10 Best Sauces for Shrimp and Rice: Easy Shrimp Sauce Collection

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to elevate your shrimp and rice dish, look no further than sauces for shrimp and rice.

From the tangy and spicy to the savory and sweet, there are countless sauces that can complement the flavors of shrimp and rice.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best sauces for shrimp and rice, so you can take your meal to the next level.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or want to try something new, there’s a sauce on this list for everyone.

The 10 Best Sauces for Shrimp and Rice

Shrimp and rice go together like peanut butter and jelly. But to really take your dish to the next level, you’ll need a good sauce.

Here are ten sauces that can be used with shrimp and rice dishes, each offering an unique flavor:

1. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and it’s an excellent choice for shrimp and rice dishes. It has a salty, savory flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of shrimp and the mildness of rice.

Soy sauce comes in many varieties, including light, dark, and low-sodium. Light soy sauce is the most commonly used and has a thin consistency and a lighter flavor.

Dark soy sauce is thicker and has a more robust, almost caramel-like flavor.

Both types of soy sauce work well in shrimp and rice dishes, depending on your preference. You can use soy sauce as a dipping sauce or mix it into your rice or stir-fry for an added depth of flavor.

2. Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a classic ingredient in Italian cuisine and works surprisingly well with shrimp and rice dishes. The tomato’s natural sweetness complements the shrimp’s mild flavor, and the sauce’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the rice.

You can use a simple tomato sauce made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, or you can opt for a more complex sauce with added herbs and spices.

Tomato sauce pairs well with white rice or a risotto-style dish with arborio rice. To take it up a notch, you can add some chili flakes or even some vodka for a unique twist on a classic dish.

3. Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine and is a delicious addition to shrimp and rice dishes. It has a sweet and spicy flavor that complements the shrimp’s sweetness and the rice’s neutral flavor.

Sweet chili sauce is typically made with chili peppers, sugar, vinegar, and garlic and is available in most grocery stores. You can use it as a dipping sauce for your shrimp or mix it into your rice for a quick and easy flavor boost.

Sweet chili sauce pairs particularly well with jasmine rice and is an excellent way to add some heat to your dish without overpowering it.

4. Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is a popular condiment that adds heat and flavor to a variety of dishes, including shrimp and rice. Whether you prefer a mild or fiery hot sauce, there are countless options to choose from.

Hot sauce is typically made with chili peppers, vinegar, and salt, but other ingredients such as garlic, lime, and fruit juices can also be added for extra flavor.

Hot sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for your shrimp or added to your rice for a spicy kick.

It pairs particularly well with brown rice and is an excellent way to add some excitement to your shrimp and rice dish.

5. Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce is a creamy and nutty sauce that is popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is made from ground sesame seeds, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil and has a distinct flavor that complements shrimp and rice dishes.

Tahini sauce adds a rich and creamy texture to your dish and is an excellent option for those looking for a dairy-free sauce.

You can use tahini sauce as a dipping sauce for your shrimp or mix it into your rice for a unique and flavorful twist.

It pairs particularly well with basmati rice and is an excellent way to add some complexity to your shrimp and rice dish.

6. Salsa Verde

Salsa verde is a tangy and herbaceous sauce that is a popular condiment in Mexican cuisine. It is made with fresh herbs such as cilantro and parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar or lime juice.

Salsa verde has a bright and fresh flavor that pairs well with shrimp and rice dishes. It can be used as a dipping sauce for your shrimp or mixed into your rice for added flavor.

Salsa verde pairs particularly well with brown rice and is an excellent way to add some zing to your shrimp and rice dish.

7. Sichuan Sauce

Sichuan sauce is a spicy and flavorful sauce that originates from the Sichuan province in China.

It is made with Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sugar and has a numbing and spicy flavor that pairs well with shrimp and rice dishes.

Sichuan sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for your shrimp or added to your rice for an extra kick. It pairs particularly well with white rice and is an excellent way to add some heat and complexity to your shrimp and rice dish.

8. Cilantro Chimichurri

Cilantro chimichurri is a fresh and herbaceous sauce that is popular in Argentine cuisine.

It is made with fresh cilantro, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil and has a bright and tangy flavor that pairs well with shrimp and rice dishes.

Cilantro chimichurri can be used as a dipping sauce for your shrimp or mixed into your rice for added flavor.

It pairs particularly well with white rice and is an excellent way to add some freshness and zing to your shrimp and rice dish.

9. Pesto

Pesto is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It has a rich and savory flavor that pairs well with shrimp and rice dishes.

Pesto can be used as a dipping sauce for your shrimp or mixed into your rice for added flavor.

It pairs particularly well with white rice and is an excellent way to add some depth and complexity to your shrimp and rice dish.

If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can also try making pesto with sunflower seeds or almonds instead of pine nuts.

10. Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum sauce is a creamy and tangy sauce that is popular in Japanese hibachi restaurants.

It is made with mayonnaise, tomato paste, rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and sugar and has a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with shrimp and rice dishes.

Yum Yum sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for your shrimp or mixed into your rice for added flavor. It pairs particularly well with white rice and is an excellent way to add some creaminess and sweetness to your shrimp and rice dish.

FAQ

What is an easy sauce for shrimp and rice?

There are many easy sauces you can make for shrimp and rice dishes, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or tomato sauce. These sauces are easy to make and add flavor and complexity to your dish without much effort.

What is a healthy sauce for shrimp and rice?

If you’re looking for a healthy sauce for your shrimp and rice dish, consider using a salsa verde or a tahini sauce. Both of these sauces are made with fresh ingredients and offer a range of health benefits.

What is a creamy sauce for shrimp and rice?

If you’re looking for a creamy sauce for your shrimp and rice dish, try making a cilantro chimichurri or using Yum Yum sauce. Both of these sauces offer a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs well with shrimp and rice.

How can I make a southern-style creamy shrimp over rice dish?

To make a southern-style creamy shrimp over rice dish, start by cooking your shrimp in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, butter, garlic, and cajun seasoning. Serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of white or brown rice for a delicious and comforting meal.

What is a good sauce for grilled shrimp and rice?

A good sauce for grilled shrimp and rice is a Sichuan sauce or a sweet chili sauce. These sauces offer a range of flavors that complement the smoky and charred flavor of grilled shrimp.

What are some popular sauce options for shrimp and rice dishes?

Some popular sauce options for shrimp and rice dishes include soy sauce, tomato sauce, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, tahini sauce, salsa verde, Sichuan sauce, cilantro chimichurri, pesto, and Yum Yum sauce.

How do I cook the perfect shrimp for my shrimp and rice recipe?

To cook the perfect shrimp for your shrimp and rice recipe, start by heating up some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp and cook until pink, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

What types of rice can be used in shrimp and rice dishes?

While white rice is the most commonly used rice in shrimp and rice dishes, other types of rice that can be used include brown rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, wild rice, or even quinoa.

Can cream sauces be made without dairy for shrimp and rice dishes?

Yes, cream sauces can be made without dairy for shrimp and rice dishes. Some dairy-free alternatives include using coconut milk, cashew cream, or almond milk as a substitute.

How do I make lemon butter sauce for my butter shrimp and rice recipe?

To make lemon butter sauce for your butter shrimp and rice, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat, add minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and cook until fragrant. Pour the sauce over your cooked butter shrimp and rice.

What are some other dishes I can make with leftover butter shrimp and rice?

Leftover butter shrimp and rice can be used to make fried rice, shrimp and rice soup, or even as a filling for burritos or tacos.

Can you suggest some of Martha Stewart’s favorite recipes for shrimp and rice dishes?

Some of Martha Stewart’s favorite recipes for shrimp and rice dishes include paella, jambalaya, and shrimp and rice salad.

How can I create a unique and flavorful sauce for my grilled shrimp and rice recipe?

To create a unique and flavorful sauce for your grilled shrimp and rice recipe, try experimenting with different herbs and spices, such as cumin, paprika, or coriander, or add a twist by incorporating ingredients like coconut milk or mango salsa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are countless ways to make a shrimp and rice dish even more special with the perfect sauce.

Whether you’re baking a creamy garlic shrimp and rice casserole, serving up a shrimp cocktail with tangy cocktail sauce, or indulging in a rich and flavorful gravy, the options are endless. With just a few minutes of extra prep time, you can transform a simple dish into a restaurant-quality meal that will impress even the most discerning palates.

For Saint Patrick’s Day, why not try serving up a shrimp cocktail with a zesty dip or experimenting with a red wine-infused gravy for your shrimp and rice?

And let’s not forget about the classic pairing of garlic shrimp and a creamy sauce – a match made in culinary heaven.

So get creative with your sauce choices, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to leave everyone satisfied.