What Vegetables Go with Shrimp? 21 Best Vegetables

You can have vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, green beans, or eggplant with shrimp. Try to choose vegetables that can be cut up in bite size pieces and then marinated to give the shrimp more flavor.

Shrimp is all the rage right now.

Whether you’re seeing videos of it on Facebook or people talking about the latest celebrity who ate it, shrimp is going to be an excellent addition to any meal.

And though you’d think all vegetables would go great with shrimp, you might be surprised that they don’t — just like a bad pair of shoes with a nice suit.

Here is a list of veggies that can compliment and enrich your shrimp dish so that you can enjoy it even more and impress friends!

What Vegetables Go with Shrimp? 21 Best Vegetables

There are so many amazing recipes with shrimp as an ingredient, but I often see that people don’t build the recipe into something great.

Give your recipe for shrimp a boost by adding one of these vegetable ingredients.

You might be surprised how much it enhances the flavor of the dish.

1. Broccoli

Shrimp and broccoli are great together when steamed or sautéed.

Combine the two ingredients by heating them in olive oil or butter over medium heat, then add garlic to bring out their flavors.

You can also pair them with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for an extra kick.

2. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of the best vegetables to pair with shrimp dishes.

It’s mild in flavor, which means it doesn’t compete with the shrimp’s texture or taste.

When roasted in the oven, cauliflower develops a caramelized taste and texture that is the perfect complement to juicy sauteed shrimp.

If you’re on a diet or just trying to eat a little healthier, this is a great way to get more vegetables without sacrificing flavor.

Cauliflower is high in fiber and low in calories, so it can fill you up without weighing you down.

And because it’s so easy to prepare, it can be a quick side dish for any kind of seafood!

Why not give it a try tonight?

3. Carrots

Shrimp pairs well with a variety of vegetables, but it really shines when you pair it with carrots.

When pairing shrimp with carrots, it’s important to consider how the flavors of both will compliment (or clash) with each other.

Carrots are sweet, but also have a bit of bitterness to them which can balance out the creaminess of shrimp.

Like shrimp, carrots also go well with butter and lemon.

Their natural sweetness and earthy flavor also complement shrimp’s strong “sea-side” taste.

We recommend using medium-sized carrots since they’re easier to cut into uniform pieces and will cook at about the same rate as your shrimp does during preparation.

4. Radishes

Radishes are a lot like shrimp: they’re small, crunchy, and either loved or hated depending on who you ask!

But if you love them both, why not try pairing radishes and shrimp together for extra flavor?

Their flavors will blend together to create something totally new, and you’ll be amazed at how these two small vegetables can play off each other.

5. Bok Choy

Are you looking for a new seafood dish that will have your family and friends talking?

Try pairing shrimp with bok choy.

The mild, celery-like flavor of the leaves complements the sweet, firm flesh of shrimp, and it’s easy to mix up this popular Asian vegetable in your favorite recipes.

Bok choy is an excellent source of Vitamin C, folic acid and fiber.

Since it only takes 2 minutes to steam or sauté, you can quickly cook bok choy and then add it as a side dish or stir fry to any meal.

You can even use it to create your own personal fried rice recipe!

Bok choy is also low in calories, which makes it an excellent choice if you’re trying to maintain or lose weight.

A serving of bok choy provides only 10 calories, so you can eat as much of it as you want without worrying about your waistline.

Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some bok choy and try pairing it with shrimp for a delicious new meal!

6. Tomatoes

Have you ever tried pairing tomatoes with shrimp?

This is a combination that can make your meal feel even more special, and it doesn’t require you to buy any expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.

The reason tomatoes and shrimp work so well together is because they’re both packed with umami flavor.

This means they go together like peanut butter and jelly! We bet you’ll love the way this dish tastes—and it’s good for you too.

7. Zucchini

If you’re looking for a vegetable side dish that really complements the flavor of your shrimp and brings out the best in both, you can’t lose with zucchini.

Zucchini has a mild flavor, which will help it not compete with the taste of your shrimp.

It also has a soft texture that pairs well with the softness and delicateness of shrimp.

And if you’re just plain tired of broccoli or potatoes on the side of your baked or fried shrimp, switch it up with some zucchini!

You can pan fry, steam, or bake it however you like, and it’s delicious every single time.

8. Celery

Celery goes well with shrimp for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, both ingredients are light and fresh, so they’ll never overpower each other in a recipe.

They also have similar textures—both are crunchy, but in different ways.

The flavor of this microgreen is also very mild, meaning that it won’t compete for attention with the shrimp.

Overall, this is a match made in heaven!

9. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are similarly known for their sweet flavor—but they have another thing going for them: they contain vitamin C.

This means that they’re also an acidic vegetable.

When paired together, the acidity of the bell pepper works with the saltiness and sweetness of the shrimp to create a unique taste experience.

Not only do bell peppers provide an interesting contrast to shrimp’s salty-sweet combo, but they also offer another bonus: crunch!

If you’re looking to add some texture to your meal, this is definitely one way to do it!

10. Lettuce

Shrimp’s unique nutritional content makes it an excellent candidate for pairing with other vegetables, especially leafy greens.

The crispness of lettuce and the succulent taste of shrimp are a match made in heaven when tossed together with a simple dressing or served as a garnish on your favorite salad.

11. Asparagus

Asparagus has a unique flavor, and shrimp can be seasoned in many different ways.

If you have never tried eating these two foods together, I highly recommend it.

One of my favorite things about this combination is that it is so simple—all you need to do is cook them separately and then combine them on a plate.

This makes it easy to make for yourself at home or bring over to someone else’s house as an appetizer or side dish.

First, start by cooking your asparagus so that it is tender but not mushy (you want some snap!).

Next, season with salt and pepper before adding any additional flavors like garlic powder or lemon juice.

Once this step is done, set aside while you prepare your shrimp: they should be peeled and deveined before being tossed into hot oil until crispy on both sides (about four minutes).

Then just arrange everything on a platter with some dipping sauce if desired!

12. Cucumbers

If you’re an avid seafood aficionado, you know that shrimp goes with nearly everything.

But, have you ever tried pairing cucumbers with shrimp?

Believe it or not, the two are a match made in heaven.

Cool and crunchy cucumbers help cut through the richness of the shrimp while adding refreshing notes to the dish.

Next time you’re in the kitchen cooking up some delicious shrimp, consider adding a side dish of cucumbers.

You’ll be glad you did.

13. Spinach

Spinach has a lot of qualities that make it a great choice for pairing with shrimp.

It’s not too salty, like kale can be, and it doesn’t have the strong flavors of some other vegetables, like cabbage or broccoli.

This means it can blend well with the natural flavors of shrimp.

Because spinach is low-calorie and high in nutrition (it has lots of vitamins A and K, as well as calcium), it can help balance out a meal that’s high in fat or calories.

This makes it a great choice if you’re looking to snack on something but still want to keep your meal light and healthy.

It’s easy to make shrimp and spinach work together: just sauté the two together!

They’ll taste great on their own or added to a salad or pasta dish.

14. Kale

Shrimp and kale are a great match because they are both low-calorie ingredients that pack a powerful punch when combined.

Shrimp is naturally low calorie but high in protein whereas kale is one of the lowest calorie vegetables out there.

Add a little bit of olive oil dressing to this pairing and you have yourself one filling meal!

15. Mushrooms

Are you a fan of fungal flavor?

If so, you’ll love the way mushrooms add their own distinctive tang to your shrimp dish.

Whether it’s steamed edamame or sautéed shiitake, mushrooms can be paired with shrimp in many ways.

16. Green Beans

It’s hard to find a more versatile vegetable than green beans.

Related: 42 Canned Green Bean Recipes

They’re crunchy, flavorful, and work well with a variety of dishes and flavors.

But one pairing you may not have tried is shrimp and green beans.

Green beans are most often paired with either chicken or pork because they’re on the mild side.

But they can actually be a great accompaniment to shrimp when cooked right, as the natural sweetness of the beans complements the distinct flavor of the seafood.

When sear-cooking (or stir-frying) your shrimp, simply add in your green beans near the end of cooking time so that they don’t overcook; you want them to have a nice bite to them.

And don’t forget to season!

The sweetness of these two ingredients plays nicely off of mild herbs like parsley or thyme.

So next time you’re thinking about what to pair with your shrimp, give green beans their due and try them together!

17. Green Peas

Green peas are small but mighty.

They have a surprisingly high protein content, and they’re also packed with vitamin A and vitamin C.

But best of all, they balance out the texture of shrimp while adding a light sweetness that complements the flavor.

1. To prep your peas to go alongside your shrimp, start by cooking them in a pan with oil on medium heat—you’ll want the peas to be tender but not overcooked when you take them off the heat.
2. Then just throw them into a bowl with some sliced garlic and toss until everything’s well-combined.
3. To top it all off, drizzle a little bit of lemon juice over your dish and serve!

That’s all there is to it! What are you waiting for? Get cooking!

18. Onions

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who love onions, and those who haven’t tried them with shrimp yet.

Onions can be a great complement to shrimp because the flavor enhances the sweetness of the shrimp without being overpowering.

If you’re looking to add a little bit more flavor to your next shrimp meal, try adding some onions—you might be surprised!

19. Leeks

The flavor of leeks is similar to that of onions, but they are milder and sweeter.

They’re often included in French dishes, such as soups and sauces.

When cooked, leeks have a rich, buttery taste—all without the unhealthy calories of real butter.

Pairing shrimp with leeks can be a great way to keep your food interesting while making sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need in your diet.

If you’re someone who’s always looking for new ways to keep your shrimp recipes exciting and delicious, this is one pairing to try!

20. Capers

Capers have a very distinctive, almost vinegary flavor that can work really well with seafood dishes!

You’ll probably want to pair them with something that really stands out on its own, so it doesn’t get lost behind the capers’ flavor.

We recommend trying capers with shrimp or chicken breast.

Just make sure your shrimp is peeled and deveined before you get started!

21. Sweet corn

If you’re looking for something a bit more down-home, try pairing shrimp with sweet corn.

The sweetness of the corn provides a nice contrast to the briny saltiness of the shrimp, and makes for an easy side dish or appetizer.

9 Tips for Serving Vegetables with Shrimp

The truth is, we’re all a little tired of eating the same old veggie sides with our shrimp. We want variety!

And we want to make sure that the veggies we get are being prepared in a way that complements their unique flavors and nutritional benefits.

So here are 9 tips for serving vegetables with shrimp:

1. Be Creative

Whether you’re using fresh or frozen veggies, try a new recipe or ensure you’re using a healthy cooking method like roasting or steaming to avoid losing nutrients.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Weird

Vegetables like beets and turnips have a naturally sweet flavor that matches well with shrimp’s salty taste, so try roasting them and serving over rice for an unconventional but delicious dinner option.

3. Consider the Season

Not all vegetables are in season at all times of the year, so it’s important to keep track of what’s available and when.

If you’re serving a vegetable that’s out of season, it’ll probably have to be frozen or imported, which can affect its quality—and your carbon footprint!

4. Add Some Extra Flavor

Just because you’re serving a healthy meal doesn’t mean it has to be boring!

Try adding something extra to bring out the flavors of your ingredients.

You can always experiment with herbs and spices, but don’t discount the possibility of adding some kind of protein as well!

5. Create a Balanced Meal

When it comes to serving vegetables with shrimp, you want to make sure that you’re creating a balanced meal—and that means thinking about more than just their nutritional value!

You also want to consider how much fiber is in each ingredient so that everyone who eats it will feel satisfied after they finish eating their food (and not like they just wasted money on something they didn’t enjoy).

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

For example, when I was in Thailand I ate a type of leafy green vegetable that wasn’t available in the United States.

The leaves were large and flat and had a slightly bitter taste.

When combined with shrimp, they made for a truly delicious meal!

7. Keep It Simple

Shrimp and vegetables can go together just as well as any other protein and side dish, but it’s important not to get too fancy or complicated if you want to minimize your risk of mismatching flavors.

Try a classic Caesar salad with your shrimp, for example.

8. Go Asian-Inspired

Asian cuisine is known for its incredible use of flavors and textures, so when in doubt, turn to an Asian-inspired recipe for inspiration on how to pair your shrimp with veggies.

Try sauteing your shrimp in sesame oil and garlic, then serving them over a bed of rice noodles and bok choy (also known as baby cabbage).

9. Don’t Overcook

When you’re cooking shrimp, you can walk away from the stove for a minute while they cook and they’ll be perfect—or you can forget about them for just a little too long, and they’ll turn into chewy rubber.

Make sure to use a timer (or set an alarm on your phone), so that you don’t overcook your shrimp!

8 Benefits of Serving Vegetables with Shrimp

We all know that vegetables are a nutrient-rich, low-calorie addition to any meal.

But what you might not know is that veggies can also be the perfect partner to succulent shrimp!

Check out these benefits:

1. It’s Portion Control Done Right

When you serve veggies and shrimp together, you’ll be sure to have a healthy, balanced meal.

If you’re serving a large group, such as at a party or wedding, that can make things easier for you.

2. It’s an Easy Way to Get Your Family to Eat Their Vegetables

You know vegetables are good for you, but it can be hard to get your kids to eat them.

When you pair them with something like shrimp, that makes it easier for everyone in the family to eat their vegetables.

3. It’s Good For Your Heart

Studies show that the best way to keep your heart healthy is by eating foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

That’s why we recommend serving shrimp with vegetables: they’re both low in saturated fat and cholesterol (and high in other nutrients).

4. Easy Prep and Clean-Up

Vegetables are easy to prepare, no matter what cooking method you use: steaming, grilling, or sautéing are all great ways to cook veggies.

And because they’re simple to prepare and cook quickly (sometimes even faster than shrimp!), there’s less time prepping and cleaning.

5. No Need for Heavy Sauces or Extra Ingredients

Depending on the dish, sauces and additional ingredients can add calories and fat.

With a vegetable side dish, all you really need is a little salt or pepper for seasoning—or no seasoning at all if the natural flavor of the vegetable is enough for you.

6. Vegetables Help Reduce Inflammation

The antioxidants and phytochemicals in vegetables help our bodies fight off inflammation, which helps keep us healthy and feeling our best.

Shrimp also contains antioxidants, making for an extra-powerful anti-inflammatory combo!

7. Veggies Add More Fiber to Your Meal

We’re sure you’ve heard it before: eating more fiber is great for maintaining a healthy digestive tract and keeping your weight down.

And this is just as true when you pair veggies with shrimp as it is when you eat them on their own.

Plus, when you serve your shrimp with some broccoli in a lemon butter sauce or sautéed spinach, the high-fiber content of those veggies will help to slow down digestion—making your meal last longer and keep you feeling full!

8. Veggies Add More Flavor

When herbs and spices are added to veggies, it creates a flavorful combination that complements succulent shrimp perfectly.

From zesty cilantro and fresh parsley in your seafood paella to savory rosemary and oregano in your steamed seafood medley, there are so many tasty ways to mix vegetables and shrimp together!