What to Serve with Yucatan Shrimp? (11 Easy Sides)

I know what you’re thinking: “Shrimp from Yucatan?

What do I serve with that?” 

Well, I’ve got you covered.

Here are 11 easy sides to go with your yummy shrimp dish!

Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or something a little heartier, I’ve got you covered.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

See Also: 22 Best Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes

Why Consider Serving A Side Dish for Yucatan Shrimp?

There are a few reasons why considering a side dish for Yucatan shrimp is important.

First of all, it can help prevent overwhelming the palate when you have a lot going on in your dish.

Multiple flavors and textures make up a good shrimp dish, but too many types of ingredients can ruin the balance needed to complement your main dish.

Another reason you should consider a side dish for your shrimp is to prevent an overwhelming amount of carbohydrates.

Many people like to serve Yucatan shrimp with rice, but this can make the meal too heavy and not nearly as satisfying as a lighter dish would be.

If you’d rather stick with your favorite dinners or choose another option, it’s important to have a few go-to side dishes that won’t disappoint.

Finally, there’s the flavor element.

The flavors of Yucatan shrimp dishes are complicated, and many ingredients have a strong taste that can overpower your other ingredients.

You want to create a dish that has a well-balanced flavor, but adding too many different types of flavors will make it difficult for your palate to enjoy.

A side dish can even be spicy, but it should not overwhelm the flavor of the main course since its job is to compliment the flavors in your Yucatan shrimp dish.

What to Serve with Yucatan Shrimp?

There are many options for what to serve with Yucatan shrimp. You could serve it with rice, beans, tortillas, or even pasta. Yucatan shrimp also goes well with a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, yellow squash, and eggplant.

Keep scrolling for more ideas!

1. Cilantro Lime Rice

Because rice is a blank slate, it takes on the flavors of whatever you cook it with.

In this case, cilantro and lime give the rice a bright, fresh flavor that goes well with the shrimp.

You can also add other herbs and spices to taste, such as garlic, chili powder, or cumin.

2. Mexican Quinoa

Mexico has some of the best seafood in the world, and Yucatan shrimp is no exception.

This shrimp dish is usually served with a side of Mexican quinoa, which is a delicious and healthy alternative to rice.

There are a few things you can do to make your quinoa taste even better. First, try cooking it with chicken or beef broth instead of water.

This will give it a lot more flavor.

You can also add some herbs and spices to the quinoa, such as cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder.

If you want a little bit of a crunch, you can add some chopped nuts or seeds.

3. Black Beans

These little shrimp are big on flavor, and that bold taste pairs perfectly with the rich, earthy flavors of black beans.

But what really makes this dish shine are the herbs and spices you can use to elevate the flavors.

A little cumin and smoked paprika give the beans a deep, complex flavor, while fresh cilantro and lime brighten things up.

And if you really want to take things over the top, a touch of chipotle chili powder adds a smoky, spicy kick that takes this dish to the next level.

4. Corn on the Cob

Why not try this delicious summertime side dish with your next Yucatan shrimp dish?

Corn on the cob is a great way to add some flavor and texture to your meal.

Plus, it’s easy to make and can be tailored to your taste.

To make this side dish even more delicious, try adding some butter, salt, and pepper to the corn before cooking.

You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect flavor combination for your meal.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

An easy way to make a delicious side dish to accompany shrimp is to roast sweet potatoes.

1. Start by peeling and slicing two or three sweet potatoes into thin pieces.
2. Next, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil and your choice of herbs and spices. Some good options to try include rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika.
3. Then, spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.

The final result should be tender, flavorful sweet potatoes that are the perfect complement to your Yucatan shrimp.

6. Plantain Chips

This crunchy, salty side dish is the perfect accompaniment to your shrimp.

Plantain chips are easy to make at home, and you can customize them to your taste by adding different herbs and spices.

To make them extra crispy, fry them in hot oil until golden brown.

Serve with a dipping sauce or salsa for an extra zing.

7. Guacamole

A Mexican meal wouldn’t be complete without some guacamole!

This dish is traditionally made with avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

You can make it as simple or as complex as you like.

1. To make a basic guacamole, start by mashing two avocados in a bowl.
2. Then add in diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to taste.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and give it all a good stir.

For a little extra flavor, you could also add in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder.

If you want to get really fancy, you can try adding in other ingredients like mango, pineapple, or even roasted corn.

Just make sure to adjust the flavors accordingly.

The key to a good guacamole is to find a balance between the creaminess of the avocado, the acidity of the lime juice, and the saltiness of the seasonings.

So play around with it until you find a combination that you like!

8. Salsa

This delicious yet spicy salsa is the perfect accompaniment to Yucatan shrimp.

Made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers, it is both flavorful and healthy.

To make it even tastier, try adding some chopped cilantro or lime juice.

For a truly unique flavor experience, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

9. Pico de Gallo

This dish is traditionally made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, and is a great way to add a little extra flavor to your shrimp.

To make it even tastier, try adding some fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper.

If you want a little more heat, you can also add some chopped serrano peppers.

For a truly authentic dish, use white onions and serve with tortilla chips.

10. Sour Cream

Sour cream is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that goes great with Yucatan shrimp.

To make it, simply combine sour cream, lime juice, and salt to taste.

For extra flavor, you can also add in chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or jalapeño peppers.

Serve it alongside the shrimp for a complete meal.

11. Chimichurri Sauce

Lastly, why not try a Chimichurri Sauce with your Yucatan Shrimp?

This sauce is very easy to make and can be made ahead of time.

To make, simply combine 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

If you want a little bit more of a zing, you can also add in a 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

When ready to serve, simply drizzle the sauce over the shrimp.