shrimp cocktail sauce
Make the best shrimp cocktail sauce in minutes! This zesty, tangy, and spicy homemade sauce is perfect for seafood lovers. Easy, delicious, and fresh
Ingredients
- Now let's talk about the ingredients you'll need to make this irresistible shrimp cocktail sauce. Don’t worry, these are common pantry staples that come together to create a perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup ketchup – This is the base of the sauce, providing that sweet and tangy foundation. Use a high-quality ketchup for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons horseradish – The star ingredient that gives this sauce its signature kick! Adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance; more horseradish equals more heat.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds depth and a savory umami flavor that complements the tanginess of the ketchup.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds a refreshing citrus note.
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce optional – For those who like it extra spicy, this is the perfect way to turn up the heat.
- 1 garlic clove finely minced – Adds a little garlicky richness that enhances all the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper – To taste these simple seasonings round out the flavors and make everything pop.
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley optional, for garnish – Not only do these make your presentation look elegant, but they also add a touch of freshness.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Cocktail Sauce:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh garlic. This makes a noticeable difference in the flavor and elevates the sauce.
- Adjust to Taste: If you like your sauce spicier feel free to add more horseradish or hot sauce. For a milder version, cut back on the horseradish and skip the hot sauce entirely.
- Consistency: If you find the sauce a bit too thick simply thin it out with a splash of water or extra lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- With these simple fresh ingredients, you're all set to make a sauce that will elevate any shrimp cocktail or seafood dish to the next level. Ready to mix everything together? Let’s move on to the next step!
Instructions
- Making your own shrimp cocktail sauce is incredibly easy and takes just a few minutes. This simple process combines the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory elements that complement shrimp like nothing else. Let’s walk through the steps:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and ensure everything is within reach when you need it. You’ll need ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and any optional ingredients like hot sauce and seasonings.
Mix the Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and horseradish. These two ingredients are the foundation of your sauce, so make sure to stir them together well until you have a smooth base.
Add the Flavor Boosters: Now it’s time to add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and garlic. Stir everything together until fully incorporated. The Worcestershire sauce adds depth, while the lemon juice brightens things up and balances the sweetness of the ketchup.
Season to Taste: Season your sauce with salt and pepper. Start with a pinch of each, and taste as you go. If you like a little extra tang, add a splash more lemon juice. Want more heat? A dash of hot sauce or a little more horseradish will do the trick.
Chill for Best Flavor: While you can use your shrimp cocktail sauce immediately, letting it chill for 30 minutes to an hour will allow the flavors to meld together even more beautifully. If you have the time, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for the best results.
Pro Tip:
- For the smoothest texture, if you find any lumps from the horseradish or garlic, you can use a whisk to really smooth things out or even use an immersion blender for a silky finish.
- And there you have it! In just a few quick steps, you've created a shrimp cocktail sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect accompaniment for shrimp, but it can also be used for dipping other seafood, veggies, or even as a spread for sandwiches!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 0g