Shrimp and creamy, savory grits is a beloved Southern comfort dish. On its own, it’s satisfying, but when you pair it with complementary sides, it transforms into a well-rounded meal. So, what are the best sides for shrimp and grits? Whether you prefer classic Southern sides or modern, fresh options, there are many ways to elevate the flavors and textures. In this guide, we’ll explore ideal side dishes that will balance and enhance the experience of enjoying this classic meal.
Why Pairing Matters
Choosing the right side dishes is essential to creating a well-balanced meal. The creamy, rich texture of the grits and the savory shrimp benefit from sides that either add freshness or provide a contrast in texture. For example, vegetables add lightness, while heartier options like cornbread or biscuits make the meal more filling. Thoughtful pairing ensures the main dish remains the centerpiece while adding variety to the plate.
Popular Pairings:
- Cornbread: Offers a crumbly texture and a touch of sweetness.
- Collard Greens: Smoky and hearty, this side balances the creaminess.
- Roasted Vegetables: Crisp and fresh, contrasting the richness of the main dish.
For a traditional option, try a Southern cornbread recipe to accompany your shrimp and grits.
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Classic Southern Sides
When thinking about side dishes, starting with Southern classics is a great idea. These traditional sides have long been served alongside shrimp and grits, offering complementary flavors that work in harmony.
Best Classic Southern Sides:
- Cornbread: Lightly sweet and crumbly, this Southern staple contrasts the smooth texture of the grits while adding mild sweetness to the shrimp.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside, fried green tomatoes offer a crunchy, tart element.
- Collard Greens: Slow-cooked collard greens, often prepared with bacon or ham hocks, provide a smoky, earthy flavor.
- Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up any sauce and can be enjoyed alongside the main dish.
- Hush Puppies: Deep-fried cornmeal balls offer a savory, crunchy contrast to the creamy grits and tender shrimp.
Each of these sides brings a unique texture or flavor to the table, from the crumbly sweetness of cornbread to the crunch of hush puppies. For an extra twist, consider serving cheddar bay biscuits for even more flavor.
Why These Sides Work:
Each of these sides brings something different to the table. Cornbread, for example, offers sweetness and a crumbly texture that contrasts the smooth grits. On the other hand, hush puppies add a savory, crunchy element that enhances the dish’s overall balance.
For a different twist, try cheddar bay biscuits to add even more flavor to your shrimp and grits.
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Vegetable Sides
Balancing the richness of the main dish with light, fresh vegetables is another great way to complete the meal. Vegetables can be prepared in a variety of ways, from roasting to steaming, to provide flexibility in flavor and texture.
Best Vegetable Sides:
- Green Beans Almondine: French-style green beans sautéed in butter and topped with toasted almonds add a fresh, crisp flavor with a nutty finish.
- Roasted Broccoli: Roasting broccoli enhances its natural flavor and adds a slightly bitter, savory note to the meal. Its crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the soft grits.
- Succotash: This traditional dish made with corn, lima beans, and sometimes bacon adds a hearty, sweet, and savory balance.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, sweet potato fries provide a contrast in both flavor and texture.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy, this option mirrors the texture of the grits while introducing leafy greens for a fresh component.
Vegetables like green beans or roasted broccoli add a lightness that offsets the creamy richness, providing a welcome balance to the meal.
Why These Sides Work:
Vegetables like green beans and roasted broccoli add freshness and crispness, which contrasts well with the soft texture of shrimp and grits. Additionally, their lightness helps balance out the richness of the dish.
For a light, healthy option, try roasted broccoli alongside your shrimp and grits.
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Salad Options
For a fresh, crisp contrast, salads make excellent sides. They introduce refreshing flavors and textures that cleanse the palate and enhance the overall meal.
Best Salad Pairings:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing cut through the richness of the grits and shrimp, creating a well-rounded bite.
- Cucumber, Avocado, and Tomato Salad: This light, refreshing salad combines creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and juicy tomatoes, contrasting the savory shrimp.
- Wedge Salad: A wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with blue cheese, bacon, and tomatoes offers a crisp, cool side with a tangy flavor.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad: Sweet strawberries paired with fresh spinach and a light vinaigrette bring a sweet contrast to the savory meal.
Salads offer a refreshing lightness, with vinaigrettes adding acidity that cleanses the palate between bites. Try serving a Caesar salad for a simple but effective pairing.
Why These Sides Work:
Salads provide a refreshing, light contrast to the richness of the shrimp and grits. The acidity from vinaigrettes helps cleanse the palate between bites, while crisp lettuce or cucumbers offer a textural contrast.
For a simple yet effective pairing, try serving a Caesar salad with your shrimp and grits.
Hearty Soup Options
On cooler days, a hearty soup paired with shrimp and grits can add warmth and comfort to the meal. Soups not only complement the flavors but also create a fuller, more satisfying experience.
Best Soup Pairings:
- She-Crab Soup: Rich and creamy, this Lowcountry favorite is loaded with crab meat and finished with sherry, making it a luxurious seafood companion.
- Clam Chowder: Another creamy, comforting option, clam chowder offers a smooth texture that echoes the grits, complementing the shrimp perfectly.
- Gumbo: This classic Louisiana dish adds bold spices and deep flavors to the meal, with its seafood, sausage, and vegetables providing a dynamic contrast.
- Lobster Bisque: Luxurious and smooth, lobster bisque pairs well with the creamy grits, while adding an extra layer of seafood flavor.
Creamy soups like she-crab or lobster bisque enhance the texture of the dish, while spicier soups like gumbo add excitement and contrast.
Why These Sides Work:
Creamy soups like she-crab soup or lobster bisque echo the smooth texture of the grits, while their rich flavors enhance the shrimp. On the other hand, spicy options like gumbo offer contrast and excitement, bringing a dynamic flavor to the meal.
For a seafood-rich experience, consider pairing shrimp and grits with she-crab soup for an indulgent meal.
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Modern and Creative Pairings
For a modern twist, you can explore creative side dishes that introduce bold new flavors, making the dish feel fresh and exciting.
Modern Pairings:
- Pesto Shrimp: Adding fresh basil pesto to the shrimp introduces herbaceous flavors that pair well with creamy grits.
- Greek-Inspired Ingredients: Incorporating feta cheese, olives, and lemon zest gives the dish a zesty Mediterranean twist.
- Surf and Turf: Pairing shrimp with steak or pork adds depth and creates a luxurious surf-and-turf meal.
- Polenta Swap: For an Italian-inspired variation, consider swapping grits for polenta. Polenta’s texture and flavor are slightly different but offer a new take on the familiar dish.
These creative sides bring a fresh perspective, adding bold and unexpected flavors to an otherwise traditional meal.
Why These Pairings Work:
Why These Pairings Work:These creative sides introduce bold new flavors to shrimp and grits, transforming the dish into something exciting and unexpected. Whether you add pesto or feta cheese, these modern pairings make the dish feel fresh and unique.
FAQs About Shrimp and Grits
What sides go with shrimp and grits?
Sides that go well with shrimp and grits include classic Southern staples like cornbread, collard greens, and fried green tomatoes, as well as lighter options like salads and roasted vegetables.
Can shrimp and grits be served as a main dish?
Yes, shrimp and grits are typically served as a main dish. They are hearty and filling, but adding sides like vegetables or salad can make the meal even more satisfying.
What drinks pair well with shrimp and grits?
Light drinks such as sweet tea, white wine, or light beer pair well with shrimp and grits. Their refreshing qualities help balance the richness of the dish.
Are there healthier sides to serve with shrimp and grits?
Healthier sides include roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or fresh salads, which add a nutritious component to the meal and balance its richness.
Can shrimp and grits be served for breakfast?
Yes, shrimp and grits were traditionally served as a breakfast dish in the Lowcountry. However, they can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When serving shrimp and grits, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your meal turns out perfectly:
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and should be watched closely. Overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture.
- Using too many rich sides: Shrimp and grits are rich and creamy, so it’s important to balance the meal with lighter, fresher sides like vegetables or salads.
- Not seasoning the grits properly: Grits need plenty of seasoning to bring out their flavor. Don’t skimp on salt, butter, or cheese.
Conclusion
Shrimp and grits is a versatile dish that can be elevated with a wide variety of side dishes. Whether you choose traditional Southern staples like cornbread and collard greens or explore modern twists like pesto or feta cheese, the right sides can turn this classic meal into something truly extraordinary. So next time you serve shrimp and grits, experiment with different pairings to find the perfect sides that suit your tastes and preferences.