Zesty Key Lime Mustard Sauce for Boiled Shrimp

Key Lime Mustard Sauce is a bright, tangy condiment that pairs beautifully with boiled shrimp, crab, or flaky fish. It’s simple to make and perfect for summer gatherings or a tropical-themed meal at home.

3 mini plastic martini appetizer glasses filled with Key Lime Mustard Sauce and boiled pink shrimp on a green cloth napkin with fresh key limes

Serve this sauce with easy summer seafood recipes like a crab boil or fried shrimp sliders. I like to offer a couple of dipping options when I serve seafood so guests can choose a flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Key West Shrimp Recipes

If you’re craving Key West flavors but can’t make the trip, bring the island to your backyard. A small tropical party with Key West-style shrimp and bright citrus sauces creates the same relaxed vibe without the travel.

Key Lime Mustard Sauce captures that tropical brightness — the tartness of Key lime balanced with mustard and buttery richness — making it ideal for dipping boiled shrimp or serving with crab or fish.

Boiled Shrimp Appetizers served in mini Martini glasses filled with Key Lime Mustard Dipping Sauce

Florida Pink Shrimp

My favorite seafood is Florida Gulf pink shrimp. Their natural sweetness and tender texture are hard to beat. I often keep seasoning light when cooking them to let that fresh shrimp flavor shine, then serve a bold dipping sauce on the side.

Lightly boiled or steamed pink shrimp are perfect with a flavorful sauce like this Key Lime Mustard Sauce — it complements the shrimp without overpowering it.

Shrimp Dipping Sauce

This Key Lime Mustard Sauce recipe has been in my binder for years. The recipe originally came from the makers of Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice and was featured in Gardening Magazine in 1999. It continues to be a favorite for seafood parties and casual meals alike.

Black skillet with Key Lime Mustard Sauce ingredients

How To Make Key Lime Mustard Sauce

Key Lime Mustard Sauce is straightforward and quick. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until slightly thickened. The result is a tangy, buttery mustard sauce that works beautifully with shrimp, crab, or fish.

Seafood Mustard Dipping Sauce ingredients in a black skillet cooking on a burner.

Key Lime Dipping Sauce

Minced green onion and garlic form the aromatic base. Place the butter in a large saucepan or skillet, then add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, cooking sherry, and Key lime juice. Stir in the minced green onion and garlic and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Whisk as the butter melts and continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving bowl or spoon into individual appetizer cups.

For individual shrimp appetizers, add three peeled, cooked large shrimp to each mini glass or cup and ladle the sauce alongside. The sauce also pairs well spooned over crab or a simple grilled or steamed fish.

3 mini martini glassed used to serve Shrimp appetizers served with Key Lime Mustard sauce

Shrimp Dipping Sauce recipes

If you like variety, I often serve this Key Lime Mustard Sauce alongside other dipping options. A spicy garlic sauce is my go-to for boiled shrimp, and I sometimes offer a selection of four sauces — a creamy tiger sauce, homemade tartar, cocktail sauce, and a sweet mango-peach chili sauce — so guests can mix and match.

Key Lime Recipes

Finish your tropical meal with a slice of homemade Key lime pie or a frozen mango-Key lime pie for a refreshing dessert that complements the savory seafood flavors.

Email questions or recipe requests to [email protected].

3 mini appetizer cups filled with shrimp in a Key Lime Mustard Sauce.

Key Lime Mustard Sauce

Arlene Mobley – Flour On My Face

Serve this Key Lime Mustard Dipping Sauce with boiled Florida Gulf pink shrimp or your favorite seafood. For individual appetizers, place cooked shrimp in mini martini glasses and spoon the sauce alongside.
5 from 9 votes
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine Key West
Servings 2 cups
Calories 354 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ cup Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup cooking sherry
  • ½ cup Key lime juice
  • 1 small green onion, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: mince the green onion and garlic.
  2. In a large saucepan or skillet, add the butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, cooking sherry, and Key lime juice.
  3. Add the minced green onion and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. Whisk occasionally and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened. Remove from heat and serve warm with boiled shrimp, crab, or fish.

Recipe Expert Tips

  • Recipe Source: Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice.
  • Makes about 2 cups of dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 3 Tablespoons
Calories: 354 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 23 g • Cholesterol: 98 mg • Sodium: 570 mg
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