Good side dishes for a spicy entree?

I'm planning on making a healthier version of Bang Bang Shrimp within the next couple of weeks. I'm trying to figure out what sides would go best with this spicy dish. Of course, I don't want the side to also be spicy, but to complement the shrimp.

(I know people here like to suggest quinoa like crazy, but I'm not a fan of the stuff!)

Replies

  • Confuzzled4ever
    Confuzzled4ever Posts: 2,860 Member
    wine

    :)
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I like California blend veggies- they are my go to.

    Typically I will have that and meat- or that plus sweet potatoes and my meat dish. Can't really go wrong with veggies with a little butter and some S/P on them :) Or sauteed in bacon- delicious.
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
    Veggies and rice.
  • Amanda_Gx6
    Amanda_Gx6 Posts: 320 Member
    avocado cools the tongue with spicy foods in my opinion so maybe some brown rice and avocado. Or you could do some sauted mushrooms, smashed cauliflower
  • Sarah_828
    Sarah_828 Posts: 23 Member
    For something that's specifically spicy, i do something with lactose in it to balance it out (then again i'm a wimp when it comes to spice!)
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I'd go with broccoli. Because I love shrimp and broccoli together.
  • thatgirlkellib
    thatgirlkellib Posts: 150 Member
    my fav with bang bang shrimp is coleslaw - and make it how you like, there is soooo many ways...
  • ctkimmie
    ctkimmie Posts: 21 Member
    Coconut milk rice or Thai lime rice
  • kimmymayhall
    kimmymayhall Posts: 419 Member
    I'd do sautéed greens - broccoli, bok choy, spinach,etc. But I really like the idea of slaw. You could make it creamy to combat the spice, or dress it with a vinaigrette to keep it nice and fresh.
  • SarahWSU36
    SarahWSU36 Posts: 19 Member
    my fav with bang bang shrimp is coleslaw - and make it how you like, there is soooo many ways...

    Coleslaw for sure!
  • for spicy: Go for any Indian appetizer. when made at home, they are pretty light and healthy.
  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    Baked cauliflower. Throw some in a gallon ziplock bag, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil (depending on how much you're making) then 2-4 tablespoons parmesan cheese and whatever seasonings you like. Make sure the cauliflower is broken into small pieces. Close the bag and pound with your fist if necessary. Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes.

    Edited to add: I like broccoli this way also.
  • Vune
    Vune Posts: 674 Member
    I'd do a cucumber salad with tomatoes, red onion, and rice wine vinegar.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    I'm planning on making a healthier version of Bang Bang Shrimp within the next couple of weeks. I'm trying to figure out what sides would go best with this spicy dish. Of course, I don't want the side to also be spicy, but to complement the shrimp.

    (I know people here like to suggest quinoa like crazy, but I'm not a fan of the stuff!)

    Ice cream.
  • Meg5065
    Meg5065 Posts: 33 Member
    In Thailand, my Dad told me (he was born there), when serving a very spicy dish, the host will put sliced bananas on the table. A banana slice cools the tongue, and you can then keep eating the hot chili dish. Water does NOT help. Rice does.
  • mank32
    mank32 Posts: 1,323 Member
    raita
  • Ang108
    Ang108 Posts: 1,711 Member
    I'm planning on making a healthier version of Bang Bang Shrimp within the next couple of weeks. I'm trying to figure out what sides would go best with this spicy dish. Of course, I don't want the side to also be spicy, but to complement the shrimp.

    (I know people here like to suggest quinoa like crazy, but I'm not a fan of the stuff!)

    When I lived in Thailand they served fresh pineapple slices topped with slices of ripe tomatoes. It was a new but refreshing and delicious combo for me. In India they often serve plain thick, natural yogurt or they make Lassi ( a yogurt drink thinned down with water ). My favorite is yogurt-cucumber-cilantro-lime lassi .
  • _lyndseybrooke_
    _lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
    Thanks guys! I decided on broccoli and brown rice, but I'll keep these other ideas in mind for future reference. :)