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15 Mouthwatering Sauces That’ll Make Your Shrimp Irresistible

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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:

basic
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!

what sauces are good with shrimp

More Sauces!

what sauces are good with shrimp

Personally, I would provide 2 dipping sauces. Good rule of thumb is to go by contrasting colours. So, for example, If I knew everyone was fine with mayo, I’d probably do the RecipeTin Family Favourite plus the Cocktail Sauce. I wouldn’t do Marie Rose + Tartare because they are a bit too similar in flavour. If I knew someone health conscious was coming, I’d definitely include the Thai Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce.

But truthfully? Don’t overthink it. Let’s face it. Juicy, fresh cooked prawns are great just as they are, eaten plain. No one will cry if you didn’t even provide a sauce at all, or if you just pulled out a jar of mayo and stirred through a squirt of lemon juice.

Remember, Christmas is supposed to be all about having fun and enjoying this festive time, not stressing out about the menu! – Nagi x

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.

what sauces are good with shrimp

My brother’s seafood butter sauce

FAQ

What tastes good with shrimp?

13 Best Side Dishes for Shrimp That Really Complete the Meal
  • 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?

Five 2-Ingredient Sauces for Shrimp Cocktail
  • Curried Yogurt Sauce.
  • Sriracha Mayonnaise Sauce.
  • Ketchup-Mustard Sauce.
  • Avocado Hot Sauce.
  • Sour Cream-Chipotle Sauce.

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