The 20 Best Sauces for Seafood

Do you love seafood?

If so, you know that sauces can make or break a dish.

The right sauce can take your seafood dishes to the next level and give them an extra punch of flavor.

But with so many different types of sauces available, how do you choose which one is best for your meal?

In this article, I’ll be discussing 20 of the best sauces for seafood dishes.

From classic favorites like tartar sauce to more exotic options like Thai sweet chili sauce, there’s something here for everyone!

Why Use A Sauce for Seafood?

Adding a sauce to seafood can be an excellent way to enhance the flavor of your dish.

There are many different types of sauces that can be used with seafood, from classic butter-based sauces like hollandaise and béarnaise, to more exotic options such as Thai curry or teriyaki.

Here are three reasons why you should consider using a sauce for your next seafood meal:

• To add complexity: Sauces provide an opportunity to layer flavors on top of the natural taste of the fish or shellfish. A simple lemon butter sauce can bring out the sweetness in shrimp, while a spicy tomato-based sauce can give salmon an extra kick.
• To create texture contrast: The creamy texture of some sauces provides a nice contrast against the flaky texture of most cooked fish dishes. This helps make each bite more interesting and enjoyable.
• To boost nutrition: Many sauces contain healthy ingredients such as herbs, spices, vegetables, nuts and seeds which help increase the nutritional value of your meal without compromising on flavor!

The 20 Best Sauces for Seafood

Seafood is delicious on its own, but it can be even better with the right sauce.

Here are 20 sauces that will perfectly complement your seafood dish, adding a unique flavor and texture:

1. Cajun Remoulade Sauce

Cajun Remoulade Sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment that originated in Louisiana.

It is made with mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper and other spices.

The sauce has a tangy flavor and can be used as a dip or spread for sandwiches and burgers.

• To Make It: To make Cajun Remoulade Sauce at home, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of paprika and ½ teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
• Variations: There are many variations on this classic recipe; some recipes call for Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce instead of horseradish or cayenne pepper. You can also add chopped pickles or capers to give it an extra zing.
• Common Uses: Cajun Remoulade Sauce is commonly served with seafood dishes such as fried shrimp or crab cakes but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables or chips. It’s also great on sandwiches and burgers!

2. Cilantro Sauce

Cilantro sauce is a creamy, flavorful condiment made from cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and other ingredients.

It has a bright green color and a slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with seafood dishes.

• To Make It: To make cilantro sauce, start by blending together fresh cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, olive oil, lime juice or white wine vinegar, salt and pepper in a food processor until smooth. For extra flavor you can also add jalapeno peppers or chili powder to the mix. Once blended together the mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Variations: There are many variations of this sauce that can be made depending on your taste preferences. You can add different herbs such as parsley or basil for more flavor; use yogurt instead of olive oil for a creamier texture; or add avocado for an even richer taste.
• Common Uses: Cilantro sauce is most commonly used as an accompaniment to seafood dishes such as fish tacos or shrimp scampi but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables like carrots and celery sticks; spread over sandwiches; drizzled over salads; added to soups; served with grilled meats like chicken or steak; mixed into pasta dishes; and much more!

3. Honey Garlic Sauce

Honey garlic sauce is a sweet and savory condiment made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other ingredients.

It has a thick consistency and can be used as a marinade or dipping sauce for various dishes.

• To Make It: To make honey garlic sauce, combine equal parts of honey and soy sauce in a bowl. Add minced garlic to the mixture along with some freshly ground black pepper. For extra flavor, you can also add some fresh ginger or red chili flakes. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
• Variations: There are many variations of this popular condiment that include different ingredients such as rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste or hot mustard powder. You can also add some brown sugar to give it an even sweeter taste.
• Common Uses: Honey garlic sauce is commonly used as a marinade for meats like chicken or pork before grilling or baking them in the oven. It’s also great for stir-frying vegetables or adding to noodles dishes like lo mein or chow mein. The sweet and savory flavors of this condiment pair perfectly with seafood dishes like shrimp tempura or crab cakes too!

4. Sweet Mango Dipping Sauce

Sweet Mango Dipping Sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce made from mangoes, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and other spices.

It’s a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine and is often served with seafood dishes.

• To Make It: To make Sweet Mango Dipping Sauce at home, start by peeling and chopping two ripe mangoes. Place the chopped mangoes in a blender or food processor along with 1/4 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (optional), and salt to taste. Blend until smooth.
• Variations: There are many variations on this recipe that can be used to customize the flavor profile to your liking. For example, you can add chili peppers for some heat or lime juice for an extra zing. You can also substitute honey for the sugar if you prefer a less sweet version of the sauce.
• Common Uses: Sweet Mango Dipping Sauce is most commonly served as an accompaniment to seafood dishes such as shrimp tempura or crab cakes. It’s also great as a dip for vegetables like cucumbers or carrots and makes an excellent marinade for grilled meats like chicken wings or pork chops.

5. Japanese Steakhouse Ginger Sauce

Japanese Steakhouse Ginger Sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings.

It’s commonly served with seafood dishes in Japanese steakhouses.

• To Make It: To make the sauce, combine equal parts of soy sauce and sugar in a small bowl. Add minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the mixture and stir until combined. For added flavor, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sesame oil.
• Variations: There are many variations on this classic recipe that can be used to customize the flavor profile of the dish. Some popular variations include adding mirin (a type of rice wine), sake (rice wine), or miso paste for additional sweetness; adding chili oil for heat; or using honey instead of sugar for a sweeter taste.
• Common Uses: This versatile sauce is often used as an accompaniment to seafood dishes such as tempura shrimp or grilled salmon. It can also be used as a marinade for meats like chicken or pork before cooking them on the grill or stovetop. Additionally, it makes an excellent dipping sauce for vegetables like edamame beans or gyoza dumplings.

6. Beer BBQ Sauce

Beer BBQ sauce is a type of barbecue sauce that incorporates beer as an ingredient.

It is usually made with tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices.

The beer adds a unique flavor to the sauce and helps to tenderize the meat when it is cooked.

• To Make It: To make beer BBQ sauce, combine all ingredients in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Stir until everything is combined and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened. Once finished cooking, let cool before using or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Variations: There are many variations of beer BBQ sauces that can be made depending on personal preference. Some popular variations include adding honey or molasses for sweetness; chipotle peppers for smokiness; Worcestershire sauce for tanginess; mustard for zest; and various herbs and spices such as cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, etc., for additional flavor complexity.
• Common Uses: Beer BBQ Sauce can be used on any type of grilled meats such as chicken wings or ribs but it also pairs well with seafood dishes like shrimp skewers or salmon fillets. It can also be used as a marinade before grilling or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.

7. Cocktail Sauce

Cocktail sauce is a condiment made from ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce.

It is usually served with seafood dishes such as shrimp cocktail or oysters on the half shell.

• To Make It: To make cocktail sauce at home, combine 1/2 cup of ketchup with 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mixture. Finally, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to taste. Stir until all ingredients are combined and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Variations: There are many variations on classic cocktail sauce that can be used to add flavor and interest to seafood dishes. Some popular variations include adding minced garlic or onion for extra flavor; substituting chili garlic paste for the hot sauce; adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro; using different types of mustard instead of ketchup; or adding diced tomatoes for texture and color.
• Common Uses: Cocktail Sauce is most commonly served alongside shrimp cocktails but it can also be used as a dip for fried calamari rings, crab cakes, fish sticks, oysters Rockefeller, mussels marinara, clams casino and many other seafood dishes. It can also be used as a condiment for burgers, sandwiches and other dishes.

8. Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory Japanese condiment made from soy sauce, mirin (a type of rice wine), sake (rice wine), sugar, and sometimes ginger.

It is used to marinate or glaze meats, fish, and vegetables.

• To Make It: To make teriyaki sauce at home, combine equal parts soy sauce and mirin in a small pot over medium heat. Add the same amount of sugar as you did for the soy sauce and mirin mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer until it thickens slightly. If desired, add some freshly grated ginger for extra flavor.
• Variations: There are many variations on teriyaki sauce that can be made with different ingredients such as honey or garlic instead of sugar or adding fruit juices like pineapple juice for sweetness.
• Common Uses: Teriyaki sauce is commonly used as a marinade for meats like chicken or beef before cooking them on the grill or stovetop. It can also be used as a glaze while cooking seafood such as salmon or shrimp to give it an extra layer of flavor. The sweet-savory combination makes it perfect for stir-fries too!

9. Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a condiment made from mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and other seasonings.

It is typically served with seafood dishes such as fish and chips or fried shrimp.

• To Make It: To make tartar sauce at home, start by combining 1 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles or sweet relish. Then add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of capers (optional). Finally, season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper.
• Variations: There are many variations on the classic tartar sauce recipe. Some recipes call for adding minced onion or garlic to the mix for extra flavor; others suggest using horseradish instead of mustard for a spicier version; while still others recommend adding fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for an herbal twist.
• Common Uses: Tartar sauce is most commonly used as a dip for fried seafood dishes such as fish and chips or crab cakes. But it can also be used in sandwiches (like tuna salad), salads (such as potato salad), burgers (especially salmon burgers), wraps (try it with grilled shrimp!), and more!

10. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Thai sweet chili sauce is a condiment made from red chilies, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce.

It has a sweet-spicy flavor with a hint of sourness.

The sauce is commonly used in Thai cuisine as a dipping sauce for seafood dishes such as fried shrimp or crab cakes.

• To Make It: To make the sauce at home, start by combining red chilies (seeds removed), garlic cloves, white vinegar, and sugar in a blender or food processor until smooth. Then add fish sauce to taste and blend again until combined. If desired, you can also add some lime juice for extra tartness.
• Variations: There are many variations of this popular condiment that include adding different ingredients such as ginger or tamarind paste to give it an extra kick of flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference.
• Common Uses: This versatile condiment is often served alongside seafood dishes like fried shrimp or crab cakes but can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats and vegetables or even added to stir-fries for an extra punch of flavor. It’s also great when used as a dip for spring rolls and other appetizers!

11. Spicy Aioli

Spicy aioli is a type of mayonnaise-based sauce that has been spiced up with chili peppers, garlic, and other seasonings.

It is often used as a condiment for seafood dishes such as fish tacos or shrimp po’boys.

• To Make It: To make spicy aioli, start by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are fully combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you want it spicier add more cayenne pepper or chili powder; if you want it milder add more mayonnaise.
• Variations: There are many variations on spicy aioli that can be made depending on what flavors you prefer. For example, adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro will give it an herbal flavor; adding lemon juice will give it some acidity; adding Worcestershire sauce will give it some umami depth; and adding honey will give it some sweetness.
• Common Uses: Spicy aioli is most commonly used as a condiment for seafood dishes such as fish tacos or shrimp po’boys but can also be used to dress salads or sandwiches. It can also be served as a dip for vegetables or chips.

12. Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is a condiment made from a combination of sweet and sour ingredients, such as sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other spices.

It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine to add flavor to dishes.

• To Make It: To make sweet and sour sauce at home you will need the following ingredients: 1/4 cup white sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Combine all the ingredients in a small pot over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool before using.
• Variations: There are many variations of sweet and sour sauce that can be made depending on your preference or what you have available in your pantry. Some variations include adding pineapple juice or chunks of pineapple for an extra fruity flavor, adding chili peppers for some spice, or replacing the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
• Common Uses: Sweet and sour sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for fried foods like egg rolls or chicken nuggets but can also be used as an ingredient in stir-fries or marinades for meats. It also makes a delicious glaze for pork and chicken.

13. Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek condiment made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

It has a creamy texture and a refreshing flavor that pairs well with seafood dishes.

• To Make It: To make tzatziki sauce, start by grating one large cucumber into a bowl. Add in two cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill or mint (or both), 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice, and salt to taste. Finally stir in one cup of plain Greek yogurt until everything is combined. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Variations: There are many variations on the classic tzatziki recipe; some recipes call for adding feta cheese or sour cream instead of yogurt for a richer flavor. Other variations include adding diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added color and flavor.
• Common Uses: Tzatziki sauce is most commonly served as an accompaniment to grilled meats such as lamb kebabs or gyros but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables like carrots and celery sticks or pita chips. It’s also great spread on sandwiches or wraps instead of mayonnaise.

14. Dill Tartar Sauce with Pickles

Dill tartar sauce with pickles is a condiment made from mayonnaise, dill pickles, and fresh dill.

It is usually served as an accompaniment to seafood dishes such as fish and chips or fried shrimp.

• To Make It: To make dill tartar sauce with pickles, start by combining 1 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles in a bowl. Then add 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped dill and mix everything together until it’s well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Variations: There are many variations on this classic recipe that can be used to customize the flavor profile to your liking. For example, you could add some capers for a briny flavor or some horseradish for a spicy kick. You could also use different types of pickles such as sweet gherkins or bread-and-butter pickles instead of regular dills.
• Common Uses: Dill tartar sauce with pickles is most commonly served alongside fried seafood dishes like fish and chips or fried shrimp but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables or crackers, spread on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, tacos, etc., or even drizzled over salads for extra flavor and texture.

15. Zesty Cajun Tartar Sauce

Zesty Cajun Tartar Sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and Cajun spices.

It has a zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes such as fried fish or shrimp.

• To Make It: To make Zesty Cajun Tartar Sauce, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles, 1 tablespoon of capers (drained), 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of paprika and cayenne pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
• Variations: For an extra kick to your tartar sauce you can add some hot sauce or horseradish to the mix. You can also substitute the dill pickles for sweet relish if desired.
• Common Uses: Zesty Cajun Tartar Sauce is most commonly used as a dip for fried seafood dishes such as fish and shrimp but it can also be used on sandwiches or burgers in place of regular tartar sauce.

16. Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise sauce is a classic French sauce made from egg yolks, butter, and lemon juice.

It is one of the five mother sauces in French cuisine and is often served with eggs Benedict or asparagus.

• To Make It: To make hollandaise sauce, you’ll need to whisk together egg yolks, melted butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper until it thickens. The mixture should be heated over low heat while stirring constantly until it reaches the desired consistency. Once done, it can be served immediately or kept warm for later use.
• Variations: There are several variations of hollandaise sauce that can be made by adding different ingredients such as herbs like tarragon or chervil; spices like cayenne pepper; or other liquids such as white wine or vinegar.
• Common Uses: Hollandaise sauce is commonly used to top vegetables such as steamed artichokes and broccoli; fish dishes like poached salmon; eggs Benedict; and even steak!

17. Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and other ingredients.

It can range in flavor from mild to extremely spicy and is used to add heat and flavor to dishes.

• To Make It: Hot sauce is typically made by combining chili peppers with vinegar or another acidic liquid such as lemon juice or lime juice. Other ingredients like garlic, onion, sugar, salt, herbs, spices, and even fruit may be added for additional flavor. The mixture is then simmered until the desired consistency is reached before being strained and bottled.
• Variations: There are many different types of hot sauces available on the market today ranging from mild to extremely spicy. Popular varieties include Tabasco sauce, Sriracha sauce, Cholula hot sauce, Louisiana-style hot sauces (such as Crystal), habanero-based sauces (such as El Yucateco), and ghost pepper-based sauces (such as Mad Dog 357).
• Common Uses: Hot sauce can be used in a variety of ways including adding it directly to food or using it as an ingredient in recipes such as marinades or dressings. It’s also commonly used to give dishes an extra kick of heat such as tacos or nachos.

18. Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that typically includes garlic, onions, herbs, and spices.

It is usually made with crushed or diced tomatoes and simmered for a short time to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

• To Make It: To make marinara sauce from scratch, start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil until softened. Then add canned crushed tomatoes or fresh chopped tomatoes along with some dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer for 15 minutes or so until the flavors have blended together.
• Variations: There are many variations on marinara sauce depending on what ingredients you have available. You can add vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers to give it more flavor and texture. You can also use different types of tomatoes such as cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Common Uses: Marinara sauce is most commonly used as a base for pasta dishes like spaghetti and lasagna but it can also be used in other dishes such as pizza or eggplant parmesan. It’s also great served over grilled fish or chicken breasts for an easy weeknight meal.

19. Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce is a traditional Italian condiment made from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and salt.

It is usually served as a topping for pasta dishes or used as a dip for breads and vegetables.

• To Make It: To make pesto sauce at home, you will need to gather the ingredients listed above. Start by blending the basil leaves with garlic in a food processor until it forms a paste. Then add the pine nuts and blend again until they are finely chopped. Next add the Parmesan cheese and olive oil and blend until everything is combined into a smooth paste. Finally season with salt to taste.
• Variations: There are many variations of pesto sauce that can be made using different herbs such as cilantro or parsley instead of basil; different types of nuts such as walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts; different types of cheeses such as feta or ricotta instead of Parmesan; and even adding other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.
• Common Uses: Pesto sauce is most commonly used on pasta dishes but can also be used on sandwiches, pizza, salads, soups, fish dishes, chicken dishes and more!

20. Bearnaise Sauce

Bearnaise sauce is a classic French sauce made from clarified butter, egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and herbs.

It is similar to hollandaise sauce but with the addition of tarragon and shallots.

The name comes from the city of Béarn in southwestern France where it was first created.

• To Make It: To make bearnaise sauce, start by combining white wine vinegar, chopped shallots or onions, fresh tarragon leaves (or other herbs such as chervil or parsley), peppercorns, and salt in a small pan over medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half then strain into a bowl and set aside to cool. In another bowl whisk together egg yolks and cold water until light and fluffy then slowly add melted clarified butter while continuing to whisk vigorously until thickened. Finally, stir in the cooled vinegar mixture along with additional seasonings such as lemon juice or cayenne pepper if desired.
• Variations: There are many variations on bearnaise sauce including adding different herbs like chives or dill instead of tarragon; substituting red wine for white wine vinegar; using garlic instead of shallots; adding cream for a richer flavor; or replacing some of the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Common Uses: Bearnaise sauce is traditionally served with steak but is also delicious with fish, roasted vegetables, eggs, or as a dip for crudités.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious sauces that can be used to elevate your seafood dishes.

Whether you’re looking for something classic like cocktail sauce or something more exotic like Thai sweet chili sauce, there’s sure to be something to tantalize your taste buds.

The best sauces for seafood are Cajun Remoulade, Cilantro Sauce, Honey Garlic Sauce, Sweet Mango Dipping Sauce, Japanese Steakhouse Ginger Sauce, Beer BBQ Sauce, Cocktail Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Tartar Sauce, and Thai Sweet Chili Sauce.

Each of these sauces offers a unique flavor that can help to enhance the natural flavors of the seafood.

So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy your seafood, try one of these sauces and enjoy the flavor!