Shrimp tacos are a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly versatile meal. Whether you’re grilling up a batch for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a lively fiesta, the right side dishes can elevate your shrimp taco experience from delicious to unforgettable. But what exactly are the best companions for these succulent, seafood-filled delights? Let’s explore a range of side dishes, catering to different tastes and dietary needs, to help you create the perfect shrimp taco feast.
The Importance of a Great Side Dish
A well-chosen side dish does more than just fill you up. It complements the flavors of the main course, adding texture, contrast, and a balanced nutritional profile. When it comes to shrimp tacos, consider the existing flavors: the sweetness of the shrimp, the tang of lime, the spice of the salsa, and the richness of the avocado or crema. The ideal side dish should either amplify these flavors or provide a contrasting element that enhances the overall dining experience.
Think about balance. If your shrimp tacos are already packed with creamy elements, a light and refreshing side salad might be the perfect choice. If they’re on the spicier side, a cooling side dish could offer welcome relief. The key is to create a harmonious meal where each component plays its part.
Classic Mexican-Inspired Side Dishes
When serving shrimp tacos, leaning into the flavors of Mexico is a natural choice. Many traditional Mexican side dishes pair perfectly with the bright, coastal flavors of shrimp.
Mexican Rice: A Timeless Staple
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. Its slightly tomato-infused flavor and fluffy texture make it an excellent accompaniment to shrimp tacos. The mildness of the rice helps to balance the boldness of the taco fillings, providing a comforting base for the meal.
Different regions have different variations of Mexican rice. Some recipes include vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn, while others are simpler, focusing on the rice, tomatoes, and broth. Experiment with different recipes to find your favorite!
Refried Beans: Creamy and Satisfying
Refried beans, whether made from pinto or black beans, offer a creamy and satisfying element to your shrimp taco meal. Their earthy flavor and smooth texture provide a delicious contrast to the lighter shrimp.
You can find canned refried beans for convenience, or you can make them from scratch for a richer, more authentic flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of cotija cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top of the beans for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): A Flavor Explosion
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a true flavor explosion. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, creating a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy treat.
The smoky char of the grilled corn, combined with the creamy, cheesy sauce, makes elote an irresistible side dish that complements the flavors of shrimp tacos beautifully. It can be served on the cob or cut off into a bowl for easier eating.
Black Bean Salsa: A Fresh and Flavorful Option
Black bean salsa is a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based salsas. Made with black beans, corn, red onion, bell peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño, it’s a vibrant and healthy side dish.
The sweetness of the corn, the tang of the lime, and the subtle heat of the jalapeño create a complex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with shrimp. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping, or spoon it directly onto your shrimp tacos for an extra burst of flavor.
Light and Refreshing Side Dishes
Sometimes, you want a side dish that won’t weigh you down. These light and refreshing options are perfect for warmer weather or when you want a healthier meal.
Coleslaw: A Crunchy and Tangy Delight
Coleslaw, with its crunchy cabbage and tangy dressing, is a classic side dish that works surprisingly well with shrimp tacos. The crispness of the cabbage and the acidity of the dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp and other taco fillings.
Consider experimenting with different coleslaw variations. A Mexican-inspired coleslaw with lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño can be a particularly good match.
Cucumber Salad: Cool and Crisp
Cucumber salad is a simple yet satisfying side dish that’s perfect for a hot day. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed with a light vinaigrette, often with herbs like dill or mint.
The cool and crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spice of the tacos, while the vinaigrette adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors. You can also add red onion or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Mango Salsa: Sweet and Spicy
Mango salsa is a tropical delight that adds a touch of sweetness and spice to your shrimp taco meal. Diced mango is combined with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice, creating a vibrant and flavorful salsa.
The sweetness of the mango perfectly complements the savory shrimp, while the jalapeño adds a subtle kick. This salsa is especially delicious when spooned directly onto your tacos.
Vegetable-Focused Side Dishes
Adding a vegetable-focused side dish to your shrimp taco meal is a great way to boost its nutritional value and add some extra color and texture.
Grilled Vegetables: Smoky and Delicious
Grilled vegetables are a simple and healthy side dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and corn are all excellent choices.
The smoky char from the grill adds a depth of flavor that complements the shrimp, while the vegetables provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before grilling.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and Savory
Roasted sweet potatoes offer a sweet and savory counterpoint to the shrimp tacos. The sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by roasting, creating a caramelized crust and a tender interior.
You can season the sweet potatoes with cinnamon, chili powder, or a combination of both for a more complex flavor. They are also delicious with a drizzle of lime juice or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
Avocado Salad: Creamy and Healthy
Avocado salad is a simple and healthy side dish that adds a creamy and satisfying element to your meal. Diced avocado is combined with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño.
The creamy avocado provides a rich and flavorful contrast to the lighter shrimp, while the lime juice and jalapeño add a touch of brightness and spice. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping, or spoon it directly onto your shrimp tacos.
Unique and Unexpected Side Dishes
Looking for something a little different? These unique and unexpected side dishes might just become your new favorites.
Quinoa Salad: A Healthy and Flavorful Grain
Quinoa salad is a healthy and flavorful option that adds a boost of protein and fiber to your meal. Quinoa is combined with vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette.
The nutty flavor of the quinoa pairs well with the shrimp, while the vegetables add a variety of textures and flavors. You can customize the salad with your favorite ingredients, such as black beans, corn, bell peppers, or avocado.
Coconut Rice: A Tropical Treat
Coconut rice is a creamy and fragrant side dish that adds a touch of tropical flavor to your meal. Rice is cooked with coconut milk, creating a rich and slightly sweet flavor.
The coconut milk adds a creamy texture that complements the shrimp, while the subtle sweetness provides a pleasant contrast to the savory flavors of the tacos. You can garnish the rice with toasted coconut flakes or chopped cilantro.
Spicy Mango Black Bean Burgers (Mini): Bite-Sized Flavor
While technically not a traditional “side dish,” mini spicy mango black bean burgers served on the side offer a unique and flavorful counterpoint to shrimp tacos. The sweetness of mango, the earthiness of black beans, and a hint of spice create a complex flavor profile that complements the tacos surprisingly well.
Pairing Considerations Based on Taco Style
The specific style of your shrimp tacos can influence your choice of side dishes. Are they grilled, fried, or blackened? Are they served with a creamy sauce or a spicy salsa?
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Lighter side dishes like cucumber salad, coleslaw, or mango salsa are ideal.
- Fried Shrimp Tacos: Creamier and heartier side dishes like refried beans, Mexican rice, or elote can balance the richness of the fried shrimp.
- Blackened Shrimp Tacos: Cooling and refreshing side dishes like avocado salad or black bean salsa can help tame the spice.
Dietary Considerations
When choosing side dishes, it’s important to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests.
- Vegetarian: Many of the side dishes mentioned above, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, elote, black bean salsa, coleslaw, cucumber salad, mango salsa, grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado salad, and quinoa salad, are vegetarian-friendly.
- Vegan: Some modifications may be needed to make certain dishes vegan. For example, you can use vegan mayonnaise and cheese in elote or coleslaw, and ensure that the refried beans are made without lard.
- Gluten-Free: Most of the side dishes are naturally gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Cucumber salad, coleslaw (with a sugar substitute), grilled vegetables, and avocado salad are good low-carb options.
Final Thoughts on Perfect Pairings
Ultimately, the best side dishes for shrimp tacos are those that you and your guests enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures to create your own perfect pairing. Consider the overall balance of the meal, the dietary needs of your guests, and the specific style of your shrimp tacos. With a little creativity, you can create a shrimp taco feast that is both delicious and memorable. Remember, the goal is to enhance the flavors of the main course and create a complete and satisfying dining experience. So, go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the process of finding your perfect shrimp taco side dish match!
What’s a good refreshing side dish to balance the richness of fried shrimp tacos?
A refreshing counterpoint to the richness of fried shrimp tacos is a bright and zesty slaw. Look for slaws that incorporate lime juice, cilantro, and maybe even a hint of jalapeño for a vibrant flavor profile. The acidity cuts through the grease, while the fresh herbs and vegetables offer a palate-cleansing effect.
Consider using a base of shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion, and then adding ingredients like mango, pineapple, or even jicama for an added layer of sweetness and texture. A light vinaigrette, rather than a heavy mayonnaise-based dressing, will ensure the slaw remains refreshing and doesn’t compete with the flavors of the tacos.
Are there any Mexican street food-inspired sides that pair well with shrimp tacos?
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a fantastic choice to accompany shrimp tacos. The creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors of elote complement the savory shrimp perfectly. The charred corn provides a smoky element that adds another layer of complexity to the meal.
Another excellent option is esquites, which is essentially elote off the cob. It retains all the delicious flavors of elote but is easier to eat as a side dish. Both elote and esquites offer a textural contrast to the soft tortillas and shrimp, enhancing the overall dining experience.
What’s a healthy and flavorful side dish option for shrimp tacos?
A vibrant and flavorful black bean and corn salad is a healthy and delicious side dish. This salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious complement to the shrimp tacos. It offers a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, from the creamy black beans to the sweet corn and crisp vegetables.
Enhance the salad with chopped bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro, and then dress it with a lime vinaigrette. Adding a touch of cumin and chili powder can further enhance the Mexican-inspired flavors. This salad is a light and refreshing option that won’t weigh you down.
Can a simple rice dish complement shrimp tacos effectively?
Yes, a simple and well-prepared rice dish can be an excellent accompaniment to shrimp tacos. The key is to choose a rice that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the shrimp. A light and fluffy cilantro-lime rice is a classic choice, providing a subtle citrusy note that complements the seafood beautifully.
Alternatively, Mexican rice, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, is another suitable option. Just be mindful not to make it too spicy, as you want the shrimp to remain the star of the show. The rice provides a comforting and satisfying base for the meal.
What kind of salsa or dip is a good side to offer with shrimp tacos?
Guacamole is an almost essential accompaniment to shrimp tacos. The creamy avocado, combined with lime juice, cilantro, and onions, provides a cooling and refreshing counterpoint to the savory shrimp. It adds a layer of richness and healthy fats to the meal.
Pico de gallo, a fresh and chunky salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, is another fantastic choice. Its vibrant flavors and refreshing crunch provide a delightful contrast to the soft tortillas and shrimp. Both guacamole and pico de gallo enhance the overall taco experience.
Are there any creative vegetable side dishes that go beyond the typical Mexican fare?
Grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lime juice can be a surprisingly delicious accompaniment to shrimp tacos. The slightly charred asparagus provides a subtle smoky flavor that complements the shrimp, while the lime juice adds a bright and refreshing touch. It’s a healthy and elegant side dish option.
Another creative option is a roasted vegetable medley with bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, seasoned with Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful and satisfying side dish that complements the shrimp tacos nicely.
What are some considerations for pairing drinks with these side dishes and shrimp tacos?
When pairing drinks, consider the overall flavor profile of the meal. For refreshing side dishes like slaw or black bean salad, a light and crisp Mexican lager or a refreshing margarita can be a perfect complement. The acidity of the margarita cuts through the richness of the tacos and refreshes the palate.
For richer side dishes like elote or guacamole, a slightly more robust beer, such as a Mexican amber lager, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can be a good choice. Avoid overly sweet drinks, as they can clash with the savory flavors of the tacos and side dishes.