Cocktail Sauce
A zesty, tangy dipping sauce that comes together in under two minutes. Ketchup forms the base, while prepared horseradish delivers a sharp, sinus-clearing kick, balanced perfectly with fresh lemon juice. An essential companion for shrimp cocktail, fried seafood, and chilled shellfish platters.
For 8 servings
- mix · ~1 min
Combine all ingredients.
1.Add ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to a small mixing bowl.2.Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.3.Whisk until smooth and thoroughly combined.TIPDrain the horseradish well — too much liquid makes the sauce runny. - rest · ~30 min
Chill before serving.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The sauce thickens slightly as it chills.
- serve
Stir and serve.
Give the sauce a quick stir before serving alongside shrimp cocktail, fried seafood, or oysters on the half shell.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drain the prepared horseradish well to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- 2Let the sauce chill for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld and thicken.
- 3Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, cleaner tang than bottled.
- 4Adjust the horseradish to your heat preference — start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer milder heat.
- 5For a smokier depth, add a drop of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky
Add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper, smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled seafood.
spicySpicy
Increase the hot sauce to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
herbyHerby
Stir in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill or parsley for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
sweeterSweeter
Add 1 teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the heat and acidity for a slightly sweeter profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
This sauce is naturally low in calories, making it a lighter alternative to creamy dips for seafood.
Rich in Lycopene
Ketchup provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, especially when combined with a little fat.
Contains Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice adds a dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps with iron absorption.
Digestive Aid
Horseradish contains compounds that may stimulate digestion and clear sinuses, adding a functional benefit to the sauce.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for its bright, clean flavor; bottled juice can taste flat or metallic.
