My favorite easy Shrimp Cocktail sauce recipe only requires three ingredients and a few seconds to make. You’ll never reach for store-bought cocktail sauce again!.
Shrimp sauce, also known as yum yum sauce, is a sweet and tangy condiment that has become a staple at many Japanese steakhouses and hibachi restaurants across America. Its creamy pink color and unique flavor have made it a favorite for drizzling over grilled meats, seafood, rice dishes, vegetables, and more But what exactly gives shrimp sauce its signature taste and texture? Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients that go into this addictive sauce.
The Main Ingredients
The base of most shrimp sauce recipes consists of a few key ingredients:
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Mayonnaise – A creamy, emulsified condiment made from egg yolk, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice Mayonnaise makes up the bulk of shrimp sauce and gives it a thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor Most recipes call for 1-2 cups of mayo. Japanese mayos like Kewpie are popular choices for their umami flavor.
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Ketchup – Added both for subtle sweetness and to give shrimp sauce its pale pink hue. Around 1/2 cup of ketchup is typical.
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Sugar – White granulated sugar balances the tanginess and adds sweetness. Recipes generally include 1-3 tablespoons.
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Rice vinegar – Provides a touch of acidity to brighten up the sauce. Use about 1 tablespoon.
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Soy sauce – Boosts the umami flavor of the sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce is often preferred. Add 1-2 teaspoons.
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Butter – Softens flavors and enhances richness. 1-2 tablespoons melted butter is typical.
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Paprika – Mainly for color, though it can also add subtle smokiness. Use about 1 teaspoon.
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Garlic powder – Brings an aromatic punch of garlic without adding solid pieces. 1⁄2 to 1 tablespoon is standard.
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Onion powder – Provides the subtle flavor of onions in powdered form. About 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon.
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Salt – A pinch of salt balances and unifies flavors. Add around 1⁄4 teaspoon.
Optional Ingredients
Many shrimp sauce recipes also include small amounts of optional ingredients to put their own unique stamp on the condiment:
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Hot sauce – A few dashes add a touch of heat and tang. Sriracha is a popular choice.
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Sesame oil – Provides nutty, toasted sesame flavor. Use just a few drops.
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Ginger – Grated fresh ginger can give the sauce a lively kick. Start with 1⁄4 teaspoon.
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Garlic – For an extra punch of raw garlic flavor, add 1 minced clove.
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Green onion – Thinly sliced scallions bring color and mild onion flavor.
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Lemon juice – A bit of fresh lemon brightens the sauce’s flavor. Add 1⁄2 tablespoon or to taste.
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White pepper – Has a sharper bite than black pepper. Sprinkle in just a pinch.
The Flavor Profile
When all combined, these ingredients create a sauce with a delicious sweet, salty, and umami-rich flavor profile. The mayonnaise/ketchup base provides creamy tanginess and sweetness, while seasonings like garlic, onion, paprika, and soy sauce pump up the savory umami quality. Sugar balances and unifies the flavors and makes the sauce irresistibly addictive! The sauce also picks up subtle smoky notes from the paprika and butter. The vibrant pink-orange hue comes mainly from the ketchup and paprika.
How It’s Made
Making shrimp sauce at home is easy because it’s an emulsion sauce rather than a cooked sauce. There’s no need to heat it up (aside from melting the butter). Simply mix together all the ingredients until thoroughly combined. For best results, whisk vigorously to fully emulsify the mayonnaise and ketchup, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Once mixed, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Shake or stir the sauce thoroughly before drizzling over your favorite foods. Enjoy this yummy condiment as a dip, sauce, spread, or topping!
So now you know the secrets behind the incredible flavor, color, and texture of shrimp sauce. Its simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, savory seasonings, and aromatic ingredients comes together to create a one-of-a-kind condiment that can instantly elevate grilled meats, fried rice, stir fries, vegetables, and more. The next time you’re dining at a Japanese steakhouse, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for each tangy, sweet, umami-packed bite of their famous shrimp sauce. And you’ll be able to easily recreate this addictive condiment at home for all your cooking needs. Give homemade shrimp sauce a whirl—your tastebuds will thank you!
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail:
Combine: Add ketchup, lemon juice, and prepared horseradish to a bowl then mix well to combine. Taste and make changes based on your tastes (add more horseradish if you want more “punch” and more ketchup if you want it milder).
Serve: Refrigerate shrimp cocktail sauce for at least an hour then serve cold, with cooked shrimp. Arrange on a platter and watch it disappear!.
Why I love this recipe:
- Easy and classy: I always make shrimp cocktail when I need a quick and fancy holiday appetizer. To make your own cocktail sauce, all you need is ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice.
- Delicious—shrimp costs a lot, so the sauce should be just as good. This homemade cocktail sauce goes great with shrimp and tastes better than any one you can buy in a store.