What Sauce Goes Best with Shrimp Burgers? A Guide to the Top Sauces for These Tasty Patties

Shrimp burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers Their sweet, succulent shrimp flavor lends itself well to pairing with a variety of sauces that can take the taste experience to the next level But with so many sauce options out there, it can be tricky to know which ones work best with shrimp burgers. In this article, I’ll recommend my top picks for sauces that perfectly complement shrimp burgers and explain why they make such great pairings.

An Overview of Shrimp Burgers

Before diving into the sauces, let’s first take a quick look at what exactly shrimp burgers are and what makes them unique.

Shrimp burgers are patties made primarily with chopped shrimp as the key ingredient. The shrimp meat is combined with binder ingredients like eggs or breadcrumbs, then formed into patties and cooked. Some additional seasonings are usually added to boost the flavor.

Compared to beef burgers, shrimp burgers tend to be:

• Lower in fat and calories
• Have a sweeter, lighter flavor
• More prone to dryness if overcooked

This flavor and texture profile means certain sauces work better with shrimp versus beef burgers. The goal is to find sauces that add moisture while complementing the natural sweetness.

The 5 Best Sauces for Shrimp Burgers

Based on the considerations above, here are my top recommended sauces for pairing with shrimp burgers:

1. Spicy Remoulade

Remoulade is a creamy, tangy sauce that originated from France but has become popular in many cuisines. It’s typically aioli-based, meaning the base is mayonnaise with additions like mustard, capers, herbs, pickles, and hot sauce.

It’s an ideal pairing for shrimp burgers because:

• The mayo base adds moisture and richness to counteract dryness
• Spicy flavors like hot sauce or horseradish cut through the sweetness nicely
• Tart pickles and acidic components like lemon juice provide brightness

To make it yourself, combine mayo, lemon juice, grainy mustard, minced pickles, capers, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a vibrant green sauce commonly used in Latin American cuisine. It contains parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and onion.

It works well on shrimp burgers because:

• Fresh herbs provide great flavor contrast to the sweet shrimp
• Acidity from vinegar cuts through richness
• Olive oil adds moisture and richness

Make your own by blending parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, onion, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Let the flavors meld before using.

3. Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce infused with garlic, cucumbers, lemon, dill, and olive oil. It’s tangy, cooling, and refreshing.

It complements shrimp burgers superbly due to:

• The cooling effect balancing the richness
• Yogurt and olive oil lending moisture
• Cucumber adding freshness against the sweet shrimp

Make your own by straining Greek yogurt, then mixing in grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving.

4. Spicy Mayo

For those who like some heat, spicy mayo is a quick, easy sauce that pairs deliciously with shrimp burgers. It’s a blend of mayo with hot sauce or other spicy ingredients like sriracha.

It works with the inherent sweetness because:

• Mayo provides creaminess and moisture
• Hot sauce contrasts with sweet shrimp flavor
• Quick to whip up with just a few ingredients

Make your own by mixing 1/2 cup mayo, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Adjust spiciness to taste.

5. Honey Mustard

For a combo of sweet and tangy, honey mustard is hard to beat with shrimp burgers. Stone ground or whole grain mustard is mixed with honey and sometimes mayo or sour cream for a smooth sauce with a kick.

It makes shrimp burgers shine because:

• Sweetness of honey complements the shrimp
• Mustard bite cuts through richness
• Sauce adheres well to shrimp patties

Make your own by whisking together: 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons mustard, 1 tablespoon mayo or sour cream, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

Other Notable Sauces to Consider

While the above are my top picks, a few other sauces can work nicely too:

• Tartar sauce – Classic pairing with seafood, the creaminess and pickles complement shrimp well.

• Cocktail sauce – Tomato taste provides acidity, while horseradish packs a punch.

• Mango salsa – Fruity flavors pair great with sweet shrimp; add some chili for spice.

• Aioli – Garlic and herbs in mayo base add big flavor.

What About Buns for Shrimp Burgers?

A tasty sauce needs the right bun! Brioche or pretzel buns work well, as they can hold up to sauces without getting soggy. Potato rolls also pair nicely for their soft sweetness. Sturdy whole grain buns provide great contrast in texture.

The sauce you select can inform the best bun choice too. Sweeter sauces like honey mustard go great with pretzel buns, while spicy remoulade pairs better with a potato roll. Get creative to find your perfect bun and sauce combo!

Shrimp burgers deserve more than just a squirt of ketchup – take them to the next level with one of these flavor-packed sauces instead! A spicy remoulade, herby chimichurri or creamy honey mustard will make your shrimp patties shine. Consider the sauce’s flavor profile and texture to determine the best pairing. With the right sauce and bun, your shrimp burgers will be unforgettable. Give one of these delicious options a try next time you fire up the grill or skillet for these tasty patties.

FAQs About Sauces for Shrimp Burgers

What is the most popular sauce for shrimp burgers?

The most popular sauce for shrimp burgers is likely tartar sauce – the classic seafood sauce made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, onions, and herbs. It’s a tried and true pairing.

What sauce goes best with grilled shrimp burgers?

For grilled shrimp burgers, aioli, chimichurri or spicy remoulade all pair wonderfully. Their creamy textures and bold flavors hold up well on the grill.

Can I use cocktail sauce on shrimp burgers?

Yes, you can use cocktail sauce on shrimp burgers. The horseradish gives a nice kick and the tomato-forward flavor provides acidity to balance the richness.

What type of bun should I use for shrimp burgers?

Good bun options for shrimp burgers include brioche, pretzel buns, potato rolls or whole grain buns. Pick one that can stand up to the juiciness of the shrimp patty.

Should I put mayo on a shrimp burger?

Yes, mayo makes a great base for sauces to go on shrimp burgers. It provides moisture and richness to contrast with the shrimp’s lean, light texture.