The Best co*cktail Sauce Ever Recipe (2024)

The Best co*cktail Sauce Recipe is made with a handful of ingredients, ready in 5 minutes, and is delicious served with fish and seafood! Quick, easy, and delicious recipe!

Homemade co*cktail Sauce is delicious served with boiled shrimp, scallops, shrimp tacos, and everyone’s favorite shrimp boil.

The Best co*cktail Sauce Ever Recipe (1)

I’m pretty picky about my co*cktail Sauce. The bottled stuff doesn’t make the cut with me. That’s the reason I developed my own years ago. And it’s absolutely the best I’ve ever tasted – and the reason I call it the Best co*cktail Sauce Ever.

This sauce comes together very simply in just a few minutes with only a handful of ingredients! My family loves this co*cktail sauce! I think you will love it as well!

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • How to Make Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Storage Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy. This co*cktail sauce recipe uses simple ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes! You control the amount of zestiness and heat without any ingredients you can’t pronounce!

Flavorful. This homemade co*cktail sauce is flavorful and delicious served with fish and seafood.

Meal Prep Friendly. You can make this co*cktail sauce and store it in the refrigerator to make dinner even easier. See the make-ahead information in my Storage Tips below.

How to Make Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe

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When you are making a special dinner that includes seafood or an appetizer like Boiled Shrimp, this homemade co*cktail sauce is essential! It’s so easy to whip together right before serving the meal or to make ahead and keep in the fridge. Its fresh, zesty taste makes seafood so much more delicious!

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

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  • Ketchup – the basis of this recipe is ketchup. Use your favorite brand that is mild-tasting with minimal ingredients.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – for the savory, or umami, flavor. You can use coconut aminos if you are sensitive to soy.
  • Lemon Juice – adds a touch of acid to the co*cktail sauce to enhance the flavor. It also adds a zip of freshness to the sauce.
  • Horseradish – grated horseradish adds a bit of zestiness and a touch of spiciness to the co*cktail sauce. Adjust the amount of horseradish to your preference. I’ve written this recipe as a “base recipe” that you can increase the amount of horseradish to your tastes. I also recommend serving additional horseradish on the side so those who prefer more can add it.
  • Stone House Seasoning – (optional) My house blend of salt, pepper, and garlic enhances the flavor of the co*cktail sauce but I recommend trying the sauce first and then add if you feel like it needs it. It really depends on the brand of ketchup used if you need this additional seasoning.
  • Hot Sauce – (optional) Can also be served on the side for those who prefer it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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  1. Add the ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos), and horseradish to a bowl. Mix together until they are well combined. Taste and add more horseradish or hot sauce as desired. Add the Stone House Seasoning if you believe it is needed as well.
  2. Serve or refrigerate if making ahead.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. If the ingredients have settled, you may need to stir the co*cktail sauce before serving.

To make ahead. Prepare the co*cktail sauce according to the directions. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months or cover the serving bowl with wrap if planning to serve within a day or two. If the ingredients have settled, you may need to stir the co*cktail sauce before serving.

To freeze. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for 6 to 12 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You may need to stir the co*cktail sauce to make sure well combined once thawed.

More Favorite Sauces

  • horsey sauce – (Horseradish Sauce)
  • comeback sauce
  • homemade BBQ sauce
  • enchilada sauce
  • hollandaise sauce
  • caramel sauce
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you keep homemade co*cktail sauce?

Homemade co*cktail sauce kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator lasts up to 6 months and in an airtight, freezer-safe container can be kept for 6 to 12 months in the freezer.

What are the ingredients for the best co*cktail sauce recipe?

My homemade co*cktail sauce recipe uses ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos). You can also add more horseradish to taste if you like more zest and add hot sauce if you like it spicy. Depending on the brand of ketchup, you may enjoy adding salt, pepper and garlic in my Stone House Seasoning.

Here’s my recipe for Homemade co*cktail Sauce. I hope you enjoy it!

The Best co*cktail Sauce Ever Recipe (11)

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Homemade co*cktail Sauce Recipe

Robyn Stone

5 from 48 votes

The Best co*cktail Sauce Recipe is made with a handful of ingredients, ready in 5 minutes, and is delicious served with fish and seafood! Quick, easy, and delicious recipe!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 – about 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons horseradish, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Stone House Seasoning, Optional, to taste
  • hot sauce, Optional, to taste

Instructions

  • Add the ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos), and horseradish to a bowl. Mix together until they are well combined. Taste and add more horseradish or hot sauce as desired. Add the Stone House Seasoning if you believe it is needed as well.

  • Keep refrigerated.

Notes

Storage Tips:

To store leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. If the ingredients have settled, you may need to stir the co*cktail sauce before serving.

To make ahead. Prepare the co*cktail sauce according to the directions. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months or cover the serving bowl with wrap if planning to serve within a day or two. If the ingredients have settled, you may need to stir the co*cktail sauce before serving.

To freeze. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for 6 to 12 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You may need to stir the co*cktail sauce to make sure well combined once thawed.

Nutrition

Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.05g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 573mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Enjoy!
Robyn xo

Categorized as:30 Minutes or Less Recipes, All Recipes, Camping, Fish and Seafood Recipes, Freezer Friendly Recipes, Game Day Recipes, Make-ahead Recipes, Meal Prep Recipes, No Cook Recipes, Recipes, Sauces, Simple Recipes

Welcome to Add A Pinch

About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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The Best co*cktail Sauce Ever Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is co*cktail sauce made of ketchup and horseradish? ›

A combination of pungent horseradish and sweet ketchup make up the foundation of this classic co*cktail sauce, which is seasoned with lemon juice, hot sauce and a dash of Worcestershire. Drizzle it on a shrimp co*cktail or dab it sparingly on raw seafood.

How long should I boil shrimp for shrimp co*cktail? ›

Add shrimp and cook just until pink and slightly firm to the touch, about 3 minutes. Drain immediately and cool under cold running water. To make co*cktail sauce, combine chili sauce, lime juice, horseradish, hot red pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in bowl.

How long will co*cktail sauce stay good in the refrigerator? ›

After opening condiments, you can refrigerate them for the following times: ketchup, co*cktail or chili sauce 6 months. chutney, 1 to 2 months. horseradish, 3 to 4 months.

What is shrimp co*cktail sauce made from? ›

The standard ingredients (in roughly decreasing proportion) are ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco, Louisiana, or Crystal), Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. A soufflé cup is usually set in the middle of the platter of oysters along with a co*cktail fork and a lemon slice.

What is mayo and ketchup together called? ›

Fry sauce is a condiment often served with French fries or tostones (twice-fried plantain slices) in many places in the world. It is usually a combination of one part tomato ketchup and two parts mayonnaise.

Why does co*cktail sauce taste like ketchup? ›

co*cktail sauce is usually made of a combination of ketchup, horseradish, worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. You can get fancy and add some black pepper, salt, Tabasco, and even chili sauce to the mix, or you can go super basic and just throw a bunch of horseradish into some ketchup.

Do boiled shrimp float when they are done? ›

Once the shrimp turns pink and floats to the top, it is cooked and ready to be removed from the pot.

Is it better to steam or boil shrimp for shrimp co*cktail? ›

Shrimp co*cktail FAQS:

Steaming is gentler on seafood, but boiling allows you to season the water, locking in more flavor. Why is my shrimp co*cktail watery? It's possible that you overcooked your shrimp or you didn't dry them enough.

Should you rinse shrimp for shrimp co*cktail? ›

How to Make Shrimp co*cktail
  1. Add and mix. First, add all of the co*cktail sauce ingredients to a bowl and then mix them.
  2. Rinse. Secondly, rinse the shrimp well in cold water, then pat them dry.
  3. Serve it up! Serve the co*cktail sauce with the cold shrimp garnished with lemon wedges and parsley.
Dec 18, 2020

How to know if co*cktail sauce is bad? ›

Fresh co*cktail sauce has a bright red color, a fairly smooth texture, a tangy, umami flavor, and a spicy, tomato-y aroma. Be sure to use all your senses when using the sauce to detect if there are any noticeable and concerning changes in these traits. Visible discoloration or mold is a sure no-go, as is any sliminess.

Why does my homemade co*cktail sauce gel? ›

There is a natural reaction that occurs between the fresh horseradish roots and pectin in the tomato ketchup that can sometimes create a gel like consistency.

Can ketchup go bad? ›

Does Ketchup Go Bad? Yes, ketchup can go bad. If unopened, commercial ketchup “can last for up to a year in your pantry,” says Okegbe, but once opened and refrigerated, it should ideally be consumed within six months. If left in the pantry once opened, use up the ketchup within a month to be safe.

What is a good substitute for shrimp co*cktail sauce? ›

Ketchup-Mustard Sauce

Equal parts ketchup and mustard make this the shrimp co*cktail sauce anyone can make since everything's already in the door of the refrigerator. I use Dijon mustard, but you can try a grainy, coarse mustard instead for some nice crunchy pops of mustard flavor.

What is yum yum sauce made of? ›

Yum Yum Sauce is made of mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, sugar, paprika and water to thin the sauce out. That's it! It's really just a matter of the right ratios of ingredients to get the flavor you want!

What state is known for shrimp co*cktail? ›

Italo Ghelfi might have brought the dish to Las Vegas because he was homesick for the fresh seafood he'd left in California, but today the shrimp co*cktail is as much a part of the desert as the Golden Gate Casino is a part of Las Vegas.

What sauce is made from horseradish? ›

What Is Horseradish Sauce Made of? Prepared horseradish is a condiment made from grated horseradish (a spicy root vegetable in the mustard family) mixed with vinegar and salt. To make creamy horseradish sauce, it's then mixed with a creamy element such as heavy cream, sour cream, or mayonnaise.

What sauces are made from ketchup? ›

Contents
  • Basic Barbecue Sauce.
  • co*cktail Sauce.
  • Thousand Island Dressing.
  • Sweet and Sour Sauce.
  • Red Remoulade.

Is sweet and sour sauce made from ketchup? ›

How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/3 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 cup white sugar until combined. In a separate cup, whisk 3/4 cup cold water (or pineapple juice) with 4 Tbsp cornstarch until well blended.

What sauce is ketchup and mustard mixed? ›

MustKetch® is so much more than just Mustard and Ketchup. Discover new food pairings and unlock the unlimited potential of your two favorite condiments!

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