If you’ve ever been to Texas Roadhouse, you know their shrimp dipping sauce is something special. It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of spice to keep you coming back for more.

But what if I told you that you can make this delicious sauce right at home? That’s right!

With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the famous Texas Roadhouse Shrimp Dipping Sauce Recipe in your own kitchen.

It’s a mix of mayo, jalapeño ketchup, horseradish, and shallots—simple ingredients that pack huge flavor.

Once you try it, you’ll never want store-bought dipping sauce again. So, let’s get started!

Why This Sauce Became My Go-To Dip

I make this Texas Roadhouse-style sauce weekly because:

1. It’s flavor magic – The mix of spicy, tangy, and creamy hits all the right notes. My cousin thought I’d bought it from the restaurant!
2. Super simple – Four main ingredients, one bowl, and zero cooking required. Last week, I whipped up a batch while my coffee brewed.
3. Works with everything – Sure, it’s great with shrimp, but wait till you try it on sweet potato fries or as a burger spread. My neighbor even uses it as a veggie dip!

Ingredients You Will Need

To make this Texas Roadhouse Shrimp Dipping Sauce, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Here’s what goes into it:

• Mayonnaise (½ cup) – This is your base. I use full-fat mayo for maximum creaminess, but light mayo works too. The mayo makes the sauce thick enough to cling to shrimp or fries.
• Jalapeño ketchup (¼ cup) – The secret weapon! This adds smokiness and mild heat. If your store doesn’t carry it, I’ll teach you a quick fix in the substitutions section.
• Prepared horseradish (1 tbsp) – Not the creamy sauce! Look for refrigerated horseradish in a jar. This gives that signature nasal-clearing kick. Start with 1 tbsp—you can always add more.
• Minced shallot (1 tbsp) – Shallots are milder than onions. I finely chop mine so they blend into the sauce but still give little bursts of sweetness.

Substitutions & Variations

1. Jalapeño Ketchup Substitute: Use ¼ cup ketchup + 1 tsp chopped jalapeños.
2. Horseradish substitute: Try ½ tsp mustard for tang.
3. Add-ins: A squeeze of lemon or minced garlic for extra flavor.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this dipping sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients.
• Whisk or spoon – For stirring everything together.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To get the right proportions.
• Refrigerator – To chill the sauce before serving.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Shrimp Dipping Sauce

Step 1 | Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, jalapeño ketchup, horseradish, and minced shallots.

Step 2 | Mix Well

Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 3 | Adjust Flavor

Taste the sauce and adjust if needed – add more horseradish for extra spice or jalapeño ketchup for more tang.

Step 4 | Chill the Sauce

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend together.

Now your homemade Texas Roadhouse Shrimp Dipping Sauce is ready to serve!

My Pro Tips (Learned the Hard Way)

• Mince shallots finely – Big chunks make the sauce gritty. I use a garlic press sometimes!
• Fresh vs. prepared horseradish – The refrigerated kind in jars has more zing than shelf-stable versions.
• Make ahead – This sauce tastes better on day two. I always double the batch!
• Serving temp – Take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving. Cold dulls the flavors.

5 Delicious Ways I Use This Sauce

This sauce isn’t just for shrimp! Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

1. Fried Shrimp – The classic pairing that mimics the Texas Roadhouse experience
2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers – The creamy sauce balances the smoky grilled flavor
3. Crab Cakes – Use as a topping instead of traditional tartar sauce
4. Crispy fries – Toss hot fries in sauce instead of ketchup
5. Burger spread – My husband loves this on turkey burgers

Keeping Your Sauce Fresh

Fridge storage:

Pour cooled sauce into an airtight container. It stays good for up to 5 days. I label mine with the date using masking tape.

Freezing?

I don’t recommend it—the mayo separates when thawed.

If sauce separates:

Stir vigorously with a fork. Still watery? Mix in 1 tsp mayo to re-emulsify.

Texas Roadhouse Shrimp Dipping Sauce Recipe FAQs

1. How spicy is this Texas Roadhouse Shrimp Dipping Sauce?

It has moderate heat that builds gradually. The horseradish adds a nasal heat rather than a burning sensation. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less horseradish and jalapeño ketchup, then adjust to taste.

2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time for a party?

Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container, stir before serving, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

3. My sauce is too spicy. How can I tone it down?

Add more mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt to dilute the heat. A touch of honey or sugar can balance spice, and lemon juice can help mellow the intensity.

4. Can I use dried minced onion instead of fresh shallots?

Yes, use 1 teaspoon dried minced onion instead of 1 tablespoon fresh shallots. Rehydrate it in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon) can also work.

5. What’s the difference between this sauce and cocktail sauce?

Cocktail sauce is ketchup-based, tangy, and thinner, while this sauce is mayo-based, creamier, and richer. Cocktail sauce is served cold, while this one works with both hot and cold seafood.

Conclusion

After perfecting this Texas Roadhouse shrimp dipping sauce copycat, I’ve saved so much money on restaurant trips. The creamy-spicy combo transforms simple meals into something special.

I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know how you liked it! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes!