What Goes Well With Buffalo Shrimp?

Buffalo shrimp is a flavorful, spicy dish that’s perfect for parties, casual dinners, or even as a quick snack. Its bold tanginess pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments, from crisp vegetables to hearty starches. But what goes well with buffalo shrimp to make it a complete, balanced meal? Figuring out the best pairings can take your buffalo shrimp experience to the next level.

In this article, we’ll explore what goes well with buffalo shrimp, offering classic options, creative twists, and healthy choices. Whether you’re planning a meal or a party spread, this guide will help you craft a dish that’s balanced, delicious, and unforgettable.

Classic Pairings for Buffalo Shrimp

Celery, Carrots, and Ranch Dressing: A Classic Trio

When you think of buffalo shrimp, celery and carrots are often the first pairings that come to mind. These fresh, crunchy vegetables provide the perfect contrast to the shrimp’s spicy kick.

Why it works: The crisp texture and natural sweetness of celery and carrots balance the heat of buffalo sauce, making every bite refreshing.
Pro Tip: Serve them chilled for an added cooling effect. Arrange them on a platter with a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Ranch dressing is the ultimate sidekick here, with its creamy, tangy flavor soothing the heat from the buffalo shrimp. If you prefer a stronger flavor, blue cheese dressing is another excellent choice.

Coleslaw: Creamy and Refreshing

Coleslaw is another crowd-pleasing companion for buffalo shrimp. Its creamy texture and slightly sweet taste complement the spicy, tangy shrimp beautifully.

Traditional coleslaw: Made with cabbage, carrots, and a mayo-based dressing, it’s a classic option that pairs well with bold flavors.
Lightened-up version: Opt for a vinegar-based slaw if you want a lighter, tangier side.

Coleslaw is not only a delicious pairing but also adds color and variety to your plate, making it a visual and culinary win.

Now that we’ve covered the classics, let’s move on to heartier options that make buffalo shrimp even more satisfying!

Starchy Side Dishes for Hearty Meals

Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

For those wondering what goes well with buffalo shrimp to create a hearty and comforting meal, mashed potatoes are a top contender. Their creamy texture and mild flavor pair beautifully with the spicy kick of buffalo shrimp.

Why it works: Mashed potatoes provide a neutral base that balances the boldness of the buffalo sauce. Adding garlic butter enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for added color and a touch of freshness.

If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider using mashed cauliflower as a low-carb alternative. It delivers the same creamy texture with fewer calories and carbs.

Crispy French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries

No one can resist the combination of shrimp and fries! Whether you choose classic French fries or the natural sweetness of sweet potato fries, this pairing is a guaranteed hit.

Why it works: The crispy exterior of the fries complements the juicy texture of the shrimp, while their flavors contrast beautifully with the tangy buffalo sauce.
Pro Tip: Season your fries with a dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder to echo the flavors of the shrimp.

For an even healthier twist, consider air frying your fries. This method delivers the same satisfying crunch with less oil, making it a guilt-free side dish.

Vegetable Sides to Balance the Heat

Roasted Vegetables Like Broccoli and Asparagus

When considering what goes well with buffalo shrimp to add a nutritious element to your meal, roasted vegetables are an excellent choice. Broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts roast beautifully, creating a slightly caramelized flavor that pairs well with spicy shrimp.

Why it works: The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables contrasts with the heat of buffalo sauce, while their tender texture complements the shrimp’s crispiness.
Pro Tip: Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before roasting for a cohesive flavor profile.

Corn on the Cob: A Sweet and Smoky Pairing

Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs wonderfully with buffalo shrimp. Its sweet, juicy kernels balance the spiciness of the shrimp, creating a refreshing contrast.

Why it works: Whether grilled, boiled, or roasted, corn adds a touch of sweetness that mellows the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Pro Tip: Brush the corn with a little butter and sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese or smoked paprika for an elevated flavor.

Adding roasted or fresh vegetables to your meal not only balances the heat of buffalo shrimp but also ensures your plate is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Creative and Bold Pairings

Buffalo Shrimp Tacos with Avocado and Slaw

For a fun twist, turn buffalo shrimp into tacos. This bold pairing combines spicy shrimp with creamy avocado and crunchy slaw for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Why it works: The heat from the buffalo shrimp is offset by the cooling creaminess of avocado. The slaw adds a fresh crunch that elevates every bite.
Pro Tip: Use soft flour or corn tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime juice, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Buffalo shrimp tacos are perfect for casual dinners or parties, offering a unique way to enjoy this classic dish.

Shrimp Bowls with Rice, Beans, and Lime Dressing

Another creative option is to serve buffalo shrimp in a hearty bowl. Pair it with rice, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing for a satisfying and colorful meal.

Why it works: The rice and beans provide a neutral base that absorbs the bold flavors of the buffalo shrimp. Lime dressing adds a tangy kick that ties the dish together.
Pro Tip: Add toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

These shrimp bowls are versatile, customizable, and great for meal prepping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Best Dipping Sauces for Buffalo Shrimp?

Buffalo shrimp pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch and blue cheese dressing are classic options, but you can also try honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even sriracha mayo for a spicy twist.

What Drinks Pair Well with Buffalo Shrimp?

The heat of buffalo shrimp is best balanced with cool, refreshing beverages. Beer, such as a light lager or IPA, complements the spiciness well. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with lime are great choices.

Can Buffalo Shrimp Be Served as a Main Dish or Appetizer?

Absolutely! Buffalo shrimp is versatile and works as both. As an appetizer, serve it with dipping sauces and vegetable sticks. As a main dish, pair it with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or rice bowls.

For ideas on this pairing, explore this mashed potatoes and gravy recipe.

Drinks and Desserts to Complement Buffalo Shrimp

Refreshing Drinks to Balance the Spice

When thinking about what goes well with buffalo shrimp, the right drink can take your meal to the next level. Choosing beverages that cool the heat or amplify the flavors makes a noticeable difference.

Beer Pairings: Light lagers, wheat beers, or IPAs complement the spicy, tangy buffalo sauce while refreshing your palate.
Wine Options: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling add a fruity touch that pairs well with shrimp.
Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Choices: Iced tea with lemon, cucumber-infused water, or sparkling lemonade are excellent options to counterbalance the heat without alcohol.

Sweet Treats to Finish Strong

Pairing buffalo shrimp with the right dessert can create a complete dining experience. Light, refreshing desserts work best after the bold flavors of buffalo shrimp.

Key Lime Pie: The tart and creamy profile of this dessert contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the shrimp.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of watermelon, pineapple, and berries offers natural sweetness and a hydrating finish to the meal.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy, cooling finale.

Adding a carefully chosen dessert not only completes the meal but also balances the heat and tang of buffalo shrimp.

How to Create a Balanced Buffalo Shrimp Feast

Planning a Multi-Course Meal

If you’re hosting a gathering, building a well-rounded menu around buffalo shrimp ensures a memorable dining experience. Start with appetizers, move to the main course, and finish with dessert for a seamless flow.

Appetizers: Begin with a platter of vegetable sticks, buffalo shrimp bites, and dipping sauces.
Main Course: Serve buffalo shrimp tacos, bowls, or pair the shrimp with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Desserts and Drinks: Wrap up the meal with a light dessert and beverages that complement the bold flavors.

Creating Flavor Harmony with Sides and Pairings

To create the ultimate buffalo shrimp feast, focus on sides and pairings that balance and enhance the shrimp’s spicy profile.

Use creamy elements like coleslaw or mashed potatoes to tone down the heat.
Add refreshing items like cucumber salad or roasted corn to bring texture and contrast.
Incorporate bold flavors like garlic bread or spiced polenta to match the dish’s intensity.

Buffalo shrimp is an adaptable dish, and with the right pairings, it becomes the star of a flavorful, well-balanced meal. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this guide ensures your feast will impress.

For a unique veggie twist, try this carrot and celery recipe as a refreshing side.

Tips for Pairing Buffalo Shrimp with Sides and Drinks

Understanding Flavor Profiles

To truly answer the question What Goes Well With Buffalo Shrimp?, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the dish. Buffalo shrimp is bold, spicy, and tangy, so pairings should balance or complement these characteristics.

Balancing Heat: Creamy sides like coleslaw or ranch dressing are excellent for toning down the spice. Sweet or citrusy drinks can also balance the heat.
Amplifying Flavors: Spicy sides, such as Cajun fries or seasoned rice, enhance the boldness of buffalo shrimp for those who love heat.

Mixing Textures for a Complete Meal

Texture plays a key role in creating a satisfying meal. Combining the tender, juicy texture of buffalo shrimp with crunchy sides like vegetable sticks or crispy fries creates a pleasing contrast. Similarly, pairing it with soft sides like mashed potatoes or grits provides a comforting balance.

Pro Tip for Hosting:

When serving buffalo shrimp at a gathering, set up a “build-your-own” station with taco shells, rice, and a variety of toppings. This allows guests to create their favorite combinations while keeping the meal interactive and fun.

Final Thoughts on Pairing Buffalo Shrimp

Versatility is Key

Buffalo shrimp is incredibly versatile, making it a star dish for any meal or occasion. From classic sides like coleslaw and fries to creative pairings like tacos and bowls, there are endless ways to enjoy it. The answer to What Goes Well With Buffalo Shrimp? ultimately depends on your preferences, but the key is to strike a balance between bold flavors and complementary elements.

Experiment and Enjoy

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try adding new sides, exploring different drinks, or incorporating buffalo shrimp into unique recipes like salads or wraps. The adaptability of this dish ensures it will never become boring, and you can always find new ways to serve it.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking a quick weeknight meal, buffalo shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize. With the tips and pairings outlined in this guide, you’ll confidently create meals that are both delicious and memorable. Now it’s time to gather your ingredients, pick your favorite sides, and enjoy every spicy, tangy bite!

For more inspiration on sides and pairings for buffalo shrimp, check out the recipe collection on Food Network. Their expertly curated ideas will help you craft a meal that perfectly complements the bold flavors of buffalo shrimp!