What To Serve With Tempura Shrimp (16+ Tasty Sides)

Tempura shrimp is a Japanese inspired dish that’s so wonderfully crispy, crunchy, and delicious, and it’s perfect as a finger food for parties, or even as part of a main meal. 

If you’re looking for inspiration for sides and accompaniments, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ve come to the right place. 

Need some quick ideas? 

The best ideas for what to serve with tempura shrimp include sweet chilli sauce, sushi rice, udon noodles, ramen, pickled veggies, steamed greens, ramen, and miso soup. 

Read on for more suggestions… 

Sauces to Enhance Tempura Shrimp

Selecting the right sauce can transform your tempura shrimp experience.

Whether you prefer soy-based, creamy, sweet, or spicy, there is a sauce to complement the delicate crunch of the shrimp! 

Soy-Based Dips

Soy sauce provides a salty and umami-rich counterpart to tempura shrimp.

For a simple yet effective dip, mix soy sauce with a touch of mirin and a sprinkle of grated daikon radish.

Alternatively, you can try ponzu sauce, which adds a citrusy note.

Creamy Options

Creamy sauces add a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with the crispiness of the shrimp.

A dollop of mayonnaise mixed with a bit of wasabi creates a zingy dip.

If you’re looking for subtlety, combine Greek yoghurt with chives for a refreshing taste.

Sweet Dips

A sweet sauce can balance the savoury notes of tempura.

Try tentsuyu sauce made with dashi, mirin, and soy sauce, reduced and slightly sweetened, or drizzle the shrimp with a sweet chilli sauce for a satisfying contrast.

Spicy Enhancements

If you enjoy a bit of heat, spicy sauces will provide the kick you crave.

Blend Sriracha with mayonnaise for a simple spicy mayo, or mix chilli oil with soy sauce for a fiery dip with depth.

Rice and Noodle Pairings

Pairing the right rice or noodle with your tempura shrimp complements the dish’s light, crispy texture.

Here are some specific choices for what to serve with tempura shrimp. 

Sushi Rice

Sushi rice, known for its distinctive sticky and slightly sweet qualities, makes an excellent base for tempura shrimp.

To prepare, simply cook the rice and season it with a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

• Ingredients: Sushi rice, rice vinegar, sugar, salt
• Cook time: About 20 minutes for the rice

Udon Noodles

Udon noodles offer a pleasingly chewy contrast to the crispiness of tempura shrimp.

Serve them in a subtle broth or toss them lightly with soy sauce to let the flavours meld.

• Preparation: Boil udon noodles, drain, and serve in broth or with soy sauce
• Serving suggestion: Top with thinly sliced spring onions for an extra kick

(Love shrimp recipes? Get more ideas for side dishes for Tuscan shrimp too!) 

Ramen Selections

Ramen, with its myriad of styles, can be a bold companion for tempura shrimp.

Opt for a lighter broth to avoid overshadowing the tempura’s delicate flavour.

• Varieties: Shoyu (soy sauce) or Shio (salt) are recommended
• Garnish: Add bamboo shoots or seaweed for authentic garnishing

For more serving ideas, check out what to serve with ramen! 

Vegetable Accompaniments

Pairing your tempura shrimp with the right vegetables can elevate the dish, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavours.

Pickled Vegetables

You can engage your palate with a tangy assortment of pickled vegetables.

Quick pickles, such as cucumber, radish, or carrot, can be made using vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.

• Cucumber: Sliced thin and marinated for 30 minutes.
• Radish: Chopped and left to pickle overnight.
• Carrot: Julienned and pickled for a few hours for the best texture.

(You might also enjoy what to serve with grilled octopus!) 

Steamed Greens

Complement your tempura shrimp with steamed greens, which provide a subtle, earthy contrast.

Consider these options:

1. Spinach: Lightly steamed with a hint of garlic.
2. Bok choi: Steamed until just tender and drizzled with a sesame oil dressing.

(You might also want to check out what to serve with tempura chicken!) 

Fresh Salads

A fresh salad offers a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the fried shrimp.

For a harmonious blend:

• Mixed greens: Toss with a light vinaigrette.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halve and add to the greens for a burst of juiciness.
• Cucumber: Slice thinly for an added crunch.

Soup Selections

A well-chosen soup can complement the crispy texture of tempura shrimp, offering a balance of flavours and warmth.

Miso Soup

Miso soup, with its rich umami flavour, is a classic Japanese choice to pair with tempura.

Your taste buds will appreciate the contrasting textures between the crunchy shrimp and the soft tofu typically found in this soup.

• Ingredients: Miso paste, dashi stock, tofu, seaweed, green onions
• Preparation Level: Quick and easy, typically taking less than 15 minutes

(If you like this idea, you’ll find more inspiration at what to eat with miso soup). 

Clear Broth Soups

Clear broth soups provide a light and refreshing option for what to serve with tempura shrimp. 

These broths keep your palate cleansed between bites.

Think about a suimono, a clear soup with a delicate hint of citrus yuzu to elevate your meal.

• Base: Dashi or a simple vegetable stock for a vegetarian option
• Flavourings: Soy sauce, salt, or a squeeze of lemon for an added zing

Tip: Serve the soup hot and sip slowly to enjoy the full experience of flavours.

Tempura Shrimp in Bento Boxes

When packing tempura shrimp in bento boxes, you’ll want to balance the light, crispy shrimp with complementary flavours and textures that create a satisfying and varied meal.

Classic Bento Box Elements

Your bento box can include a selection of traditional Japanese sides that pair wonderfully with tempura shrimp.

Here’s a simple guide to help you craft a balanced meal:

• Rice: Sticky white rice is a staple in bento boxes. It’s an excellent base for soaking up any dipping sauce you might enjoy with your tempura.
• Pickles: Include tsukemono (Japanese pickles) for a refreshing crunch and to cleanse your palate between bites of tempura.
• Vegetables: Steamed or lightly sautéed vegetables like green beans, carrots, and spinach provide nutrition and palate harmony.
• Fruit: A small portion of fruit such as slices of mandarin or grapes offers a natural sweetness that contrasts the savoury tempura.

Contemporary Bento Ideas

For a modern twist on your bento box, consider these contemporary pairings with your tempura shrimp:

• Quinoa or Couscous: These are great alternatives to rice and add different textures and flavours to your meal.
• Salad: A light salad with a subtle dressing can complement the shrimp without overpowering it.
• Cheese: Tiny cubes of mild cheese like mozzarella or a soft cheese like Brie can add a novel twist to the traditional bento.
• Nuts & Seeds: Add some toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds for a nutty flavour and extra crunch.

Your tempura shrimp can be a delightful centrepiece in both classic and contemporary bento box styles.

Just remember to pack the components tightly to prevent shifting, and keep tempura sauce in a separate container to maintain crispness! 

Pairing Drinks with Tempura Shrimp

Selecting the right drink can enhance your tempura shrimp experience. Consider these beverage options for the perfect pairing.

Green Tea

Green tea is a classic choice when enjoying tempura dishes. It’s light and has a subtle bitterness that can cleanse your palate between bites.

Choose a sencha for a balance of sweetness and astringency.

Sake Choices

Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, is a great choice for what to serve with tempura shrimp. 

Opt for a Junmai Ginjo or Daiginjo variety; these sakes have a mild fruitiness and enough body to stand up to the fried texture without overwhelming it.

Light Beers

A light beer offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavour of tempura shrimp.

Look for crisp lagers or pilsners; their bright carbonation and slight hop bitterness will cut through the oiliness and bring out the delicate taste of the shrimp.

Desserts to Follow Tempura Shrimp

After enjoying the light crispiness of tempura shrimp, you might prefer a dessert that’s not too heavy yet satisfying.

Japanese-inspired sweets can round off your meal with a delightful touch.

Mochi Varieties

Mochi, a popular Japanese rice cake, offers a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of tempura.

Here are a few options you might consider:

• Daifuku: Soft mochi stuffed with sweet fillings like anko (red bean paste).
• Sakura Mochi: Mochi coloured with pink sakura blossoms and filled with anko, perfect for a springtime dessert.

Asian-Inspired Ice Cream

An ice cream with Asian flavours can provide a cooling and creamy finish to your meal. Look at these tempting choices:

• Green Tea Ice Cream: A scoop of this subtly bitter yet sweet treat pairs well with the lightness of tempura.
• Black Sesame Ice Cream: Its nutty flavour offers a unique taste that can be a pleasant surprise after the savoury shrimp.

Tips for Plating Tempura Shrimp

When serving tempura shrimp, the presentation can enhance both the visual appeal and the eating experience. Here are some pointers to beautifully plate your tempura shrimp:

• Choosing the Plate: Select a plate that contrasts with the golden hue of the tempura. A plain white or dark-coloured dish can make the shrimp stand out.
• Arrangement: Lay the shrimp in a single layer. They can be arranged in a neat row or in a circular fan shape. Ensure they are not overlapping to maintain an appetising appearance.
• Garnishing: Add a garnish like a lemon wedge or a sprinkling of finely sliced green onions. This will add a pop of colour and provide a hint of freshness.
• Sauce Placement: Serve the dipping sauce on the side rather than pouring it over the shrimp to prevent them from becoming soggy. A small dish or ramekin works well.
• Accompaniments: Consider a bed of lettuce, shredded cabbage, or julienned carrots under the shrimp for an extra touch of elegance and colour.

Here’s a visual guide to help you plate your tempura shrimp:

Element	Suggestion
Plate Selection	White or dark-coloured dish
Arrangement	Single layer, not overlapping
Garnishing	Lemon wedge, green onions
Sauce Placement	Side dish or ramekin
Accompaniments	Lettuce, cabbage, or julienned carrots

 

Etiquette for Serving and Eating Tempura Shrimp

When you’re serving tempura shrimp, it’s important to maintain a balance between elegance and simplicity.

Typically, you’ll want to present the shrimp on a platter lined with absorbent paper to soak up any excess oil.

Ensure that the tempura is served hot, straight from the fryer to preserve its crispiness.

Serving Tempura Shrimp

• Presentation: Arrange on a platter in a single layer.
• Garnishes: Accompany with a side of grated daikon radish and a small dish of dipping sauce.
• Dipping Sauce: Provide tentsuyu sauce, which is a blend of dashi, mirin, and soy sauce.
• Utensils: Offer chopsticks or small forks for easy handling.

When eating tempura shrimp, use your chopsticks to pick up a single piece at a time.

Dip lightly into the sauce to avoid soaking the batter, which would compromise the texture.

It’s considered polite to eat the shrimp in one or two bites, savouring the delicate flavour and crispness.

Eating Tempura Shrimp

• Dipping: Lightly coat with tentsuyu sauce.
• Bites: Consume in one or two bites if the size allows.
• Chopstick Etiquette: Avoid returning a half-eaten shrimp to your plate.
• Pacing: Eat at a moderate pace to enjoy the tempura’s texture and warmth.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with tempura shrimp? 

Leave a comment below and share your ideas!