Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been experimenting with different shrimp dipping sauces in my kitchen, and lemme tell you – I’ve discovered some absolute game-changers that’ll make your taste buds dance! Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving some tasty seafood, these sauces are gonna take your shrimp from good to OMG-level delicious
Quick Answer
The best dipping sauces for shrimp include classic cocktail sauce, garlic butter, bang bang sauce, and Thai chili lime sauce. Each brings unique flavors that complement shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Classic Must-Try Dipping Sauces
1. Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Ya can’t go wrong with this classic! Here’s my super simple recipe:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2-3 tablespoons horseradish (adjust to your spice preference)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Just mix everything together and boom – you’ve got yourself an amazing cocktail sauce that’ll knock the socks off any store-bought version!
2. Garlic Butter Sauce
OMG this one’s to die for! Here’s what you’ll need
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
Pro tip: Let the garlic infuse in the butter for a few mins before serving. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Asian-Inspired Dipping Sauces
3. Soy Ginger Sauce
This sauce is seriously addictive! Mix together:
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Minced fresh ginger
- Chopped green onions
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
4. Sweet Chili Sauce
Here’s what you need:
- Rice vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Chili garlic sauce
- Lime juice
Creamy and Spicy Options
5. Bang Bang Sauce
This sauce is literally bangin’! Mix:
- Mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Fresh lime juice
6. Buffalo Blue Cheese
Perfect for those who like it hot:
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream
Unique and Exciting Flavors
7. Orange Chili Dipping Sauce
This one’s got a sweet-heat combo that’s chef’s kiss:
- Orange marmalade
- Thai chili sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Pinch of cayenne
8. Honey Mustard Sauce
Super simple but oh-so-good:
- Equal parts honey
- Yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Dipping
- Temperature Matters: Serve warm sauces warm and cold sauces chilled
- Make Ahead: Most sauces taste better after sitting for a few hours
- Storage: Keep sauces in airtight containers in the fridge
- Portion Size: About 2-3 tablespoons of sauce per person is usually enough
Best Shrimp Cooking Methods for Dipping
- Grilled shrimp
- Steamed shrimp
- Air-fried shrimp
- Coconut shrimp
- Popcorn shrimp
Sauce Pairing Guide
| Shrimp Style | Best Sauce Pairing |
|---|---|
| Grilled | Garlic Butter |
| Coconut | Orange Chili |
| Steamed | Cocktail Sauce |
| Fried | Bang Bang Sauce |
| Popcorn | Honey Mustard |
Storing Your Sauces
Most of these sauces will keep in the fridge for about a week. Store them in airtight containers and give ’em a good stir before serving. Some might need a splash of water or oil to thin out after being refrigerated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t oversalt your sauces – remember, shrimp already has a natural saltiness
- Avoid making too much sauce – fresh is always better
- Don’t skip the acid (lemon/lime) – it brings out the flavors
- Remember to taste and adjust seasonings
FAQs
Q: Can I make these sauces ahead of time?
A: Yep! Most of these sauces actually taste better after sitting for a few hours.
Q: How long do homemade dipping sauces last?
A: Most will keep for about a week in the fridge when stored properly.
Q: Can I freeze these sauces?
A: Some work better than others. Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but others like cocktail sauce freeze just fine.
Remember, these recipes are just starting points – feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste! I always say the best sauce is the one YOU love. So get in that kitchen and start experimenting!
And hey, if you come up with an amazing combo, drop me a comment – I’d love to hear about your sauce adventures! Happy dipping, friends!
Seafood Cocktail Sauce
This is the punchier flavoured version of Marie Rose. The sauce itself actually has flavour, it’s tangy and kind of savoury, with more layers of flavour because there’s more ingredients in this. I’m a big fan of this one, love the tanginess.
Just like what you get at the local fish and chip shop! (Except better, because you can actually taste the gherkins and capers in it). A classic condiment also for Crispy Beer Battered Fish.
RecipeTin Family’s Prawn Dipping Sauce
It’s basically the love child of Marie Rose Sauce and Tartare sauce: The tang and sweetness of Marie Rose combined with the finely chopped savoury ingredients and added freshness of dill from the Tartare side. This is what we served with the prawns at my mother’s Christmas Party and everybody commented on how they loved it, especially the fresh dill flavour. So I thought I should share it.
