When I think of a dish that’s easy yet feels like a little celebration, Giada’s Sautéed Shrimp Cocktail comes to mind. The shrimp are perfectly seasoned with fragrant herbs, and the creamy yogurt sauce has just the right mix of tang and sweetness to keep you dipping for more. It’s a total crowd-pleaser!

This is one of those recipes that works just as well for a cozy autumn dinner as it does for a festive holiday spread. Pair it with a chilled white wine or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is effortless.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1¼ cups of plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp of mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp of whole-grain mustard
• 1½ tbsp of pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp of ground turmeric
• ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound of jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on
• 1 tbsp of herbes de Provence
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Giada Sautéed Shrimp Cocktail

1. Whip Up the Dipping Sauce: Start by mixing the yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, maple syrup, and turmeric in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped basil, then season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Set aside for the flavors to meld while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Heat Your Skillet: Place a large skillet on the stove and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer slightly, but not smoke.
3. Season and Sauté the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with the herbes de Provence, and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook—they should be tender and juicy.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and pair them with the dipping sauce. The vibrant colors and tangy aroma of the sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: Prepare the yogurt dipping sauce up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
• Add a Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the shrimp before serving for a bright, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy dipping sauce.
• Choose Fresh Herbs: Swap dried herbes de Provence with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor in the shrimp.
• Try a Grill Option: Instead of sautéing, grill the shrimp on skewers over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a smoky, charred taste.
• Pair with Sides: Serve the shrimp with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic butter rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Recipes:

• Giada Buffalo Grilled Shrimp with Goat Cheese Dipping Sauce
• Giada Spicy Calabrian Shrimp
• Giada Alex’s Shrimp Stir-Fry