: orange chili dipping sauce, crab rangoon, vietnamese spring rolls, zucchini fries, garlic chili oil noodles, asian chopped salad, broccoli stir-fry, spaghetti squash chow mein, rosemary garlic butter sirloin steak, corn tortillas, grits, corn succotash, fresh berry quinoa salad, thai pineapple fried rice, mango slaw.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
