The Perfect Pairings: 10 Delicious Sauces for Shrimp

Shrimp is one of the most versatile ingredients to cook with. It can be prepared in endless ways – fried, baked, grilled, sautéed and more. But what really takes shrimp to the next level is pairing it with flavorful sauces and condiments. The right sauce accentuates the natural sweetness of tender shrimp in the best way.

From classic to unique, here are 10 delicious sauces that go great with juicy, succulent shrimp.

1. Cocktail Sauce

This vibrant red sauce is a staple companion for boiled or grilled shrimp. Thehallmarks of cocktail sauce are ketchup, horseradish and lemon juice, which give it a sweet yet zingy flair. The tangy kick brightens up simple shrimp cocktail or seafood platters. Add some Worcestershire and hot sauce to spice it up. Cocktail sauce is easy to whip up fresh or use store-bought.

2. Tartar Sauce

Another classic pairing for shrimp tartar sauce blends mayonnaise, pickles herbs and lemon. The creamy base contrasts the crisp texture of shrimp, while onion and dill add flavor. Use jarred tartar sauce or blend your own using ingredients like diced pickles, capers, parsley, lemon zest and Worcestershire sauce. Drizzle over fried coconut shrimp, fish tacos or shrimp burgers.

3. Drawn Butter

For purists who like to let the shrimp flavor shine, drawn butter is a must. Melted butter mixed with lemon juice is the perfect no-fuss dipping sauce. The richness of the melted butter complements the sweetness of the shrimp. Pair drawn lemon butter with freshly boiled, grilled or broiled shrimp. Add some garlic, herbs and hot sauce to jazz it up.

4. Aioli

This luscious garlic mayonnaise sauce transforms any seafood, but it’s especially delicious with shrimp. Whip up a quick aioli by blending mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic and parsley until smooth. Or go bold with roasted red pepper, saffron, chipotle or other flavor variations. Use as a dip, drizzle or spread on shrimp dishes.

5. Green Goddess Dressing

This herbaceous green sauce makes a fabulously unexpected pair for shrimp. Blend yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, tarragon, chives and scallions for a tangy sauce. The brightness of the herbs and acidity of the lemons and yogurt complement sweet shrimp perfectly. Use as a dressing for shrimp salads or drizzle over grilled or sautéed shrimp.

6. Miso Butter

For next-level flavor, whip up a savory miso compound butter. Blend miso paste, softened butter, lime juice, rice vinegar and ginger. Chill until firm, then slice and melt over hot shrimp. The nutty umami miso glaze gives shrimp an extra punch of savory depth. Use on grilled shrimp skewers, stir fries or noodle bowls.

7. Romesco Sauce

This rich Spanish sauce makes shrimp shine. A blender base of roasted peppers, tomatoes, garlic, almonds and olive oil creates a smoky, nutty flavor. The addition of sherry vinegar and paprika provides a tangy kick. Romesco is delightful drizzled over grilled or sautéed shrimp. For dipping, blend in a little water to thin it out.

8. Teriyaki Sauce

Sweet and salty teriyaki is a mouthwatering match for shrimp, especially grilled. Use store-bought or homemade by blending soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and sesame oil. Marinate shrimp in some of the sauce, then grill and serve drizzled with more teriyaki. It’s also great for dipping or glazing stir fries.

9. Peanut Sauce

For an Asian-inspired shrimp dish, whip up some easy peanut sauce. Purée peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime, chili garlic sauce and brown sugar. Toss with sautéed shrimp and veggies over rice or noodles. Or use as a dip for shrimp spring rolls. The nutty, mildly spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet shrimp.

10. Cocktail Cream Sauce

Level up basic cocktail sauce by blending in some Greek yogurt or sour cream to make a luscious creamy sauce for shrimp. Keep the traditional horseradish, tomato, lemon and Worcestershire base and simply fold in cold cream or yogurt. The cool, rich creaminess pairs divinely with warm sautéed or broiled shrimp.

Tips for Saucy Shrimp

• Match lighter sauces like green goddess or aioli with more delicate cooking methods like steaming or sautéing.

• Heartier sauces like Romesco or peanut sauce hold up well on boldly flavored grilled or fried shrimp.

• Adjust seasoning in sauces carefully to complement, but not overwhelm shrimp flavor.

• Drizzle extra sauce over the completed dish for added flavor in every bite.

• Thin out thick sauces with lemon juice, vinegars, broths or water as needed for better coating.

Take your shrimp to spectacular new heights by cooking up one of these sensational sauces. With endless options from classic to exotic, you’re sure to discover an amazing new favorite pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sauces for Shrimp

What is the most popular sauce to have with shrimp?

The most popular and well-loved sauce for shrimp is classic cocktail sauce, often paired with chilled peeled shrimp as an appetizer. Its bright, tangy tomato and horseradish flavor complements shrimp perfectly.

What is a good white sauce for shrimp?

Great white or cream-based sauces for shrimp include garlic butter sauce, Alfredo sauce, sour cream sauce, Parmesan cream sauce, vodka sauce, yogurt dill sauce and classic beurre blanc.

What is a good sauce for shrimp pasta?

Some delicious sauces for shrimp pasta are garlic cream sauce, Cajun cream sauce, lemon garlic butter sauce, sun-dried tomato Alfredo, pesto sauce, olive oil and herb sauce, tomato vodka sauce and shrimp scampi sauce.

What is a quick and easy sauce for shrimp?

Quick and easy sauce ideas for shrimp include melted butter with lemon and garlic, olive oil and lemon with fresh herbs, ginger lime teriyaki glaze, honey sriracha glaze, creamy mustard sauce and orange marmalade barbeque sauce.

What kind of sauce goes well with coconut shrimp?

Tropical fruit sauces pair amazingly with coconut shrimp. Try mango chili sauce, pineapple teriyaki sauce, orange horseradish sauce, spicy mango aioli, sweet chili sauce, honey mustard sauce or orange ginger dipping sauce.

Can I use pasta sauce with shrimp?

Yes, many tomato-based pasta sauces like marinara, arrabiata or fra diavolo sauce pair deliciously with shrimp. Cook the shrimp right in the sauce or toss with pasta and top with grilled or sautéed shrimp.

So grab a batch of succulent shrimp and whip up one of these sensational sauces tonight for a memorable meal that’s saucy in the best way!