Garlic prawns (shrimp) pair beautifully with a wide variety of vegetables

Garlic prawns (shrimp) pair beautifully with a wide variety of vegetables! The key is to choose sides that complement their rich, garlicky, buttery flavor without overpowering the delicate seafood. Here are excellent options, grouped by cooking style:

**Quick & Easy Sautéed/Roasted Classics:** ReadthisCooking fresh corn on the cob is simple and brings 1. **Leafy Greens:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce. * **Spinach:** Wilts quickly in the same pan after removing the prawns. Add a squeeze of lemon. * **Kale:** Sturdy, adds texture and earthiness. Remove tough stems first. * **Swiss Chard:** Colorful stems and leaves, slightly earthy. Sauté stems first, then leaves. * **Bok Choy:** Crisp stems and tender leaves. Halve or quarter and sauté quickly. 2. **Asparagus:** A classic pairing. Roast, grill, or sauté with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender-crisp. Lemon zest works well. 3. **Green Beans:** Blanched then sautéed with a little butter/garlic, or roasted until slightly caramelized. Almond slivers are a nice addition. 4. **Broccoli:** Roasted until tender with crispy edges, or blanched and quickly sautéed with garlic. Excellent with a squeeze of lemon or chili flakes. 5. **Zucchini & Yellow Squash:** Sliced or diced and sautéed quickly until tender-crisp. Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. 6. **Mushrooms:** Sautéed mushrooms (cremini, button, shiitake) add a wonderful umami depth that complements the prawns beautifully. Cook them first to release their water.

**For Freshness & Crunch (Salads or Raw):** 7. **Simple Green Salad:** A crisp, light salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Use butter lettuce, romaine, or mixed greens. 8. **Cucumber Salad:** Thinly sliced cucumbers with red onion, dill, and a tangy vinegar or yogurt dressing. Very refreshing. 9. **Tomato & Basil Salad:** Sliced ripe tomatoes (heirlooms are great!) with fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. Bursting with summer flavor. 10. **Shaved Fennel Salad:** Thinly sliced fennel bulb with lemon juice, olive oil, and perhaps some orange segments or parsley. Adds a lovely anise note and crunch. 11. **Snow Peas or Sugar Snap Peas:** Blanched quickly (30-60 seconds) to retain bright green color and crispness. Toss with a little sesame oil or butter. **Slightly Heartier Options:** 12. **Roasted Bell Peppers:** Strips of roasted red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness and color. Serve warm or at room temperature. 13. **Grilled/Charred Corn:** Grilled corn on the cob or kernels sautéed with a little butter and chili powder or paprika. Adds sweetness and smokiness. 14. **Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:** Intensifies their sweetness. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe thyme, then roast until bursting.

**Tips for Pairing Success:** * **Acidity is Key:** Almost all these vegetables benefit from a touch of lemon juice, vinegar, or fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, chives, basil) to cut the richness of the prawns. * **Texture Contrast:** Combine something soft (sautéed spinach) with something crisp (salad, roasted asparagus tips). * **Color:** Aim for a vibrant plate! Garlic prawns are often pink/orange, so green, red, yellow, and white veggies make it visually appealing. * **Cooking Method:** Consider cooking some vegetables (especially greens, zucchini, mushrooms) *in the same pan* after removing the prawns to soak up the delicious garlic butter fond. * **Don't Overcook:** Vegetables should generally be tender-crisp to retain vibrancy and texture, complementing the tender prawns. **Great Combinations:** * Sautéed Spinach + Simple Green Salad * Roasted Asparagus + Lemon-Dressed Cucumber Salad * Garlic Sautéed Green Beans + Roasted Cherry Tomatoes * Grilled Zucchini + Tomato & Basil Salad * Sautéed Mushrooms & Kale Choose based on what's fresh, in season, and what you're in the mood for! You really can't go wrong with most fresh vegetables alongside garlic prawns. Enjoy!