What Sauce Goes with Popcorn Shrimp? (13 Sauces)

Popcorn shrimp is a delicious and easy seafood dish to make.

It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

But one of the best things about popcorn shrimp is that it’s so versatile!

You can enjoy it plain, with a dipping sauce, or even smothered in your favorite sauce.

So if you are wondering what kind of sauce to put on popcorn shrimp, then you are in the right place.

Below, I’m sharing 13 of the best sauces for popcorn shrimp, including cocktail sauce, tarter sauce, remoulade sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and more.

See Also: What Salad Goes With Coconut Shrimp? 15 Best Salads

What Sauce Goes with Popcorn Shrimp?

There are a variety of sauces that go well with popcorn shrimp. If you want something sweet, you could try a honey mustard sauce or a sweet and sour sauce. For something savory, you could try a cocktail sauce or a tarter sauce. If you want something spicy, you could try a buffalo sauce or a Sriracha mayo.

Still looking for ideas?

Then just keep scrolling!

Here are 13 sauces that go with popcorn shrimp:

1. Aioli

Aioli is popular for many reasons: it’s flavorful, it’s versatile, and it goes well with just about anything.

And popcorn shrimp is no exception.

The creamy sauce helps to balance out the fried shrimp, and the garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the seafood.

Plus, it’s a great dipping sauce for other appetizers like calamari or chicken wings.

Tip:

You can find aioli in the condiment aisle of most grocery stores.

2. Garlic Sauce

Garlic is a superhero ingredient. It makes everything taste better, including popcorn shrimp.

A garlic sauce is a great way to add some extra flavor to your shrimp.

It’s also a great dipping sauce for other fried foods, like french fries or chicken nuggets.

Tip:

If you don’t have any garlic sauce on hand, you can make your own by mixing garlic powder, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.

3. Cocktail Sauce

Cocktail sauce is like ketchup’s more sophisticated older sister.

It’s got all the same sweetness and acidity, but with the addition of horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and other spices.

This makes it the perfect dipping sauce for popcorn shrimp.

The shrimp are already salty and savory, so the cocktail sauce just adds a bit of sweetness and zing.

Tip:

Make sure to get cocktail sauce that is labeled “gluten-free” if you are avoiding gluten.

4. Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is semi-sweet and semi-savory, making it a perfect dipping sauce for popcorn shrimp.

The acidity of the sauce cuts through the richness of the fried shrimp, and the sweetness pairs well with the seafood flavor.

Plus, it’s a classic sauce that everyone knows and loves.

Tip:

If you want some extra flavor, try adding a bit of lemon juice to your tartar sauce.

5. Lemon Butter Sauce

If you want to keep things simple, a classic lemon butter sauce is always a good choice.

The acidity of the lemon pairs well with the sweetness of the shrimp, and the butter ties it all together.

Plus, it’s a quick and easy sauce to make.

Tip:

If you want a bit of a kick, try adding some cayenne pepper to your lemon butter sauce.

6. Pesto

Everybody knows pesto sauce goes great with pasta, but it’s also a delicious dipping sauce for popcorn shrimp.

The creamy, nutty flavor of pesto pairs perfectly with the delicate taste of shrimp.

Plus, it’s a healthy option since it’s made with olive oil and nuts.

Tip:

If you want to make your own pesto sauce, just blend some basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in a food processor.

7. Chimichurri

Chimichurri is special, in that it’s more of a condiment than a sauce.

It’s made with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, and it has a bright, acidic flavor.

It’s the perfect dipping sauce for popcorn shrimp because it cuts through the fried batter and brings out the shrimp flavor.

Tip:

If you can’t find chimichurri at your local grocery store, you can easily make it at home.

Just combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

8. Romesco

Romesco is known as a Catalan sauce, originating in the Tarragona region of Spain.

It’s made with roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and olive oil, giving it a rich and nutty flavor.

This sauce is perfect for dipping popcorn shrimp in because it brings out the sweetness of the seafood without overpowering it.

Tip:

If you can’t find romesco sauce, you can make your own by blending roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and olive oil.

9. Harissa

If you prefer your popcorn shrimp with a little bit of a kick, then harissa is the perfect sauce for you.

This North African chili paste is spicy, flavorful, and goes great with seafood.

Just be careful not to add too much, or your shrimp will be too spicy to eat.

Tip:

Harissa can be found in most grocery stores these days.

Look for it in the international aisle or near the other sauces and condiments.

10. Honey Mustard

This family-friendly sauce is perfect for dipping popcorn shrimp.

The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp, and the mustard gives it a bit of a kick.

Plus, it’s a sauce that everyone can enjoy.

Tip:

You can find honey mustard at any grocery store.

It’s usually in the condiment section near the other sauces.

11. Remoulade Sauce

Known for its unique flavor, remoulade sauce is a perfect partner for popcorn shrimp.

The sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, with a hint of heat from the mustard.

It’s also thick and creamy, which helps to coat the shrimp and keep them moist.

Tip:

You can find remoulade sauce in the condiment aisle of most grocery stores.

12. BBQ Sauce

Sweet, smoky, and a little bit spicy, BBQ sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for popcorn shrimp.

The shrimp are already cooked, so all you need to do is heat them up.

The sauce will add some extra flavor and make them even more delicious.

Tip:

If you want a spicier version of this dish, try using a hot BBQ sauce.

13. Hot Sauce

Lastly, I had to mention hot sauce. I love hot sauce on just about everything, but it goes especially well with popcorn shrimp.

The heat of the sauce kicks up the flavor of the shrimp, and the acidity cuts through the richness of the fried batter.

And, it’s a great way to add some extra spice to your dish.

Tip:

If you want to really kick up the heat, try adding some cayenne pepper to your hot sauce.