Easy Cocktail Sauce Recipe

BySoha

Cocktail sauce is the classic companion to seafood, delivering a perfect balance of tang, spice, and subtle sweetness. This easy cocktail sauce recipe emphasizes freshness, quality ingredients, and a harmonious flavor profile that elevates shrimp, crab, oysters, or even as a zesty dip for vegetables. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, it’s a staple every home chef should master.

Ingredients List

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

cocktail sauce recipe
Step 1: Combine base ingredients

In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and prepared horseradish until smooth.

Step 2: Add flavor enhancers

Stir in lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Season

Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the tang and spice.

Step 4: Chill and serve

For best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with seafood or as a dipping sauce.

Cook Time

Total: 10 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 0 minutes

Servings

Makes approximately ¾ cup

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 25 (per 2 tablespoons)
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg

Storage Instructions

Store cocktail sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving to recombine any separation.

Suggestions

Serve this cocktail sauce with chilled shrimp, crab legs, lobster, oysters, or even as a zesty condiment for fried seafood. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or as a tangy sandwich spread.

Seasonal Relevance

Cocktail sauce is a year-round favorite but is especially popular during summer gatherings, seafood boils, and holiday celebrations.

Conclusion

Mastering a homemade cocktail sauce ensures a vibrant, fresh, and perfectly balanced flavor that complements seafood beautifully. Quick to prepare and infinitely adaptable, this sauce brings professional-level taste to any dish without complexity.

Easy Cocktail Sauce Recipe
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Easy Cocktail Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

¾ cup

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

120

kcal
Total time

10

minutes

This easy cocktail sauce is tangy, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced for seafood. Made with fresh ingredients like horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s a quick and versatile condiment that elevates shrimp, crab, oysters, and even vegetables.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  • In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and prepared horseradish until smooth.
  • Stir in lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Mix until well combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Stir before serving to recombine any separation.
  • Perfect for seafood platters, fried seafood, roasted vegetables, or as a tangy sandwich spread

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance. Refrigerate in an airtight container and stir before serving.

Can I adjust the spiciness?
Absolutely. Increase or decrease horseradish or hot sauce according to your preferred heat level.

Is there a low-sodium version?
Yes, use low-sodium ketchup and reduce or omit Worcestershire sauce to lower the sodium content.

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