Elevate Your Shrimp Po’ Boy with the Perfect Side Dishes

The shrimp po’ boy, that iconic Louisiana sandwich stacked with crispy fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce, is utterly delicious on its own. But serving it alongside compatible, crave-worthy side dishes can take the experience to even greater heights.

When exploring what sides to serve with your shrimp po’ boy, think about contrasting textures, colors, and flavors that will complement the components of the sandwich. Crunchy, tangy, spicy, creamy, bright, and savory are all great directions to go to make your meal perfectly balanced and extraordinarily satisfying.

Let’s dive into some mouthwatering options for accentuating your shrimp po’ boy with outstanding side dishes.

Crispy, Crunchy Fries

• French fries – Few side dishes pair better with a sandwich than fries Seasoned fries like Cajun spice or garlic Parmesan take it up a notch

• Sweet potato fries – A healthier option with great crunch and sweetness, Bake instead of fry for maximum crispness

• Onion rings – Crispy golden onion rings offer irresistible texture and salty savoriness. Get the batter right for optimal crispiness.

• Fried okra – Another Southern favorite, fried okra coated in seasoned cornmeal has a delightful crunch.

• Potato wedges – Heartier than fries, wedges coated in spices have bold flavors. Great with ranch or spicy ketchup.

Zesty, Invigorating Slaw or Salad

• Coleslaw – The quintessential sandwich partner. Tangy coleslaw with its cool crunch is a perfect po’ boy accompaniment.

• Green salad – Mixed greens, spinach, or arugula dressed with a bright vinaigrette lightens up the meal.

• Pasta salad – Cold pasta, veggies, and Italian dressing makes a lively counterpoint to the po’ boy.

• Macaroni salad – A creamy, Southern classic balancing the sandwich’s textures.

Savory Baked Goods

• Cornbread – The sweetness and crumbliness of cornbread perfectly complements the shrimp. Jalapeño adds a kick.

• Hushpuppies – Deep fried cornmeal batter in bite-size nuggets offers irresistible taste and texture.

• Biscuits – Flaky, buttery biscuits are a satisfying match for soaking up po’ boy juices.

Smoky, Spicy Sides

• Cajun corn – Grilled corn kicked up with smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning. Or go for creamed corn.

• Red beans and rice – This hearty Creole classic loaded with spices is a flavorful accompaniment.

• Collard greens – Slow cooked collards with smoked turkey punch up the flavor.

• Grilled veggies – Charred zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus with smoky essence.

Creamy Potato Dishes

• Mashed potatoes – Smooth, creamy potatoes complement the shrimp’s crunch. Load them up with butter, cream and spices.

• Potato salad – Chunky potato salad with a creamy dressing cools down the heat.

• Cajun dirty rice – Rice simmered with spicy sausage and seasonings offer comfort.

Quick and Easy Pickled Veggies

• Pickles – Dill, bread & butter, or spicy pickles deliver bright, tart crunch.

• Pickled okra – Briny, boiled okra offers a taste of the South.

• Pepper relish – Pickled bell peppers, onions, and spices provide tang.

Tailor Options to Your Tastes

The possibilities are endless when deciding what sides to serve with shrimp po’ boys. Lean into your own flavor preferences and choose options that strike your fancy, whether it’s kick and heat, herbs and spices, or cool and creamy.

By thoughtfully selecting complementary side dishes for texture, taste and visual appeal, you can craft a shrimp po’ boy meal that delights all the senses. A perfect sandwich deserves perfect pairings.