To make classic cocktail sauce, you combine a few simple ingredients to create a tangy, spicy condiment perfect for seafood like shrimp cocktail. Here's a straightforward recipe based on trusted sources:
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 to 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- A few dashes of Tabasco or other hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the horseradish or hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled with shrimp or other seafood.
This sauce is quick to make (about 5 minutes) and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week or more in an airtight container. You can customize it by adding minced garlic or substituting ingredients like wasabi for horseradish or soy sauce for Worcestershire if desired
. This homemade cocktail sauce is brighter and more flavorful than store- bought versions, and it can also be used as a dip for crab cakes, meatballs, or even as a condiment on burgers
