What goes with bang bang shrimp? If you are simply in love with seafood, you may have already tried “bang bang shrimp”.
The shrimp in this dish is deep-fried until they are crispy, and then mixed in a savory chili sauce. These spicy shrimps are perfect for nibbling or as an appetizer.
It is more of a seafood variant of crispy buffalo wings, but you can make it even better by choosing the right sides.
Combining it with a healthy and appetizing side dish can easily turn it into a wholesome meal.
But, what goes good with bang bang shrimp? Are there suitable sides for bang bang shrimp? Of course, there are!
The best sides to try with bang bang shrimp include cucumber salad, cauliflower rice, and roasted broccoli, but many other options work equally well too.
Grab a Bite of Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is made of big shrimp breaded in cornstarch and seasoned before being doused in a hot sauce.
It goes perfectly as a first course before you order the main course.
However, if served with various accompaniments, this shrimp can surely serve as the main meal.
But not everything goes great with bang bang shrimp, so you should choose carefully.
Storing and Pairing Bang Bang Shrimp
While you can try this shrimp dish with many sides, you may be wondering how to store it properly to use later.
Thankfully, it is possible to freeze bang-bang shrimp.
You can always preserve the leftovers for another time. The shrimp can be frozen after being stored in an airtight container or a freezer bag.
Tip: You can definitely store bang bang shrimp, but keep in mind that it is important to consume it within three months after freezing.
What Goes with Bang Bang Shrimp Perfectly?
While excellent as a snack or starter, Bang Bang Shrimp can be expanded into a hearty meal by adding some side dishes.
But, knowing what to eat with bang bang shrimp is essential. The options are many, though, starting from rice or a salad.
But, toss it with classic spaghetti and the shrimp makes a delicious meal.
You can prepare any type of pasta you like by boiling, draining, and then mixing with some butter of your choice to make your shrimp taste even better.
Here are some good options to consider.
Roasted Broccoli
You cannot go wrong with serving bang bang shrimp with a simple vegetable side dish like broccoli.
It is visually appealing, full of beneficial nutrients, and will not steal the show from the shrimp.
The broccoli’s natural earthy tastes come through when you roast it, so you can get away with just using lemon and garlic for seasoning.
Pasta
Spicy shrimp dishes like bang bang shrimp are best served with a hefty side of pasta.
Pasta work with most meaty dishes, and bang bang shrimp is no exception.
You can serve the shrimp over any type of pasta you like. And to further enhance the flavors, simply coat the pasta in a sauce that is both smooth and fiery.
Alternatively, the shrimp can be chopped into bite-sized pieces and added as a garnish.
It is simple to prepare and the pasta’s flavor profile stays muted enough to not overpower the shrimp.
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice works great with any shrimp dish, and it is perfect if you are also watching your carb intake.
Cauliflower rice is made by grating the vegetable and then steaming it until it becomes fluffy.
Use soy sauce or your preferred seasonings to add flavor when cooking.
It is nutritious and tastes great, like roasted nuts. And adding some garlic butter for that extra something will take it to another level.
Tip: To add extra flavors to your cauliflower rice and bang bang shrimp, you can always consider adding some almonds to the mix.
Baked Cornbread
Cornbread works for everything, isn’t it? And if you are looking for something to serve with bang bang shrimp, why not give cornbread a try?
Combining shrimp and cornbread is something that can definitely take you to the past when cornbread was a real champ.
But to make it taste out of this world, use butternut squash when baking the cornbread.
Using butternut squash will make your cornbread a tad more tender and delicious.
It is surely going to add a bit more oomph to your regular bang bang shrimp.
Enjoy it with your crispy breaded shrimp and you will never look for anything else.
Refried Beans
Mainly a staple in Mexican cuisine, refried beans are a great addition to your bang-bang shrimp.
It is a combo of mashed and cooked pinto beans.
You can get it ready much quicker if you opt for canned beans. It serves as a great option when you are in the mood for some bang-bang shrimp tacos.
The upside is that these beans are vegan, gluten-free, and extremely healthy.
But to make it taste better, consider adding some cheese and veggies to your refried beans.
Nutty Rice Pilaf
Are you looking for something warm and fuzzy to enjoy with bang bang shrimp? Look no further than a bowl of rice!
And it is even better to put your money on a bowl of nutty rice pilaf. Just cook your bowl of rice pilaf and enhance its flavor by adding shrimp on top.
The good thing is that it does not take a lot of time to get this side dish ready.
Moreover, the meaty, spicy shrimp together with rice pilaf will certainly reawaken your appetite.
Roasted Cauliflower
For something tasty yet nutritious to combine with bang-bang shrimp, you can always opt for roasted cauliflower.
The right use of seasonings is all you need to creatively enhance the flavor profile of roasted cauliflower.
The options are plenty, right from garlic powder and salt to butter and paprika.
Tip: To give your bang bang shrimp and cauliflower an extra kick, consider adding some grated parmesan to the dish.
Spinach Salad
The moment you think there is nothing else to go with your bang bang shrimp, you can save the day with a spinach salad.
The good thing is that you do not have to stick to the traditional method, as you can add a lot more than simple nuts and cheese.
For instance, you can make it special with feta cheese, apples, and walnuts.
By the way, dressing your salad with apple cider vinaigrette is also a good idea.
Crab Cakes
What makes a great seafood spread with bang bang shrimp? Oh yes, what other than crab cakes?
Crab cakes are simple to make. Just take some fresh crab meat and add Old Bay season, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and enough binder.
Do not forget to serve them with a wedge of lemon and everyone’s favorite tartar sauce.
Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini
If you are looking for a side dish that goes well with literally every main course, you should stick to this one.
While it works pretty well on its own, you can take it to another level by preparing a lemon butter garlic sauce. And it is not that tricky either.
- Take unsalted butter and whisk it well with Italian seasoning.
- Also, add minced garlic, salt, lemon juice, and pepper.
- Use the sauce to cover up both sides of the zucchini.
- Grill it for a couple of minutes on both sides.
- Use parsley for garnishing and serve!
Grilled Salmon Skewers
If you want a side dish that is healthy, easy to make, and appetizing, try salmon kabobs. They simply tick all the boxes and are irresistible.
The quality of the marinade matters a lot here because salmon will get the flavors from it.
So, be generous with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Simply make the marinade and add salmon cubes to it. Do not forget to refrigerate it before cooking.
Tip: Make sure to soak the salmon for at least half an hour if you intend to use wooden skewers.
Mango Guacamole
Mango guacamole is perfect for adding a refreshing side to your bang-bang shrimp.
At the very least, you can go with guacamole dip, which is delicious and add a nutritional touch to your meal.
Takeaway
What goes with bang bang shrimp? No one will judge you if you love the bang bang shrimp alone, but having it with a side dish makes it so much better.
But, if you want to experiment, you can certainly try a number of interesting side dishes, from mango guacamole and grilled salmon to spinach salad and roasted cauliflower.