3 Must-Have Prawn (Shrimp) Dipping Sauces for Your Seafood Spread

For me, dipping sauces are more than just condiments. They’re what bring the whole seafood experience together, transforming fresh prawns, crispy calamari, or even a humble fish finger into something worthy of a restaurant. And the best part? They’re shockingly easy to make at home with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Even better, all three of these sauces can be made ahead of time, so they’re ready to go when you need them. It’s a small investment of time that pays off in a big way when entertaining or pulling together a stress-free family meal.

These three must-have prawn dipping sauces – Homemade Cocktail Sauce, Tartare Sauce, and Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce – are my go-tos. Each one is simple, quick, and guaranteed to make your next seafood spread unforgettable. Let me walk you through them!

If you’ve never tried making your own cocktail sauce, let this be the recipe that changes everything. I was completely ruined for store-bought versions after the first time I made this sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of kick, thanks to a little secret ingredient: horseradish cream.

What I love most about this sauce is how versatile it is. Of course, it’s perfect for dipping fresh prawns (a must-have at Christmas in Australia), but it also shines on oysters, with mussels, or even spread over a smoked salmon and avocado bagel. And don’t even get me started on how good it is with a classic prawn cocktail!

The best part? It takes less than 5 minutes to make, with no chopping required. Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can prepare it ahead of time and tick one thing off your to-do list.

Tartare sauce is one of those classics that I’m convinced tastes better homemade. You know the one – it’s creamy, tangy, with just the right hit of pickles to keep it interesting. The best part? You can whip it up with pantry staples, and it’s ready in minutes.

This sauce is my go-to for fish and chips, but it also works beautifully with grilled salmon, crispy calamari, or even sweet potato fries.

It’s also a make-ahead gem. Prepare it a few hours in advance, or even the night before, and let it sit in the fridge. The longer it rests, the better it tastes as the flavours meld together. It’s make-ahead magic – perfect for busy days when you need something that’s ready to go.

This one is the unexpected showstopper of the trio. While creamy sauces tend to steal the spotlight, this Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce is the bright, zippy sidekick you didn’t know you needed. It’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy, depending on the heat level of your sweet chilli sauce.

I love how versatile this sauce is. It cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and works beautifully on its own. Drizzle it over fresh prawns, use it as a dip for crispy salt-and-pepper squid, or serve it alongside grilled fish tacos or Vietnamese rice paper rolls.

It’s ready in minutes with no chopping required, and it keeps in the fridge for a few days. Making it ahead means one less thing to think about when you’re putting together a seafood platter or planning a dinner party.

I know life is busy – trust me, as a parent, I feel you. But I also know how much of a difference these sauces make. They’re quick, easy, and made with ingredients you already have. Plus, they turn an everyday seafood platter into something truly special without breaking the bank or adding extra stress. And because they can all be made ahead of time, they’re perfect for those days when you need to streamline your to-do list.

The next time you’re putting together a seafood spread, give one (or all) of these sauces a try. They’re guaranteed to impress your family and guests – and you’ll feel like a total kitchen pro. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun family dinner, these sauces have you covered. So grab your prawns, whip up a sauce or two, and get ready to dig in. You’ll never look at store-bought the same way again!

Let me know if you try any of these! Nic x