Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered “what sauce goes with shrimp?” at least once while preparing your favorite crustacean. Well, I’ve done all the heavy lifting for ya and compiled this mega-list of absolutely delicious sauces that’ll make your shrimp dishes pop!
Most Popular Shrimp Sauces You Gotta Try
1. Classic Cocktail Sauce
This is like the OG of shrimp sauces! I mean who hasn’t enjoyed a good shrimp cocktail? Here’s what you need
- Ketchup
- Horseradish
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
2. Garlic Butter Sauce
OMG, this one’s a total game-changer! Super simple but packs a punch:
- Melted butter
- Fresh minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
3. Bang Bang Sauce
Y’all, this sauce is literally BANGIN’:
- Mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey
- Lime juice
Creamy Shrimp Sauces
4. Creamy Lemon Sauce
Perfect for those who love a rich tangy sauce
- Heavy cream
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic
- Butter
- Fresh herbs
5. Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This sauce is seriously addictive:
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Italian herbs
- Butter
6. Cajun Cream Sauce
For those who like it spicy but creamy:
- Heavy cream
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic
- Butter
- Paprika
Asian-Inspired Shrimp Sauces
7. Sweet Chili Sauce
A perfect blend of sweet and spicy:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Honey
8. Soy Ginger Sauce
Super versatile and crazy good:
- Soy sauce
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
9. Teriyaki Sauce
Classic Asian flavor that never disappoints:
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Sugar
- Ginger
- Cornstarch
Spicy Shrimp Sauces
10. Sriracha Mayo
Simple but effective:
- Mayo
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
- Garlic powder
11. Buffalo Sauce
Perfect for those who love heat:
- Hot sauce
- Butter
- Vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
Fresh and Zesty Sauces
12. Chimichurri
Fresh herbs galore:
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
13. Cilantro Lime Sauce
Light and refreshing:
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Oil
- Jalapeño (optional)
Pro Tips for Sauce Pairing
- Consider Your Cooking Method
- Grilled shrimp → Garlic butter or chimichurri
- Fried shrimp → Bang bang or tartar sauce
- Boiled shrimp → Cocktail sauce or remoulade
- Baked shrimp → Lemon garlic or parmesan sauce
- Temperature Matters
- Hot sauces → Serve with hot shrimp
- Cold sauces → Perfect for chilled shrimp cocktail
- Sauce Consistency
- Thick sauces → Better for dipping
- Thin sauces → Better for drizzling or marinades
Storage Tips
Keep your sauces fresh with these tips:
- Store in airtight containers
- Refrigerate most sauces for 5-7 days
- Label with date made
- Some sauces can be frozen (like garlic butter)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t oversauce your shrimp – let the natural flavor shine!
- Avoid mixing hot shrimp with cold sauce (unless intended)
- Don’t prepare sauce too far in advance
- Remember to taste and adjust seasonings
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize these sauces! Here’s how:
- Add more heat with extra chili or hot sauce
- Make it creamier with extra mayo or cream
- Adjust acidity with more citrus
- Add sweetness with honey or sugar
When to Serve What
| Occasion | Recommended Sauce |
|---|---|
| Formal dinner | Garlic butter or lemon cream |
| Casual party | Bang bang or cocktail sauce |
| BBQ | Chimichurri or spicy mayo |
| Asian fusion | Sweet chili or soy ginger |
Y’all, these sauces are gonna take your shrimp game to the next level! I’ve tested these bad boys myself and lemme tell ya – they’re all winners. Whether you’re grilling, frying, or boiling your shrimp, there’s definitely a perfect sauce match waiting for you here.
Remember, cooking should be fun and experimental! Don’t be afraid to mix and match or adjust these recipes to your taste. That’s how the best recipes are born!
Got any favorite shrimp sauce combos I didn’t mention? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to hear your ideas! Now go forth and sauce those shrimp like a boss!
Thai Sweet Chilli Lime Dipping Sauce
Because not everyone likes mayo based dipping sauces! The flavours in this with sweet juicy prawns is simply a match made in heaven.
Marie Rose / Thousand Island Sauce
Marie Rose and Thousand Island Sauce are basically the same thing. You’ll find little tweaks and variations of the two all over the place, but a basic pink sauce made with mayo and ketchup with some seasonings is really all this is. It actually doesn’t have much flavour, and it’s not intended to. It’s a neutral sauce that let’s the flavour of the prawns really shine.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
FAQ
What to use instead of cocktail sauce for shrimp?
What tastes good with shrimp?
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- 08 of 14.
What sauces go best with seafood?
- Chimichurri Sauce.
- Avocado cream sauce or dressing.
- Shark Tank Shrimp Cocktail Sauce.
- Sauce.
- Rich Tahini Butter.
- Butter.
- Chili Lemon Butter by Chef Jean-Paul.
What can I dip my shrimp in besides cocktail sauce?
There’s a nice variety of seafood sauces to choose from: Cocktail Seafood Sauce, Tartare, Marie Rose / Thousand Island, or a Thai Chilli Lime Sauce for …Dec 20, 2017
What sauce goes well with shrimp?
By adding Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce, you’re able to create a tantalizing combination that will make your mouth water. When you prep a big batch of shrimp, make sure to keep this recipe on hand. You’ll love how well the shrimp and garlic butter sauce work together to create magic in your mouth. 7. Thai Dipping Sauce
Can you make shrimp with cocktail sauce?
Shrimp with classic cocktail sauce is a delicious party appetizer that is always sure to be a hit. This homemade cocktail sauce recipe is easy to prepare in advance and can be made with just 4 ingredients: chili sauce, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
What dipping sauce goes with shrimp?
Keep reading to discover a new favorite shrimp sauce. Then pair it with some cocktail shrimp, boiled shrimp, or air fryer shrimp. Add in a couple shrimp side dishes, and you’re guaranteed an amazing dinner! This easy Louisiana-style Remoulade Sauce is a smoky and tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for po’ boys, fried green tomatoes, and crab cakes.
What is the best sauce for fried shrimp?
Serving Suggestion: Toss fried shrimp in the sauce for a flavorful appetizer or serve on the side for dipping. Simple yet indulgent, garlic butter sauce is a timeless favorite that brings out the natural flavor of shrimp with a savory twist. Typical Sauce Ingredients: Butter, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
What sauce goes with shrimp scampi?
Savory marinara sauce is an Italian restaurant classic with shrimp scampi and shrimp pasta dishes. Made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and herbs, marinara sauce has a lightly sweet, acidic flavor that pairs beautifully with plump shrimp. The classic combination of shrimp and marinara sauce brings out the best in both ingredients.
What is the best sauce for coconut shrimp?
Sweet chili sauce is one of the best sauces for shrimp, especially coconut shrimp! It’s tangy, garlicky, and sweet with just a little bit of spice, plus this simple but flavorful sauce is easy to make at home. Beyond having a fabulous flavor, this sauce also has a great consistency for dipping or drizzling.