Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Cocktail Sauce is incredibly quick to make and packs a punch of flavor. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, and it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re serving shrimp, oysters, or any seafood appetizer, this cocktail sauce is the ideal accompaniment. The best part? It only takes a few minutes to prepare and can be refrigerated for later use, making it a great option for meal prep and last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- A few dashes of hot sauce (for extra spice)
- Replace 2 tablespoons of ketchup with chili sauce (for a different flavor profile)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Combine ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled with shrimp, seafood, or your favorite appetizer.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 cup (approximately)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spice: Add a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Chili Sauce: For a different flavor, replace part of the ketchup with chili sauce.
- More Zing: Add a little grated horseradish or a splash of vinegar for an added tang.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cocktail sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Cocktail sauce is typically served cold and doesn’t require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cocktail sauce in advance?
Yes, this cocktail sauce is ideal for making ahead. It’s even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge.
2. Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared horseradish?
Yes, you can use fresh horseradish, but you may need to adjust the amount based on how strong it is.
3. Can I substitute the Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, you can use soy sauce or tamari if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to Worcestershire sauce.
4. How do I make this sauce spicier?
You can add more horseradish, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level.
5. Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Yes, this cocktail sauce works well as a dip for other seafood like crab cakes or fried fish. It also pairs nicely with vegetables or on a sandwich.
6. Can I adjust the lemon juice to my taste?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more or less lemon juice depending on how tangy you prefer your sauce.
7. How do I make a smoother cocktail sauce?
If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor for a few seconds.
8. How long can I store cocktail sauce?
You can store homemade cocktail sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week.
9. Can I use this sauce for shrimp cocktails?
Yes, this cocktail sauce is perfect for shrimp cocktails or as a dipping sauce for other seafood.
10. Can I freeze cocktail sauce?
It’s not recommended to freeze cocktail sauce as the texture may change when thawed, especially due to the ketchup and horseradish.
Conclusion
This Easy Cocktail Sauce is a must-try for anyone who loves seafood. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly flavorful, with just the right balance of tanginess, spice, and sweetness. Whether you’re serving it with shrimp, fish, or any seafood dish, this cocktail sauce will quickly become your go-to recipe for all your seafood needs. Plus, it’s customizable, making it easy to adjust the spice level to your liking. Enjoy this delicious sauce at your next gathering or as a simple yet tasty treat!
Easy Cocktail Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (approximately)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Cocktail Sauce is a tangy, spicy dip made with ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice, perfect for pairing with shrimp, seafood, or appetizers.
Ingredients
⅔ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
A few dashes of hot sauce (for extra spice)
Replace 2 tablespoons of ketchup with chili sauce (for a different flavor profile)
Instructions
- Combine ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled with shrimp, seafood, or your favorite appetizer.
Notes
This cocktail sauce is ideal for making ahead, and it’s even better after the flavors have melded together.
If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor.
For an extra zing, add grated horseradish or a splash of vinegar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
