Are you craving the crispy, golden delight of fried shrimp? Pondering the perfect dips to pair with those succulent bites?
Your search ends here.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the ultimate sauce selections that will elevate your shrimp to new heights of flavor.
We’ll explore the must-try combinations, the mixtures to sidestep, and, crucially, offer you tips and tricks for whipping up these delectable condiments.
Get ready to dip, dunk, and delight in your fried shrimp feast!
Best Sauces For Fried Shrimp
Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce
A fiery blend of spicy buffalo sauce with the tangy, rich flavor of blue cheese. This sauce packs a punch and is perfect for those who love a bit of heat with their shrimp.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Hot sauce, blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder
- Quick Recipe: Combine equal parts hot sauce and blue cheese, then mix in sour cream and mayonnaise to balance the heat; season with garlic powder.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle over fried shrimp or serve on the side for dipping.
Classic Cocktail Sauce
A zesty, tomato-based sauce with horseradish that offers a sharp bite, ideal for complementing the delicate flavor of fried shrimp.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce
- Quick Recipe: Mix ketchup with a touch of horseradish, a squeeze of lemon, a dash of Worcestershire, and a few drops of hot sauce to taste.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a small bowl for easy dipping, garnished with a lemon wedge.
Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
A sweet and spicy sauce with a garlicky kick, the perfect balance of flavors to enhance your shrimp without overpowering it.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Sweet chili sauce, fresh garlic, lime juice
- Quick Recipe: Blend sweet chili sauce with finely minced garlic and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing twist.
- Serving Suggestion: Pour into a dipping bowl and sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions.
Garlic Butter
A simple yet luxurious sauce, garlic butter is all about highlighting the shrimp with its savory, buttery goodness.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Butter, garlic, parsley, salt
- Quick Recipe: Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant; finish with chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm in a dipping bowl or pour directly over hot fried shrimp.
Bang Bang Sauce
This creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce is a crowd-pleaser with its layers of flavors that cling perfectly to fried shrimp.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, hot sauce
- Quick Recipe: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, a drizzle of honey, and a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.
- Serving Suggestion: Dollop on top of shrimp or serve in a bowl for dipping, garnished with sesame seeds.
Fried Seafood Dipping Sauce
An aromatic sauce that’s a staple in seafood joints, known for its ability to pair seamlessly with any fried seafood, especially shrimp.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, spices
- Quick Recipe: Combine mayonnaise, a hint of mustard, fresh lemon juice, and a mix of your favorite spices.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled with a side of lemon wedges and fresh dill.
Lemon Aioli
A creamy, citrusy sauce with a garlicky base, lemon aioli brings a refreshing zing that’s perfect for fried shrimp.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice
- Quick Recipe: Blend mayonnaise with crushed garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice for a tangy sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve as a dollop on a platter of shrimp or in a small bowl for dipping.
Remoulade Sauce
A Louisiana-inspired sauce with a mayonnaise base, packed with herbs, capers, and a hint of mustard, providing a complex flavor profile.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, mustard, capers, herbs, garlic, paprika
- Quick Recipe: Mix mayonnaise with mustard, chopped capers, a medley of herbs, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serving Suggestion: Spoon onto a shrimp platter or serve in a bowl for an elegant dipping experience.
Tartar Sauce
A classic condiment with a creamy base, tartar sauce is elevated with the addition of pickles and herbs, offering a tangy complement to fried shrimp.
- Typical Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon juice, fresh dill
- Quick Recipe: Combine mayonnaise with finely chopped dill pickles, a squeeze of lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a small bowl, ideally with a sprig of dill on top for a fresh look.
What Types Of Sauces Pair Best With Fried Shrimp?
Sauces that are light, with a balance of acidity, sweetness, or heat, pair best with fried shrimp, complementing without overwhelming the seafood’s delicate flavor and crispy texture.
What Sauces To Avoid Serving With Fried Shrimp?
Avoid serving overly heavy or complex sauces with fried shrimp, as they can mask the delicate seafood flavor. Steer clear of overly sweet or dense, buttery concoctions that may overwhelm the light crispiness of the shrimp.
Here are some examples you’ll want to steer clear from:
- Alfredo Sauce: Too rich and creamy, overshadowing the shrimp’s flavor.
- Barbecue Sauce: Its smoky, heavy profile can dominate the shrimp’s light taste.
- Teriyaki Sauce: The sauce’s sweetness and thickness might conflict with the shrimp’s texture.
- Peanut Sauce: Often too thick and potent, better suited for robust meats.
- Marinara Sauce: Its robust tomato and herb flavors can overpower the shrimp.
- Béchamel Sauce: A heavy, flour-based sauce that can make the dish feel too dense.
- Mint Chutney: The intense, herby flavor could clash with the shrimp’s subtlety.
- Balsamic Glaze: The strong acidity and sweetness can be too much for fried shrimp.
Additional Tips When Choosing A Sauce For Fried Shrimp
Consider the Cooking Oil
- Flavor Harmony: Match the sauce with the type of oil used for frying to create a harmonious flavor profile.
Mind the Spice Level
- Complementary Heat: Opt for sauces that enhance the shrimp’s natural taste without overpowering it with too much heat.
Texture is Key
- Sauce Consistency: Choose sauces that aren’t too thick, to maintain the shrimp’s crispy exterior.
Color Contrast
- Visual Appeal: Pick a sauce that will contrast nicely with the golden color of the shrimp to make the dish visually appealing.
Seasonal Flavors
- Time of Year: Align your sauce choice with seasonal ingredients for a fresh and timely pairing.
The Right Temperature
- Sauce Temperature: Decide whether a hot or cold sauce would best complement the temperature of the fried shrimp.
Looking for the best shrimp & sauce pairings? Then check out my definitive guide below:
Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.