Name: Shrimp Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: PT-488183H48M42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup good-quality mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Tabasco hot sauce (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

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This Shrimp Dipping Sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, making it the perfect companion for all kinds of shrimp dishes. With mayonnaise as the base, balanced by ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, and a touch of heat from Tabasco, this sauce is bold yet versatile. It’s quick to whip up and guaranteed to take your shrimp to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
Perfectly balanced—creamy, tangy, smoky, and spicy.
Pairs with shrimp prepared in any style: grilled, blackened, fried, or air-fried.
Customizable—adjust spice and seasoning to your taste.
A great make-ahead sauce for parties or seafood feasts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup good-quality mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Tabasco hot sauce (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, Tabasco, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Serve with grilled, blackened, air-fried, or fried shrimp.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 3/4 cup of sauce (6–8 servings).

Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 15 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total time: 5–20 minutes

Variations

Add a teaspoon of horseradish for extra zing.
Swap Tabasco for sriracha, chipotle sauce, or chili paste.
Use Dijon mustard instead of stone ground for a smoother sauce.
Stir in a tablespoon of honey for a sweet-spicy flavor.
Add chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Stir before serving, as ingredients may settle.
Do not freeze, as mayonnaise-based sauces do not thaw well.

FAQs

Can I use light mayonnaise?

Yes, light mayo works but may slightly change the texture and flavor.

Is this sauce spicy?

It has mild heat from Tabasco, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, making it a few hours ahead enhances the flavors.

What else can I serve this with besides shrimp?

It’s delicious with crab cakes, fish tacos, fried fish, or even as a sandwich spread.

Can I use Dijon mustard instead of stone ground?

Yes, Dijon will give a tangier, smoother flavor.

How do I make it smokier?

Use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Is this similar to cocktail sauce?

It’s creamier and less tomato-based than cocktail sauce, with more of a spicy mayo profile.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—it scales up easily for parties.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Dipping Sauce is creamy, zesty, and full of flavor—an easy way to elevate your favorite shrimp recipes. With its balance of spice, tang, and richness, it’s a versatile sauce that will become a go-to for seafood lovers. Whether you’re grilling shrimp for a summer barbecue or making crispy air fryer shrimp, this sauce is the perfect finishing touch.

Maggie