It's so easy to learn how to make shrimp cocktail sauce. Our homemade sauce is tangy, spicy, ready in about 2 minutes, with just 4 ingredients.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- Our tasty dip is just perfect with this easy poached shrimp recipe to make a great shrimp cocktail platter.
- The homemade version of cold shrimp and cocktail sauce is so affordable and tastes better than any grocery store made platter.
Ingredients
- Ketchup: For keto, use sugar-free ketchup. For a non-diet recipe use regular ketchup
- Prepared HorseradishThis is a favorite grated horseradish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: If you are Gluten-free, this is a great one to use.
- fresh lemon juice
- lemon wedge. garnish
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Equipment
- mixing bowl
- measuring cup
- wooden spoon.
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- In a medium bowl, combine ketchup, lemon juice, grated horseradish, and Worcestershire Sauce. Mix well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer the better the flavors blend.
- Serve with poached shrimp, baked fish, add to burgers.
Storage
The sauce will keep in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Some friends keep it longer. The sauce just doesn't last in our house. We usually do not have leftovers
Expert Tips
Expert Tip: Be sure to use grated horseradish not horseradish cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
In my research, the cocktail sauce became popular during prohibition and the ban on alcohol. Shrimp and sauce were served in cocktail glasses. This appetizer also was extremely popular in Britain in the 1960s
Keep homemade cocktail sauce in the refrigerator in a covered airtight container for about 2-3 weeks.
Yes. The cocktail sauce can be frozen for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Defrost in the refrigerator. Use as you please.
I know many of you follow a low-carb or keto diet. For you, be sure to look at your labels and use low-sugar ketchup.
If you do not want to use horseradish, try wasabi or hot mustard such as Coleman's Mustard works well!
Variations
In lieu of ketchup, chili sauce can be used.
Hot sauce can be added for a little extra heat.
Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning would make this a nice and spicy cocktail sauce.
Otherwise, this is a very straightforward shrimp cocktail sauce that can also pair well with fresh shucked oysters and clams.
Serving Suggestions
- Poached Shrimp: The classic poached shrimp platter that is ridiculously expensive is easy to make at home for ¼ the price of a store made platter.
- Coconut Shrimp would be perfect dipped in this homemade
- Air Fryer Fish Sticks would be great dipped in this easy recipe.
- Hush puppies are another delicious side dish that would be great with this sauce.
Similar recipes
We live busy lives and making everything from scratch isn’t always possible or necessary. In a pinch, I can buy a tasty bottle of BBQ sauce instead of using my favorite homemade chipotle BBQ sauce for ribs and cocktail meatballs.
However, there is always that however, when it comes to cocktail sauce, my friends, please make your own.
Looking for other easy homemade sauces, next time try our Tzatziki Sauce. Perfect with Gyros and Falafels.
I hope you take advantage of making this easy sauce for all your shrimp platters and any seafood recipes, it's easy and so delicious!
I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.
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Thank you for the continued support. I am forever grateful.
Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This recipe was first published on September 11, 2018, last updated on February 8, 2022, for user experience.
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Homemade Cocktail Sauce
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup see note 1
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ Tablespoon prepared horseradish see note 2
- 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 dashes hot sauce optional
- salt and black pepper to taste, optional
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ketchup, 3 Tablespoons lemon juice, 1½ Tablespoons prepared horseradish, and 3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce. Optional additions of 1 to 2 dashes hot sauce, and salt and black pepper, to taste. Mix well. Taste and if needed, adjust flavors.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer the better the flavors blend.
- Serve with shrimp, baked fish, clams, and oysters.
NOTES
Nutrition
