Dipping Sauces for Shrimp:17 Easy Recipes for Seafood Fans

Hey there, seafood lovers! I’m thrilled to dive into the world of dips for shrimp with you. As a huge fan of these tasty crustaceans, I’ve spent years perfecting my sauce game.

Whether you’re grilling, frying, or serving up a chilled shrimp cocktail, I’ve got you covered with some mouthwatering options.

Discover these tasty dips that will delight your taste buds and complement your shrimp!

Best Dipping Sauces for Shrimp

Now, get ready for a taste adventure that’ll make your shrimp go from good to wow! You’ll be the star of your next party with these dips!

Classic Favorites

Who doesn’t love a timeless sauce? These tried-and-true options have stood the test of time for good reason. Let’s start with the classics that never fail to please.

1. Classic Cocktail Sauce

This tangy, zesty sauce is a shrimp’s best friend. I love mixing ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for that perfect kick. It’s great with chilled shrimp or as a dip for fried shrimp. Pro tip: adjust the horseradish to your liking for that ideal heat level.

2. Garlic Butter Sauce

Oh, the allure of garlic and butter! I melt butter, sauté minced garlic, and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. This rich, savory sauce is perfect for dunking grilled or steamed shrimp. For the best consistency, I whisk it until it’s smooth and velvety.

3. Remoulade Sauce

This tangy, Louisiana-style sauce is a flavor bomb! I mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, and herbs for an authentic taste. It’s fantastic with fried shrimp or as a spread in a shrimp po’boy. I love how it adds a creamy, zesty punch to any shrimp dish.

When it comes to classic dipping sauces for shrimp, these three are my go-to choices. They’re easy to make and always a hit at parties. I’ve found that having a variety of classic sauces keeps everyone happy, from kids to adults.

Spicy Sensations

If you’re like me and love a bit of heat, these spicy dipping sauces for shrimp will tickle your taste buds. Let’s turn up the temperature with these fiery options!

4. Sweet Chili Sauce

This Thai-inspired sauce balances sweetness and heat perfectly. I often use store-bought versions, but making it at home with chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar is a game-changer. It pairs wonderfully with coconut shrimp or lightly seasoned grilled shrimp.

5. Bang Bang Sauce

This creamy, spicy sauce has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason! I mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a dead ringer of the Bonefish Grill’s famous appetizer. It’s amazing with fried shrimp or as a dip for shrimp skewers.

6. Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce

Who says buffalo sauce is just for wings? I love combining hot sauce with melted butter and crumbled blue cheese for a bold dip. It’s perfect for breaded shrimp or as a spicy twist on classic shrimp cocktail. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred heat level.

7. Spicy Sriracha Mayo

This versatile sauce is my secret weapon for adding a kick to any shrimp dish. I mix mayonnaise with sriracha, a squeeze of lime, and a touch of honey. It’s great with grilled shrimp or as a dipping sauce for shrimp tempura.

These spicy dipping sauces for shrimp are sure to add some excitement to your seafood spread. I love offering a range of heat levels to cater to different tastes. Remember, you can always adjust the spiciness to suit your preferences!

Asian-Inspired Delights

Let’s take a trip to the East with these Asian-inspired dipping sauces for shrimp. I’ve always been fascinated by the complex flavors of Asian cuisine, and these sauces are no exception!

8. Ginger Scallion Dipping Sauce

This sauce combines the pungent bite of ginger with the mild onion flavor of scallions. Finely mince fresh ginger and scallions, then mix with neutral oil, salt, and a splash of rice vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Perfect for dipping steamed or grilled shrimp.

9. Thai Seafood Sauce (Nam Jim Seafood)

This Thai classic balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Blend lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and Thai chilies until smooth. Adjust to taste, then stir in chopped cilantro. The resulting sauce is tangy and refreshing, ideal for complementing the natural sweetness of shrimp..

Asian-inspired shrimp dipping sauces bring a whole new dimension to your seafood experience. I love how they transport me to bustling street markets in Bangkok or cozy sushi bars in Tokyo. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these flavors – your taste buds will thank you!

Creamy Indulgences

Who can resist a creamy, rich sauce? These indulgent dips will take your shrimp game to the next level. Let’s dive into some velvety goodness!

10. Seafood Boil Sauce

This sauce captures the essence of a good old-fashioned seafood boil. I mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, and Cajun seasoning for a rich, spicy dip. It’s perfect for dunking boiled shrimp or drizzling over a shrimp bake. Customize it with your favorite spices!

11. Marie Rose Sauce

This British favorite is a must-try for prawn cocktail lovers. I blend mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of brandy for a tangy, creamy dip. It’s great with chilled shrimp or as a spread in a shrimp sandwich. The pink hue makes for a pretty presentation, too!

12. Garlic Herb Aioli

I love elevating simple mayonnaise with fresh herbs and garlic. I mix mayo with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon for a smooth, flavorful aioli. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted shrimp. Pro tip: let it sit for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

13. Tartar Sauce

This classic works wonders with shrimp. I make mine with mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and fresh dill. It’s perfect for fried shrimp or as a dip for shrimp cakes. The creamy texture and tangy flavor complement the seafood so well.

14. Creamy Avocado Dip

For a healthier option, I love this avocado-based sauce. I blend ripe avocados with Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro for a fresh, creamy dip. It’s great with both hot and cold shrimp dishes. Plus, it’s packed with good fats and nutrients!

Pro Tip: I always taste and adjust the seasoning as I go when making creamy sauces. Adding more salt or acid than fixing an overly seasoned sauce is easier!

Fruity and Unique Twists

Let’s shake things up with some unexpected flavors! These fruity and unique dipping sauces for shrimp will surprise and delight your taste buds.

15. Pina Colada Sauce

I love bringing tropical vibes to my shrimp with this sweet and tangy sauce. I blend coconut cream, crushed pineapple, and a splash of rum for an island-inspired dip. It’s perfect for coconut shrimp or grilled skewers. This sauce always reminds me of beach vacations!

16. Orange Chili Dipping Sauce

This zesty sauce combines citrus zing with a subtle heat. I mix orange marmalade, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili paste for a balanced dip. It pairs wonderfully with grilled or pan-seared shrimp. The bright flavors really make the shrimp pop!

17. Green Tahini Sauce

I’m always excited to introduce Middle Eastern flavors to seafood. I blend tahini, parsley, lemon juice, and garlic for a creamy, herb-packed sauce. It’s great with grilled shrimp or as a unique twist on shrimp salad. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the tahini and herbs!

These unique shrimp dipping sauces are perfect for when you want to surprise your guests or try something new. I find they’re great conversation starters at dinner parties!

Dipping Sauces for Different Shrimp Cooking Styles

Choosing the right sauce can make or break your shrimp dish. Here’s my quick guide to pairing sauces with different shrimp preparations:

• Grilled Shrimp: I love sauces that complement the smoky flavor of grilled shrimp. My top picks are garlic butter, herb aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo. They add richness without overpowering the shrimp’s natural taste.

• Fried Shrimp:  When it comes to fried shrimp, I go for sauces that cut through the richness. Tartar sauce, remoulade, or sweet chili sauce work wonders. They provide a tangy contrast to the crispy coating.

• Boiled Shrimp: For boiled shrimp, I prefer classic options like cocktail sauce or seafood boil sauce. These sauces complement the clean, briny flavor of the shrimp without overwhelming it.

• Cold Shrimp:  With cold shrimp, I opt for light, refreshing sauces. Marie Rose sauce, green tahini, or a zesty citrus-based sauce are perfect. They add flavor without weighing down the delicate shrimp.

Here’s a quick summarizing table of my some favorite pairings:

Remember, these are just suggestions based on my experience. The best part about dipping sauces for shrimp is that you can mix and match to find your perfect combination!

FAQs: Shrimp Dipping Sauces