9 Best Dipping Sauce For Shrimp you Have To Try

Are you gearing up to savor the succulent taste of shrimp? Pondering over which dipping sauces will elevate your shrimp to new heights of deliciousness?

Look no further!

In this article, I’ll guide you through the ultimate pairings of dipping sauces that not only enhance the natural sweetness of shrimp but also add that extra zing to your palate.

We’ll explore the sauces to embrace, the ones to steer clear of, and, crucially, provide you with the tips and tricks for whipping up these delectable condiments.

Get ready to dive into a sea of flavors that will make your shrimp utterly irresistible!

Best Dipping Sauces For Shrimp

Cocktail Sauce

A tangy and zesty sauce, cocktail sauce is the quintessential partner for shrimp, offering a robust flavor with a hint of spice.

• Typical Sauce Ingredients: Ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce.
• Quick Recipe: Mix together 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, a squeeze of lemon juice, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to taste.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled as a classic accompaniment to a shrimp cocktail platter.

2. Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

This sauce brings a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a gentle kick.

• Typical Sauce Ingredients: Sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.
• Quick Recipe: Combine 1 cup of sweet chili sauce with the juice of one lime and a handful of finely chopped cilantro.
• Serving Suggestion: Drizzle over grilled shrimp or use as a dip for a refreshing twist.

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli is a creamy and rich sauce with a deep garlic flavor, ideal for adding a luxurious touch to your shrimp.

• Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Quick Recipe: Blend together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until smooth.
• Serving Suggestion: Spread on a shrimp po’boy sandwich or use as a dipping sauce for an elegant touch.

Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce

Bang Bang sauce is known for its creamy texture and sweet, yet spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with crispy shrimp.

• Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha.
• Quick Recipe: Whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sriracha.
• Serving Suggestion: Toss fried shrimp in the sauce for a flavorful appetizer or serve on the side for dipping.

Garlic Butter Sauce

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.
• Quick Recipe: Melt 1/2 cup butter, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
• Serving Suggestion: Drizzle over steamed shrimp or use as a dipping sauce for a comforting feel.

Lemon Herb Sauce

A light and refreshing sauce, the lemon herb sauce is zesty and aromatic, complementing the delicate flavors of shrimp.

• Typical Sauce Ingredients: Olive oil, lemon juice, mixed herbs (like dill, parsley, and chives), and garlic.
• Quick Recipe: Whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup finely chopped mixed herbs, and 1 minced garlic clove.
• Serving Suggestion: Use as a marinade for shrimp before grilling or as a bright dipping sauce.

Remoulade Sauce

Originating from French cuisine, remoulade is a savory, mayonnaise-based sauce with a hint of mustard and capers, offering a complex flavor profile.

• Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, gherkins, and herbs.
• Quick Recipe: Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon chopped capers, 1 chopped gherkin, and a mix of chopped parsley and tarragon.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside breaded shrimp as a dip or as a topping for a shrimp salad.

Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is a fruity and spicy condiment that adds a tropical twist to the shrimp, with a beautiful balance of sweet and heat.

• Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice.
• Quick Recipe: Dice 1 ripe mango, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/4 red onion, and 1 jalapeño and mix with the juice of 1 lime.
• Serving Suggestion: Top on grilled or blackened shrimp for a vibrant and refreshing flavor.

Classic Tartar Sauce

A traditional accompaniment to seafood, tartar sauce offers a creamy base with pickles to cut through the richness, perfect for fried shrimp.

• Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon juice, and capers.
• Quick Recipe: Mix 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon chopped capers.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a basket of crispy shrimp for a satisfying crunch.

What Types Of Dipping Sauces Pair Best With Shrimp?

Dipping sauces that pair best with shrimp are typically light, with a balance of acidity, sweetness, or a gentle heat to enhance, not mask, the shrimp’s delicate flavor.

What Dipping Sauces To Avoid Serving With Shrimp?

Avoid dipping sauces that are overly sweet, excessively thick, or have competing seafood flavors which can overpower the delicate taste of shrimp. Also, steer clear of sauces that are too hot, masking the shrimp’s natural flavor.

Here are some you will want to avoid:

• Heavy Blue Cheese Dressing: Its strong flavor can overwhelm the shrimp.
• Barbecue Sauce: Often too smoky and may clash with the shrimp’s light taste.
• Teriyaki Sauce: The bold, sweet profile can dominate the subtle flavor of shrimp.
• Ranch Dressing: Its thick, herby taste might not complement the shrimp’s delicacy.
• Hot Mustard Sauce: The intense heat can overshadow the natural flavors of the shrimp.
• Hoisin Sauce: Its thick texture and strong, sweet taste can be overpowering.
• Buffalo Sauce: The aggressive spice and vinegar kick can mask the shrimp’s sweetness.
• Béarnaise Sauce: The rich, buttery sauce is too heavy for the lightness of shrimp.

Looking for the best shrimp & sauce pairings? Then check out my definitive guide below:

• Best Sauce For Shrimp ⋆ The Definitive Pairing Guide ⋆