Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been experimenting with different sauces for shrimp in my kitchen lately, and boy, do I have some amazing combinations to share with you! Whether you’re grilling, frying, or boiling your shrimp, having the right sauce can take your dish from good to absolutely mind-blowing
Most Popular Shrimp Sauces You Need to Try
1. Classic Cocktail Sauce
This is probably the most iconic shrimp sauce ever! Here’s my quick 5-minute recipe
- Ketchup
- Horseradish
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
Mix everything together and boom – you’ve got yourself the perfect dipping sauce for shrimp cocktail!
2. Garlic Butter Sauce
OMG, this one’s my absolute favorite! It’s super simple but packs so much flavor:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Pro tip: Add a splash of white wine if you’re feeling fancy!
3. Creamy Lemon Sauce
This sauce is perfect when you want something rich but still fresh-tasting:
- Heavy cream
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic
- Butter
- Fresh herbs
Asian-Inspired Sauces
4. Sweet Chili Sauce
This sauce hits all the right notes – sweet, spicy, and tangy:
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Ginger (optional)
5. Teriyaki Sauce
A classic Japanese-inspired option that never fails:
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Sugar
- Ginger
- Garlic
6. Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce
Super simple but incredibly tasty:
- Soy sauce
- Grated ginger
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
- Rice vinegar
Spicy Sauces for Heat Lovers
7. Bang Bang Sauce
This sauce is totally addictive:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey
- Lime juice
8. Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce
Perfect for those who love a kick:
- Hot sauce
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
9. Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Quick and easy but packs a punch:
- Mayo
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
- Garlic powder
Creamy Options
10. Cajun Cream Sauce
This one’s rich and spicy:
- Heavy cream
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
11. Avocado Crema
A healthier option that’s still super creamy:
- Ripe avocado
- Sour cream
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Salt
Fresh and Herby Sauces
12. Chimichurri
This Argentinian sauce is amazing with grilled shrimp:
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
13. Pesto
Not just for pasta – it’s great with shrimp too:
- Fresh basil
- Pine nuts
- Garlic
- Parmesan
- Olive oil
Tips for Pairing Sauces with Shrimp
-
Consider your cooking method:
- Grilled shrimp → garlic butter, chimichurri
- Fried shrimp → remoulade, tartar sauce
- Boiled shrimp → cocktail sauce
- Pan-seared shrimp → cream sauces
-
Think about your meal type:
- Appetizers → lighter dipping sauces
- Main dishes → richer, more complex sauces
- Cold dishes → mayo-based sauces
- Hot dishes → butter-based sauces
Storage Tips
Most homemade sauces will last:
- Refrigerated: 3-5 days
- Frozen: up to 3 months (except mayo-based sauces)
Store in airtight containers and label with the date!
My Personal Recommendations
After trying literally ALL these sauces (yep, I’m that dedicated!), here are my top picks:
- Best for Beginners: Garlic butter sauce
- Crowd Pleaser: Cocktail sauce
- Most Versatile: Sweet chili sauce
- Personal Favorite: Bang bang sauce
Remember, these are just guidelines – feel free to experiment and create your own combinations! Sometimes the weirdest combinations turn out to be the best ones.
Catch ya later, sauce lovers!
Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce
This one is the unexpected showstopper of the trio. While creamy sauces tend to steal the spotlight, this Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce is the bright, zippy sidekick you didn’t know you needed. It’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy, depending on the heat level of your sweet chilli sauce. I love how versatile this sauce is. It cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and works beautifully on its own. Drizzle it over fresh prawns, use it as a dip for crispy salt-and-pepper squid, or serve it alongside grilled fish tacos or Vietnamese rice paper rolls. It’s ready in minutes with no chopping required, and it keeps in the fridge for a few days. Making it ahead means one less thing to think about when you’re putting together a seafood platter or planning a dinner party.
Homemade Cocktail Sauce
If you’ve never tried making your own cocktail sauce, let this be the recipe that changes everything. I was completely ruined for store-bought versions after the first time I made this sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of kick, thanks to a little secret ingredient: horseradish cream. What I love most about this sauce is how versatile it is. Of course, it’s perfect for dipping fresh prawns (a must-have at Christmas in Australia), but it also shines on oysters, with mussels, or even spread over a smoked salmon and avocado bagel. And don’t even get me started on how good it is with a classic prawn cocktail! The best part? It takes less than 5 minutes to make, with no chopping required. Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can prepare it ahead of time and tick one thing off your to-do list.
Tartare sauce is one of those classics that I’m convinced tastes better homemade. You know the one – it’s creamy, tangy, with just the right hit of pickles to keep it interesting. The best part? You can whip it up with pantry staples, and it’s ready in minutes. This sauce is my go-to for fish and chips, but it also works beautifully with grilled salmon, crispy calamari, or even sweet potato fries. It’s also a make-ahead gem. Prepare it a few hours in advance, or even the night before, and let it sit in the fridge. The longer it rests, the better it tastes as the flavours meld together. It’s make-ahead magic – perfect for busy days when you need something that’s ready to go.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
FAQ
What tastes good with shrimp?
- 01 of 14. Roquefort Pear Salad. …
- 02 of 14. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan. …
- 03 of 14. Amish Macaroni Salad. …
- 04 of 14. Pesto Zoodles. …
- 05 of 14. Good for You Greek Salad. …
- 06 of 14. Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin. …
- 07 of 14. Fresh Broccoli Salad. …
- 08 of 14.
What can you use besides cocktail sauce for shrimp?
- Curried Yogurt Sauce.
- Sriracha Mayonnaise Sauce.
- Ketchup-Mustard Sauce.
- Avocado Hot Sauce.
- Sour Cream-Chipotle Sauce.
What’s a good pair with shrimp?
- Coleslaw. Creamy and cool, coleslaw is a perfect for any time of year. …
- Grits. This Southern staple is quick and easy to prepare. …
- French Fries. …
- Fresh Vegetables. …
- Rice Pilaf. …
- Build Your Menu Around Gulf Shrimp.
What should you dip shrimp in?
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 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.