
Hey, Welcome to the Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe. Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce is a zesty, citrus-spiked buttery sauce served at the famous Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille in Florida.
If you’ve ever had this at a Caribbean family gathering or a festive dinner, you already know how irresistibly smooth and sweet it is.
Guess what happened when I tried to replicate that at home? I did it perfectly! I’m going to share the simplest method for preparing this delicious food in your own kitchen today.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American-Caribbean
Category: Appetizer
History and Origin
Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce comes from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille in Florida, inspired by Caribbean coastal flavors.
Originally created as a signature sauce for shrimp, its buttery-spicy citrus taste quickly became popular among tourists and seafood lovers across the Gulf Coast.
What does Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce taste like?
This sauce is a perfect blend of citrus brightness, buttery richness, garlic warmth, and a spicy kick from chili.
It tastes tangy, slightly sweet, and bold enough to make any shrimp dish instantly mouthwatering.
By the way, you can also try the Golden Corral Meatloaf Recipe.
Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 stick (½ cup) |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Hot sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sweet chili sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cilantro (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon (optional) |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe:
- Saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl
How to Make Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Melt the butter
Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter completely until it becomes smooth and foamy.
Step 2: Add garlic and spices
Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir for a minute until fragrant, but do not burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add sauces and lime
Pour in sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and lime juice. Stir well to blend everything into a glossy sauce.
Step 4: Adjust consistency
Add water to thin the sauce slightly and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes for flavors to blend.
Step 5: Finish with cilantro
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm over shrimp or seafood.
Recipe Card

Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter completely until it becomes smooth and foamy.

- Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir for a minute until fragrant, but do not burn the garlic.

- Pour in sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and lime juice. Stir well to blend everything into a glossy sauce.

- Add water to thin the sauce slightly and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes for flavors to blend.

- Turn off the heat and stir in fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm over shrimp or seafood.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce poured over hot shrimp just like Doc Ford’s, or enjoy it as a dipping sauce with fried calamari, crab cakes, or fish tacos.
You can also drizzle it on rice bowls, grilled seafood, or roasted veggies for extra zesty flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Yucatan sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to bring back its buttery texture.
Avoid freezing because the sauce may separate and lose its smooth, creamy consistency when thawed.
Variations You Can Try
You can easily customize this Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe to match your taste preferences. Try adding honey for extra sweetness, lemon juice for brighter acidity, or chipotle sauce for a smoky twist.
Each variation gives a new flavor experience while still keeping that authentic Yucatan inspiration alive.
What to Serve with This Sauce Besides Seafood
Even though shrimp is the star pairing, you can enjoy this sauce with many other dishes.
It tastes incredible on grilled chicken, fish tacos, rice bowls, roasted veggies, and even fries. It instantly transforms everyday meals into something restaurant-worthy at home.
Why You’ll Love Making This at Home
Homemade Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe gives you full control over heat, flavor, and freshness. You can make it anytime in just minutes, using simple kitchen staples.
Plus, it’s way more affordable than dining out while still bringing that Florida coastal experience to your table.
Tips for Perfect Flavor Every Time
To get a balanced flavor, don’t rush the simmering process. Fresh lime juice and cilantro make a big difference in taste.
Also, taste as you cook so you can adjust sweetness, heat, or acidity according to your preference for the perfect sauce.
How to Make It Ahead for Parties
This sauce is amazing for gatherings because you can prepare it earlier in the day. Just warm it gently before serving to keep the butter smooth.
It keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful, making your guests feel like they’re dining seaside in Florida.
Ideal Occasions to Serve This Sauce
This sauce is perfect for summer cookouts, beach-style dinners, family gatherings, or seafood nights. It adds a fun tropical vibe to any meal.
You can impress guests by serving it over shrimp platters or as a flavorful dip alongside appetizers.
Conclusion
This Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe brings Florida’s famous restaurant flavor right to your table. Quick, creamy, tangy, and spicy—perfect for seafood nights with family.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the conclusion of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use this sauce for chicken?
Yes, it tastes delicious with grilled or baked chicken as well as seafood.
Can I make it less spicy?
Just skip the hot sauce and red pepper flakes for a mild version.
Can I freeze Yucatan sauce?
Freezing isn’t recommended; the butter texture changes after thawing.
What shrimp works best for this sauce?
Large peeled shrimp or cocktail shrimp work perfectly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter to create a lighter, lactose-free sauce.
You will also like the Wawa Chicken Salad Recipe.
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