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What Are the Different Types of Shrimp Sauces?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

There are several different types of shrimp sauces, which can be made from shrimp or used to compliment cooked shrimp. The most popular shrimp sauces are scampi, alfredo, and creamy tomato. For dipping, cocktail sauce, steakhouse sauce, and tartar sauce are common in America and Europe. In Asia, a spicy mayonnaise-based condiment is popular for this shellfish.

One of the most common shrimp sauces is scampi. In this dish, the shrimp is cooked with a large amount of butter, as well as wine, garlic, and lemon juice. While scampi can be prepared without shrimp, it tends to lose much of its flavor. Shrimp scampi is typically served over noodles or with crusty, fresh bread.

Shrimp.
Shrimp.

Shrimp alfredo is a popular pasta dish in several parts of the world, especially Italy. A basic white sauce, or roux, is made using flour, butter, and heavy cream. Raw shrimp is then cooked within the sauce, and then served over wide noodles. In some parts of the world, cheese is added to the alfredo, although this is not common in Italy; seafood and cheese are rarely, if ever, used together in traditional Italian cooking.

Mayonnaise is a common ingredient in a variety of shrimp sauces.
Mayonnaise is a common ingredient in a variety of shrimp sauces.

A tomato cream sauce also often incorporates shrimp. As with the other shrimp sauces, it is most often served over pasta. Heavy cream is added to a tomato sauce, which can be a standard marinara or, in some areas of the world, a very spicy tomato sauce laden with red pepper flakes and paprika. The shrimp used in these types of sauces are typically small and have the tail removed for easy eating.

Fresh, crusty bread is often served with shrimp scampi.
Fresh, crusty bread is often served with shrimp scampi.

Cocktail is commonly used as a shrimp sauce, and served with cooked and chilled shrimp. The pair are typically served as an appetizer. Cocktail shrimp sauces are usually tomato-based with horseradish and lemon. Other ingredients and spices can be added for different flavors.

Steakhouse shrimp sauces tend to vary, although they typically include mayonnaise or sour cream, some type of tomato product, and a variety of spices. In America and Europe, this sauce is very popular in Hibachi-style restaurants, although it is not typically used in traditional Asian cuisine. Tartar shrimp sauces are most often served with hot or fried shrimp. It is typically a mix of capers, mayonnaise, and relish, with lemon juice and garlic also being common ingredients.

Shrimp alfredo tops the shrimp with a rich, cream-based sauce.
Shrimp alfredo tops the shrimp with a rich, cream-based sauce.

In Japan, China, and Korea, spicy shrimp sauces are popular. Asian mayonnaise, which is slightly thicker and more flavorful than its European counterpart, is mixed with a chili sauce and a large amount of garlic. These shrimp sauces are used on both hot and cold shrimp, although they are particularly popular with fried shrimp, especially Japanese tempura.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@talentryto- In addition to using ketchup mixed with horseradish to make a homemade cocktail sauce, you can add a variety of other ingredients to give the recipe more flavor and pizzazz.

I like to mix in a few drops of lemon juice to the mixture. This goes great with shrimp and other types of seafood. Small pieces of chopped onion and celery add zest and texture to this favorite shrimp sauce.

If you like a lot of strong, acidity flavor to your cocktail sauce, you can also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to the mix. This compliments the other ingredients nicely, and tastes great on all kinds of shrimp and other types of seafood.

Heavanet

@talentryto- This type of shrimp sauce recipe is very easy to make. All you need is ketchup and horseradish. Mix the two together, varying each ingredient depending on your taste preference.

For example, if you prefer cocktail sauce that has a lot of tomato flavor, add more ketchup than horseradish. The more horseradish you use, the more tangy your sauce will be after thoroughly mixing it together.

Talentryto

I've heard that you can make a shrimp cocktail sauce with a few simple ingredients. Does any have a good homemade cocktail sauce recipe?

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    • Shrimp.
      By: nito
      Shrimp.
    • Mayonnaise is a common ingredient in a variety of shrimp sauces.
      By: uckyo
      Mayonnaise is a common ingredient in a variety of shrimp sauces.
    • Fresh, crusty bread is often served with shrimp scampi.
      By: Maurice Metzger
      Fresh, crusty bread is often served with shrimp scampi.
    • Shrimp alfredo tops the shrimp with a rich, cream-based sauce.
      By: Lucky Dragon
      Shrimp alfredo tops the shrimp with a rich, cream-based sauce.
    • Cocktail sauce, usually made with red chili and tomatoes, is a key component of the shrimp cocktail.
      By: klsbear
      Cocktail sauce, usually made with red chili and tomatoes, is a key component of the shrimp cocktail.