15 Mouthwatering Sauces That’ll Make Your Shrimp Irresistible

Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’m Sarah, and today I’m gonna share my absolute favorite sauces that’ll transform your regular shrimp into a flavor explosion. After years of experimenting in my kitchen and running a small catering business, I’ve discovered these incredible combinations that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Classic Mayonnaise-Based Sauces

1. Marie Rose/Thousand Island Sauce

This is my go-to sauce when I want something foolproof. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh horseradish
• A dash of Tabasco
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Pro tip: Don’t cheap out on the mayo! Trust me, using quality whole-egg mayonnaise makes a HUGE difference.

2. Seafood Cocktail Sauce

This sauce has more punch than Marie Rose and is perfect for those who love tangy flavors:

• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• Mix of spices (mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce

Asian-Inspired Sauces

3. Thai Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

OMG this one’s a game-changer! Here’s the magic combo

• Sweet chili sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Sugar
• Fresh cilantro

4. Miso Butter Sauce

This savory-tangy combo will blow your mind:

• Softened butter
• Miso paste
• Lemon zest and juice
• Chopped scallions

Mediterranean Style Sauces

5. Oregano and Lemon Sauce

Super simple but packed with flavor

• Fresh oregano
• Capers
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice

6. Homemade Tartare Sauce

My customers always ask for extra of this one:

1 cup mayonnaise1 tbsp finely chopped gherkins1.5 tsp fresh dill1 tsp fresh parsley1 tsp capers1.5 tbsp lemon juice

Spicy Options

7. Harissa Sauce

For those who like it hot

• Harissa paste
• Lime wedges
• Olive oil
• Salt to taste

8. Green Chile Sauce

This one’s got a unique twist:

• Thai green chiles
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Salt

Creamy Alternatives

9. Green Goddess Dressing

I love grilling the herbs first:

• Grilled parsley and scallions
• Mayonnaise base
• Fresh herbs
• Lemon juice

10. Aioli Variations

You can either make it from scratch or use my cheater version:

• Store-bought mayo
• Citrus zest
• Minced garlic
• Fresh herbs

Special Family Recipe

11. RecipeTin Family Favorite

This sauce is like the love child of Marie Rose and Tartare:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• Chopped capers
• Finely chopped gherkins
• Minced eschallots
• Fresh dill
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco
• Lemon juice

Storage Tips

Listen up, cause this is important! Here’s how long these sauces last:

• Mayo-based sauces: 5-7 days in fridge
• Thai sauce: Best used within 24 hours
• Others: 3-4 days refrigerated

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I usually serve these sauces:

1. Always provide at least 2 contrasting sauces
2. Serve in small ramekins
3. Keep portions modest – about 1 cup sauce per 2 lbs shrimp
4. Always garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges

Tips for Perfect Pairing

• For cocktail parties: Go with Cocktail Sauce and Thai Sweet Chili
• For formal dinners: Marie Rose and Miso Butter
• For family gatherings: Family Favorite and Tartare
• For spice lovers: Harissa and Green Chile

Final Thoughts

Ya know what’s crazy? I used to buy store-bought sauces until I realized how easy and SO MUCH BETTER homemade ones are. The freshness just can’t be beat! And honestly, most of these take like 5 minutes to whip up.

Remember, the key to amazing shrimp isn’t just the sauce – it’s also about not overcooking those little guys. But that’s a story for another day!

Got any questions about these sauces? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help you create the perfect shrimp feast!