Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe

Doc Ford's Yucatan Sauce Recipe

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:

IngredientQuantity
Butter1 stick (½ cup)
Garlic (minced)2 cloves
Lime juice2 tablespoons
Hot sauce1 tablespoon
Sweet chili sauce3 tablespoons
Smoked paprika½ teaspoon
Salt¼ teaspoon
Cilantro (chopped)2 tablespoons
Water2 tablespoons
Red pepper flakes¼ 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

Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe

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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Caribbean
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stick ½ cup butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step 1: Melt the butter
  1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter completely until it becomes smooth and foamy.
    Doc Ford's Yucatan Sauce Recipe
Step 2: Add garlic and spices
  1. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir for a minute until fragrant, but do not burn the garlic.
    Doc Ford's Yucatan Sauce Recipe
Step 3: Add sauces and lime
  1. Pour in sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and lime juice. Stir well to blend everything into a glossy sauce.
    Doc Ford's Yucatan Sauce Recipe
Step 4: Adjust consistency
  1. Add water to thin the sauce slightly and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes for flavors to blend.
    Doc Ford's Yucatan Sauce Recipe
Step 5: Finish with cilantro
  1. Turn off the heat and stir in fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm over shrimp or seafood.
    Doc Ford's Yucatan Sauce Recipe

Notes

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.

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Doc Ford’s Yucatan Sauce Recipe:

NutrientAmount (per serving)
Calories170 kcal
Carbohydrates8 g
Protein1 g
Fat15 g
Cholesterol40 mg
Sodium260 mg
Sugar6 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.

Hey there! I started Pure Tasty Recipes with a simple belief: great food doesn’t need to be complicated. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I wanted to share easy, flavorful, and beginner-friendly recipes that anyone can recreate at home.

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