Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been on a mission to find the absolute best dipping sauces for fried shrimp, and boy, do I have some tasty discoveries to share with you! After trying countless combinations in my kitchen (and making a delicious mess), I’ve put together this ultimate guide that’ll take your fried shrimp game to the next level.
Classic Dips That Never Disappoint
1. Cocktail Sauce
Ya’ll, let’s start with the OG of shrimp dips! Here’s my quick recipe:
- Ketchup as the base
- Fresh horseradish (the more, the merrier!)
- Splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Squeeze of lemon
- Dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy
2. Tartar Sauce
This creamy classic is super easy to whip up
- Mayo base
- Chopped pickles
- Diced onions
- Fresh herbs
- Pro tip: Add a bit of Dijon mustard for extra zing!
3. Remoulade
Think tartar sauce’s fancy cousin from New Orleans:
- Mayo base
- Creole mustard
- Capers
- Pickled veggies
- Fresh herbs
Spicy Options That’ll Heat Things Up
4. Bang Bang Sauce
OMG this sauce is literally to die for! Mix
- Mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Rice vinegar
5. Sriracha Mayo
When you’re feeling lazy but want something tasty:
- Mayo
- Sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
- Lime juice
- That’s it! Simple but delicious!
International Flavors to Try
6. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- Store-bought works fine
- Or make your own with chilies, garlic, vinegar, and sugar
7. Ponzu Sauce
This Japanese citrus-soy sauce is amazing
- Soy sauce base
- Citrus juice
- Rice vinegar
- Fresh ginger
8. Caribbean Jerk Sauce
Bringing some island vibes:
- Scotch bonnets (careful, they’re hot!)
- Allspice
- Thyme
- Citrus
Creamy Dreams
9. Lemon Garlic Butter
Simple but heavenly:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Fresh lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley
10. Blue Cheese Buffalo
This combo is seriously addictive:
- Buffalo sauce
- Crumbled blue cheese
- A touch of ranch
Creative Combos You Gotta Try
11. Honey Chipotle
Sweet meets heat:
- Honey
- Chipotle peppers in adobo
- Lime juice
- Garlic
12. Peanut Mango
Don’t knock it till you try it:
- Fresh mango
- Peanut butter
- Lime juice
- Soy sauce
- Ginger and garlic
Perfect Pairings
Want to make it a meal? Here’s what I serve with my fried shrimp:
- French fries (double dipping encouraged!)
- Coleslaw
- Hush puppies
- Rice pilaf
- Cornbread
Storage Tips
Made too much sauce? No worries! Most of these dips will keep in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Just give ’em a good stir before using again.
Final Thoughts
Listen, I know some of these combinations might sound a bit wild, but trust me – they work! My personal fave is the Bang Bang sauce (I literally put it on everything now), but you really can’t go wrong with any of these options.
Remember, these are just starting points – feel free to adjust the flavors to your taste. And hey, if you come up with an amazing combo, drop me a comment below! I’m always looking for new sauce ideas to try.
Now excuse me while I go make some more fried shrimp… for research purposes, of course!
Would you like me to explain or break down any of these sauce recipes in more detail?
RecipeTin Family’s Prawn Dipping Sauce
It’s basically the love child of Marie Rose Sauce and Tartare sauce: The tang and sweetness of Marie Rose combined with the finely chopped savoury ingredients and added freshness of dill from the Tartare side. This is what we served with the prawns at my mother’s Christmas Party and everybody commented on how they loved it, especially the fresh dill flavour. So I thought I should share it.
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.
Best Coconut Shrimp Recipe | Dipping Sauce
FAQ
What sauce do you eat with fried shrimp?
Fried shrimp are commonly enjoyed with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce. Other popular options include spicy mayo, remoulade, or even a simple mixture of mayonnaise with Sriracha and lime juice.
What sauce goes great with shrimp?
I have 3 that I love starting with a simple cocktail sauce. Sometimes I’ll add Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce, but usually I prefer it basic. Prepared horseradish, ketchup, and fresh lemon juice. Next I love Joe’s Stone Crab Mustard.