How about a shrimp party?

Hi there, Michael LaDuke here. A lot of our readers go to their local Red Lobster's and buy shrimp party platters. They then ask us how they can spice them up a little, or make their party a little nicer.

Start by making your shrimp platter the centerpiece of a salsa bar type of table. Surround the platter with various flavored wraps or tortillas, and some of your favorite store bought or home made salsas.

An easy way to make it stand out is to add a few dipping sauces I have listed a couple of my favorites below; Chili Spiked Mayonnaise, Sweet Mustard Dipping Sauce, Pico de Gallo (really just a fresh Salsa), and a Blackberry BBQ.

As far as meats go, grilled chicken breast is a great match. You can serve it chilled as well, and create a "build your own" cold bar. If you do not like cold tortillas, you can also find pre-baked tostada shells and use them as the plates.


Chili Spiked Mayonnaise
1 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Chili Sauce (sold in markets usually near ketchup and hot sauces)
1/2 tsp Salt

To taste Hot Sauce (use your favorite to add as much spice as you like!)

Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Store covered in refrigerator.

Sweet Mustard Dipping Sauce
1 cup Dijon Mustard
1/2 cup Honey
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Ground Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. Store covered in refrigerator.

Pico de Gallo
2 each Tomatoes, Diced
1 each Jalapeno, Small diced
2 tbsp Red Onion, Diced
1 tbsp Cilantro, Chopped fine
1/2 tsp Salt
Pinch Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients in bowl and toss lightly. Store covered in refrigeration for 24 hours prior to serving. If a spicier version is desired, you can add an additional jalapeno, or a tsp of your favorite hot sauce

Blackberry BBQ
2 cups BBQ Sauce (use your favorite, preferably plain, not flavored)
1/2 cup Blackberry preserves (you can use jelly or jam)
1/2 cup Sweet Thai Chili Sauce (in Asian section of market, do not use the tomato based version sold near ketchup)
1/4 cup Soy Sauce

Combine BBQ, Chili Sauce, and Soy Sauce in heavy sauce pot over medium heat, bring to a simmer, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Add blackberry preserves, and continue to stir until they are completely incorporated into sauce.
Place sauce in container and store covered in refrigerator
Remove sauce from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before service


The shrimp platter is always a great start to a fantastic party. Enjoy your shrimp, experiment and have fun at your next party!

I would love to hear how your seafood party goes, so email us at chefsblog@redlobster.com. Also leave us a message below and we will do our best to answer as many emails and comments as we can. And don't forget to stop by your local Red Lobster and see what's fresh today.