Looking for a creamy and tangy dipping sauce with a kick for your next shrimp cocktail gathering? This rich shrimp sauce can be prepared in just 15 minutes and pairs perfectly with any steamed seafood. Our take on the classic English shrimp sauce is bursting with umami flavors, featuring zesty lemon juice, spicy Tabasco sauce, and fresh minced shallots for added texture.
This Shrimp Sauce’s Origins
This sauce is inspired by the English Marie Rose sauce, traditionally used as a dip for shrimp. Classic Marie Rose sauce consists of mayonnaise, tomatoes, lemon, and Worcestershire sauce, with ketchup often serving as a simpler tomato alternative. It bears a resemblance to American Thousand Island dressing.
Our shrimp sauce is akin to cocktail sauce, but with the addition of mayonnaise for a creamy base. We enhance it with ingredients like Tabasco and horseradish for a spicy kick, along with aromatics such as garlic and shallots. This sauce also complements other seafood dishes, including fresh Dungeness crab, air fryer salmon, and salmon bites.
Ingredients for This Shrimp Sauce Recipe
This homemade shrimp sauce is based on Marie Rose sauce from England, utilizing a base of mayonnaise, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, while incorporating various seasonings.
- Mayonnaise serves as the creamy base for this shrimp dip, enhancing even simply prepared steamed shrimp.
- Ketchup is a more convenient option than traditional tomato puree, adding a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Fresh minced shallots provide texture and a slightly sharp note; red onions can be used for an extra kick.
- Lemon juice balances the richness of the mayonnaise and brightens the overall flavor.
- Condiments like Tabasco, Dijon mustard, and fresh horseradish contribute tanginess and spice.
- Worcestershire sauce adds a layer of umami complexity to the dip.
- Honey rounds out the acidity and richness with a touch of sweetness; alternatives like agave, brown sugar, or cane sugar can also be used.
- For additional flavor, we include dried spices such as garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How Long This Sauce Stays Fresh
This homemade shrimp sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To avoid contamination, always use a clean utensil when serving. It’s advisable to stir the sauce before serving, as it may thicken while stored in the fridge.
Cooking Shrimp for This Sauce
The simplest method to prepare shrimp for this creamy sauce is by steaming them. This technique gently cooks the shrimp, preventing a rubbery texture that can result from overcooking. Since the sauce is packed with flavor, there’s no need to season the shrimp before steaming.
Steaming times vary based on shrimp size, typically taking 3-6 minutes. For large shrimp (31-40 count), it takes about 5 minutes. Shrimp are done when they turn opaque, have a firm texture, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Note that not all shrimp turn orange when cooked; for instance, domestic brown shrimp will turn a lighter pink.
If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider making shrimp tempura—just remember to devein the shrimp before battering and frying. Other cooking methods include grilling shrimp over the BBQ or quickly sautéing them in a pan until they are bright and orange. For a different seafood sauce, try our crab cake sauce.
