If you adore prawns as much as I do, you know that the right dipping sauce can elevate those juicy bites to a whole new level. That is exactly why I am thrilled to share this 5 Great Prawn Dipping Sauces Recipe with you—a collection of vibrant, flavorful sauces that pack a punch and complement prawns perfectly. Each sauce showcases an exciting balance of zest, creaminess, and spice, making your prawn experience irresistibly delicious and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, contributing freshness, creaminess, and just the right kick to your prawn dipping sauces. Each one brings a unique note, ensuring a range of flavors from tangy to spicy to herby.
- Tomato ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base that’s key to several sauces.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and balances out spicier notes beautifully.
- Mustard powder (or Dijon): Gives a subtle tang and depth.
- Onion powder: Brings a savory background flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Adds a rich, mellow garlicky touch.
- White sugar: Balances acidity and heat for harmony in flavors.
- Tabasco: Introduces a spicy kick that’s just right for prawns.
- Lemon juice, fresh: Brightens flavors with its zesty freshness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Offers an umami punch with a hint of sweetness.
- Gherkin/cornichon, finely chopped: Adds a crunchy tangy burst for texture and flavor.
- Fresh dill and parsley: Bring herbal freshness that complements seafood wonderfully.
- Capers: Infuse the sauce with briny, salty complexity.
- Fresh horseradish or jarred horseradish: Delivers warmth and bite.
- Sweet Chilli Sauce: Gives a sweet-spicy flair with lovely viscosity.
- Lime juice: Offers a zesty alternative to lemon with a tropical twist.
- Olive oil (or neutral oil): Balances acidity and lends a smooth texture.
- Garlic clove, minced: Adds fresh, pungent garlic flavor.
- Coriander (cilantro) leaves, finely chopped: Provides a bright, citrusy herbal note.
- Eschallot or onion, finely chopped: Adds crunch and subtle sharpness.
How to Make 5 Great Prawn Dipping Sauces Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Classic Cocktail Sauce
Start by combining 2/3 cup of tomato ketchup with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise in a bowl. Add a quarter teaspoon each of mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder to infuse the base with depth. Stir in a dash of Tabasco to bring heat, then add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and Worcestershire Sauce for bright, umami contrast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is a timeless companion to prawns, balancing tang, creaminess, and spice with flair.
Step 2: Create the Herby Dill Mayonnaise
Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon finely chopped gherkin, 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh dill, and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley. Stir in 1 teaspoon capers and add 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon white sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt to lift the flavors. This creamy herb sauce delivers a refreshing and zesty twist, perfect if you want something light but full of personality.
Step 3: Whip Up the Horseradish Kick
Combine 2/3 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon fresh horseradish or 1 1/2 teaspoons jarred horseradish for that unmistakable bite. Add a dash of Tabasco and pinch of cayenne pepper to amplify the heat. This bold sauce offers a spicy zing that cuts through the richness of prawns beautifully.
Step 4: Mix the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
Whisk 5 tablespoons of store-bought Sweet Chilli Sauce with 2/3 cup fresh lime juice and 5 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil like canola. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon white sugar to balance tanginess and create smooth harmony. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves. This sauce smells and tastes bright and lively, with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.
Step 5: Combine the Tangy Capers and Dill Sauce
Blend together 2/3 cup mayonnaise and 1/3 cup ketchup. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons each of finely chopped capers and gherkin, alongside 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped eschallot or onion. Fold in 1/4 cup chopped dill, add a dash of Worcestershire Sauce, 4 dashes of Tabasco, and finish with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, adjusting to taste. This sauce is a complex, tangy delight with layers of texture and sharpness that perfectly elevate prawn flavors.
How to Serve 5 Great Prawn Dipping Sauces Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or coriander atop your sauces just before serving for a vibrant look and extra freshness. A few lemon or lime wedges on the platter help brighten every bite and allow your guests to customize acidity to taste, enhancing the prawn’s delicate sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these dipping sauces alongside crispy prawn fritters, steamed jasmine rice, or crunchy vegetable crudités. Light salads with bitter greens or citrus segments also complement the sauces, creating an exciting mix of flavors and textures that keep every mouthful interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting each dipping sauce in small ramekins or colorful bowls arranged artfully on a large seafood platter. For extra flair, add edible flowers or small sprigs of fresh herbs to each sauce container. You might also layer sauces in shot glasses for a playful tasting experience that’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra sauces in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where most will stay fresh for up to five days. Be sure to label them so you remember which flavor is which, and give each a quick stir before serving again to restore texture.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh herbs, these sauces generally do not freeze well—the texture and flavors can change upon thawing. It is best to make these sauces fresh or store them refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these dipping sauces are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, avoid reheating. Simply bring them out from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let their flavors mellow and shine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns with these dipping sauces?
Absolutely! Frozen prawns thawed properly taste great with these sauces. Just ensure they are well-drained and dry for best dipping results.
Are these sauces spicy?
Some have a gentle kick from Tabasco or horseradish, but none are overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the heat to suit your preference.
Can I make these sauces vegan?
With mayo being a base ingredient, substitute with vegan mayonnaise, and check other ingredients like Worcestershire Sauce for animal products to make vegan-friendly versions.
How long do these sauces keep in the fridge?
Stored in airtight containers, they should last about five days, but it’s best to consume them sooner for optimum flavor and freshness.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes! These sauces scale beautifully, so feel free to adjust the quantities depending on your gathering size.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do to bring these 5 Great Prawn Dipping Sauces Recipe into your kitchen. They’re simple, flavorful, and perfect for impressing friends or family with your prawn game. Try mixing and matching the sauces to discover your ultimate prawn pairing—your taste buds will thank you.
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5 Great Prawn Dipping Sauces Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1.1 cups per sauce (5 variations)
- Category: Dips & Sauces
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International/Seafood
Description
Discover five delicious prawn dipping sauces that add vibrant flavors and zest to your seafood experience. From classic Marie Rose to spicy horseradish mayo, these easy-to-make sauces use simple ingredients to elevate your prawns, shrimp, or seafood appetizers with creamy, tangy, and spicy profiles.
Ingredients
Marie Rose Sauce
- 2/3 cup / 160 g tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder (or Dijon)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp white sugar
- Dash Tabasco
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dill Mayonnaise Sauce
- 1 cup / 220 g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gherkin/cornichon, very finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp capers, drained and finely chopped
- 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp white sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Spicy Horseradish Mayo
- 2/3 cup / 145 g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp fresh horseradish (or 1 1/2 tsp jarred horseradish)
- Dash of Tabasco
- Pinch cayenne pepper
Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
- 5 tbsp / 75 g store-bought Sweet Chilli Sauce (e.g., Trident brand)
- 2/3 cup / 165 ml fresh lime juice (4 – 5 limes)
- 5 tbsp / 75 ml olive oil (or neutral oil like canola)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp white sugar (or other sweetener)
- 1/4 cup coriander/cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Capers Dill Tabasco Sauce
- 2/3 cup / 145 g mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup / 80 g ketchup
- 1 1/2 tbsp capers, drained and finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp gherkin/cornichon, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp eschallot or onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill leaves, finely chopped
- 1 dash Worcestershire Sauce
- 4 or so dashes Tabasco
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Marie Rose Sauce: In a bowl, mix together tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, white sugar, Tabasco, lemon juice, Worcestershire Sauce, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Make Dill Mayonnaise Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, finely chopped gherkin, dill, parsley, capers, lemon juice, white sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate if desired to let flavors meld.
- Create Spicy Horseradish Mayo: Blend together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, and cayenne pepper in a bowl until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Mix Sweet Chili Lime Sauce: Whisk sweet chili sauce, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, white sugar, and chopped coriander leaves in a bowl. Adjust sugar and lime juice to balance sweetness and acidity.
- Prepare Capers Dill Tabasco Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped capers, gherkin, eschallot or onion, dill, Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco dashes, and lemon juice. Stir well and taste to adjust lemon or Tabasco amount as needed.
Notes
- Note 1: Use a good-quality mayonnaise for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Tabasco and cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- These sauces can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Perfect to serve with cooked or grilled prawns, shrimp, or other seafood.
- Fresh herbs enhance the flavor so use fresh whenever possible.
