These easy Coconut Shrimp are crisp and crunchy on the outside with a juicy shrimp center. Don’t forget the simple (2-ingredient) coconut shrimp sauce and a fresh squeeze of lime juice to serve.
This homemade appetizer is easier than you think and is endlessly better than store-bought. P.S. It’s make-ahead friendly!
Here, we love shrimp dishes like shrimp scampi, creamy shrimp pasta, shrimp fried rice, and even Shrimp Boil. This coconut shrimp recipe does not disappoint!.
Shrimp are one of the most beloved and versatile shellfish around. Their sweet, briny flavor pairs perfectly with everything from cocktails to salads to pasta dishes. But shrimp really shine when paired with a flavorful dipping sauce. The possibilities for shrimp dips and sauces are endless!
What are the best dips for shrimp? From classic cocktail sauce to spicy Thai chili, the options will awaken your tastebuds When prepping a shrimp platter or making coconut shrimp, having a tangy, creamy, or spicy dip on hand takes the flavor to the next level
Read on for 10 of the most irresistible dipping sauces and how to make them at home. These flavor-packed sauces will become your new go-to companion for shrimp.
1. Homemade Cocktail Sauce
You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of shrimp and zesty cocktail sauce Making your own at home is simple with just 3 ingredients
- Ketchup
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Horseradish
Combine equal parts ketchup and lemon juice, then mix in prepared horseradish to taste. The horseradish adds the signature kick, so adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. Chill the sauce before serving alongside peeled shrimp or shrimp cocktails. The tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors make this sauce irresistible.
2. Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce
Recreate your favorite restaurant-style bang bang shrimp at home with this easy 5 minute sauce. Just combine:
- Mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
The mayo provides a luscious creamy base while the chili sauce and sriracha bring on the heat. The lime adds a touch of acidity to balance it out. You’ll love dunking crispy shrimp into this spicy, addictive sauce!
3. Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey and mustard are a match made in heaven. For finger-licking honey mustard in minutes, simply mix together:
- Yellow mustard
- Honey
- Salt and pepper
Adjust the honey and mustard ratio to your desired sweetness and tang. The honey mellows out the mustard’s bite. Dip crispy shrimp, chicken tenders, and more into this easy sauce.
4. Sweet Chili Sauce
This sweet and spicy dipping sauce hits all the right notes. Simmer together:
- Rice vinegar
- Chili garlic sauce
- Brown sugar
- Lime juice
Reduce it until thickened to make the perfect dunking sauce for shrimp. You’ll love the balance of sweet and heat in every drop! The sauce also works great as a marinade or drizzled over rice.
5. Garlic Butter Sauce
Buttery shrimp dipped in even more garlic butter? Yes please! Melt together:
- Butter
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce
This rich, indulgent sauce comes together in minutes but tastes gourmet. The garlic and butter provide a decadent base while the lemon, Worcestershire, and hot sauce add extra flavor. Dunking juicy shrimp into this sauce is simply irresistible.
6. Orange Chili Dipping Sauce
This bright, citrusy sauce packs some serious heat. Simply mix:
- Orange marmalade
- Thai chili garlic sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Cayenne pepper
The orange marmalade provides sweetness while the Thai chili sauce brings the heat. Rice vinegar and cayenne add tang and spice. You’ll love dunking crispy coconut shrimp into this hot, fruity sauce!
7. Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce
This easy sauce comes together in just 5 minutes but delivers major Asian flavor. Combine:
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Green onions
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
The soy sauce gives a savory base while rice vinegar adds mellow acidity. Chopped green onions, ginger, and garlic pump up the flavor. A touch of red pepper flakes brings a hint of heat. This sauce is delicious with grilled shrimp skewers or potstickers.
8. Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce
Game day appetizers just got an upgrade with this bold buffalo blue cheese shrimp dip. Simply mix together:
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream
The cool and creamy blue cheese pairs perfectly with spicy buffalo sauce. A dollop of sour cream makes it extra rich. Dunk shrimp, wings, celery sticks, and other snacks into this quick 3-ingredient dip.
9. Thai Chili Lime Dipping Sauce
This bright Thai-inspired sauce packs some serious zing. Whisk together:
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Thai chili pepper
- Cilantro
The fish sauce, garlic, and chili provide salty, savory flavor. Lime juice adds brightness while brown sugar balances with sweetness. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of herby flavor. Drizzle this incredible sauce over grilled shrimp, spring rolls, and beyond.
10. Chinese Hot Mustard
Add some spice to your shrimp with this sinus-clearing Chinese mustard dip. Mix together:
- Dry mustard
- Water
- Rice vinegar
- Vegetable oil
Let the mustard mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the heat to develop. Rice vinegar and oil give it a smooth, dip-able texture. This mustard will add some serious nose-tingling heat when paired with plump shrimp.
Boost Your Shrimp’s Flavor with Saucy Dips
Shrimp deserve flavorful sauces that enhance their natural sweetness. With endless dipping sauce options, from cool and herby to spicy and indulgent, you can take your shrimp to new heights.
Keep this guide handy when making appetizers or having a shrimp-focused meal. Whip up a tangy, savory, or spicy dipping sauce in minutes to serve alongside shrimp. Watch your shrimp platter disappear fast once you offer your guests one of these irresistible sauces!
Can I Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?
Yes! If you don’t want to fry the shrimp, the air fryer is the next best thing. It quickly makes the outside crispy while keeping the middle juicy and plump. Spray cooking spray on both sides of the breaded shrimp, and then cook them in an air fryer at 400˺F for 8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
What Size Shrimp for Coconut Shrimp?
We used 1 pound of large 21-25 count shrimp. The shrimp were perfectly cooked in the middle and golden on the outside when they were this size. Smaller shrimp overcook quickly and larger shrimp tend to burn before the center cooks through.
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What do you put in a shrimp dip?
For these times it’s helpful to have a dish like this shrimp dip in one’s back pocket. Some little pink shrimp (they’re sustainable and sweet), some cream cheese, a touch of mayo, a little lemon, some chopped herbs, a dash of hot sauce and presto! A lovely dip—thick, shrimpy, and brightly flavored with the lemon, herbs, and hot sauce.
Is shrimp ok on a soft diet?
Yes, you can, but as long as they are well cooked, and preferably cut into small pieces before eating. All very tender meats can go in.
How do you make shrimp dipping sauce?
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.
What dips go well with shrimp?
Adjust the amount of lime juice, cilantro, and salt and pepper to your taste. These four dips for shrimp will go well with pretty much any type of shrimp you want to serve. Feel free to try them out with other foods too, like chicken or fish! They’re super versatile, and definitely deserve a place in your kitchen.