Hey foodies! After testing countless sauce combinations in my kitchen (and making a delicious mess!), I’ve put together the ultimate guide to coconut shrimp dipping sauces. Whether you’re a sweet tooth, spice lover, or somewhere in between, I’ve gotcha covered!
Why Your Coconut Shrimp Needs the Perfect Sauce
Let’s be real – coconut shrimp on its own is already pretty amazing. But pair it with the right sauce? chef’s kiss That’s when the magic happens! The right sauce can:
- Balance out the sweetness of the coconut
- Add an exciting kick of flavor
- Create that perfect bite you’ll crave again and again
Sweet & Fruity Sauces (For The Tropical Vibes)
1. Piña Colada Sauce
This Red Lobster copycat is my personal fave! Here’s what makes it special:
- Combines pineapple and coconut flavors
- Super creamy texture
- Takes 20 mins but worth every second
- Perfect for those who love tropical flavors
2. Sweet Mango Sauce
Y’all this 3-ingredient wonder is a game-changer
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Made with mango, apricot, and lime
- Perfectly balanced sweetness
- Great for summer parties!
3. Pineapple Sweet Chili Sauce
Want something with a bit more kick? This sauce is your new BFF:
- Uses pineapple juice for natural sweetness
- Has that perfect sweet-heat balance
- Takes regular sweet chili sauce to the next level
Creamy Dream Sauces
4. Cilantro Lime Sauce
This 5-minute sauce is literally chef’s kiss:
- Creamy Greek yogurt base
- Fresh cilantro and zesty lime
- Perfect cooling effect
- Great for dipping or drizzling
5. Bang Bang Sauce
OMG, this sauce is seriously addictive:
- Mayo base with sweet chili sauce
- Touch of rice vinegar
- Creamy with a kick
- Works great with other foods too!
Spicy & Sweet Combinations
6. Honey Sriracha
Simple but SO good:
- Just 2 ingredients!
- Adjustable heat level
- Perfect sweet-spicy balance
- Ready in literally 1 minute
7. Apricot Jalapeño
This unique combo is a total crowd-pleaser
- Sweet apricot base
- Fresh jalapeños for heat
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Great balance of flavors
Simple & Classic Options
8. Sweet Chili Sauce
Sometimes the classics are the best:
- Store-bought works fine
- Homemade tastes way better
- Perfect heat level for most people
- Everyone’s favorite!
9. Garlic Sauce
Can’t go wrong with garlic amirite?
- Mayo and sour cream base
- Fresh garlic & herbs
- Super versatile
- Great for garlic lovers
Pro Tips for Sauce Success
- Make Ahead: Most sauces last 2-3 days in the fridge
- Storage: Always use airtight containers
- Temperature: Serve sauces slightly chilled or room temp
- Portions: Plan about 2-3 tbsp sauce per person
Quick & Easy Coconut Shrimp Options
Don’t have time to make shrimp from scratch? No worries!
From Frozen:
- Buy pre-made frozen coconut shrimp
- Air fry for 10 mins
- Crispy results every time!
From Scratch (When You’re Feeling Fancy):
- Bread your own shrimp
- Deep fry until golden
- More work but SO worth it!
Mix & Match Sauce Ideas
For parties, I love serving 3-4 different sauces:
- One sweet (like mango)
- One spicy (like honey sriracha)
- One creamy (like bang bang)
- One classic (like sweet chili)
This way, everyone finds their perfect match!
Wrapping It Up
There ya have it, fam – my ultimate guide to coconut shrimp sauces! Whether you’re team sweet, team spicy, or somewhere in between, there’s definitely a sauce here that’ll make your taste buds happy dance!
Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust these sauces to your taste. And if you mess up? No biggie – that’s how we learn our best kitchen tricks!
Now, excuse me while I go make another batch of coconut shrimp… for research purposes, obviously!
What’s your fave coconut shrimp sauce? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your go-to combo!
Happy dipping!
P.S. Don’t forget to save this article for your next coconut shrimp adventure! Trust me, you’ll want these sauce recipes handy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy one-pot shrimp in coconut sauce (camarão no leite de coco) had the power to transport my sweet Brazil onto my plate this time — and all the memories of those good old days.
It is easy, summery, comforting — and SUPER delish… just like home!
This shrimp in coconut sauce is a trip to Ceará, a state in my Northeastern region where the recipe originally comes from.
It is even a trip to Bahia, an Afro-Brazilian state in that same region…
…since the dish is somewhat similar to its famous Bahian-style seafood stew known as Moqueca.
What it makes the dish a bit different from moqueca is the absence of palm oil and chunky vegetables.
Note this coconut shrimp recipe adds cream cheese, basil, and red jalapenos — as they reflect our touch to the traditional recipe.
But the thing is, its aroma still announces all of its bold flavors and contrasting textures…
… something very Northeastern, very home-sweet-home.
It is Latin food at its best — as you can see in these easy Brazilian food recipes.
Moreover, it is a trip to the amazing flavors of tropical Brazil…
As they say in Bahia, AXÉ!!! (a Yoruba language term meaning power or energy)… and in Ceará, OXE! (Oh, wow!)
How to Store Coconut Shrimp
- Store coconut shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended!
PIN AND ENJOY!
Best Coconut Shrimp Recipe | Dipping Sauce
FAQ
What sauce goes on coconut shrimp?
Coconut shrimp is often served with a sweet chili sauce or a creamy, sweet and tangy sauce like a Cheddar’s Painkiller Sauce copycat. Sweet chili sauce adds a touch of sweetness and heat, while creamy sauces like the Painkiller sauce offer a rich, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor.
What pairs well with coconut shrimp?
Coconut shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its sweet, crispy, and often slightly spicy flavor profile. Popular choices include mango salsa, pineapple fried rice, coleslaw, and sweet potato fries. Other great options include rice, especially coconut rice, or a simple Caesar salad.
What is a good dipping sauce for shrimp?
My favorite is cocktail sauce with a little mayo added. That’s how my mom and her entire shrimp-loving family always ate shrimp. You could definitely jazz it up with some Dijon, Worchestershire or extra horseradish, but I usually just use good quality cocktail sauce and mayo.
What to serve with coconut curry shrimp?
- Mango Salsa with a Kick. …
- Pineapple Fried Rice with a Twist. …
- Creamy Coconut Rice. …
- Spicy Asian Slaw. …
- Tropical Fruit Salad with a Hint of Mint. …
- Grilled Pineapple with a Balsamic Glaze. …
- Avocado and Tomato Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing. …
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries.