Make this homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe just once, and you'll never buy the bottled, store-bought stuff again. It takes only 5 minutes to whip up, leading to maximum flavor with minimal ingredients!
All the flavor notes of this homemade recipe are served in perfect harmony: savory, tangy, slightly hot, with subtle sweetness. It's deliciousness shines through right off the bat!
Looking for more easy shrimp recipes? Try Stuffed Shrimp!
THE BEST COCKTAIL SAUCE RECIPE
Warning: you might never be able to cook shrimp again without having this Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe to serve alongside it. Thanks to ingredients like fresh lemon, savory chili sauce, and prepared horseradish, hum-drum cocktail sauce is no more.
This recipe brings gourmet vibes without all the effort and has a long history with many different variations. Shrimp cocktail became popular in the late nineteenth century and some sources link the serving of the dish in cocktail glasses to the ban on alcoholic drinks during the 1920s prohibition era in the United States. Scandalous! Are you big on serving up delicious appetizers for guests? So are we! Check out our appetizer recipes and get all the inspiration for your dinner party!
But the Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe found its home again around 1950 in Las Vegas, most specifically at the Golden Gate Hotel. The starter became popular because it was only served with shrimp and sauce and zero salad, which was super uncommon. I'm so glad that what happened in Vegas didn't stay in Vegas!
In the United Kingdom, the invention of the prawn cocktail is often credited to British television chef Fanny Cradock in the 1960s; however, it is more likely that Cradock popularized her version of an established dish that was not well known until then in Britain.
INGREDIENTS FOR SHRIMP COCKTAIL SAUCE
- Ketchup | Ketchup is responsible for adding subtle sweetness to classic cocktail sauce. While it only makes up half of the sauce base, it would be greatly missed if it were left out.
- Chili sauce | Trust no Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe that calls for ketchup and no chili sauce. Chili sauce is a mixture of pureed chili peppers and vinegar, and it is the key to a phenomenally savory shrimp cocktail. You'll find it on the condiment aisle, near the ketchup.
- Prepared horseradish | Prepared horseradish is grated horseradish root mixed with vinegar and salt. It adds both flavor and heat to shrimp cocktail sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice | Lemon juice is perfect for adding a fresh burst of acidity to savory recipes, but especially those intended for dipping your favorite seafood items!
- Worcestershire sauce | There's no quicker, more effective way to amp up the savory quality than with what Worcestershire sauce adds to this mix. Measure carefully; this is a strong ingredient!
- Hot sauce (optional) | If the horseradish doesn't cut it for you and you'd still like to add a bit more heat to your cocktails sauce, try hot sauce. One-to-two teaspoons will do the trick.
HOW TO MAKE COCKTAIL SAUCE FOR SHRIMP
In a small bowl, combine all the Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe ingredients. Stir together until smooth.
If desired, chill in the refrigerator. Serve with cooked, cold shrimp for shrimp cocktail at your next get-together! Or, if you want your shrimp cooked, follow the steps of How To Cook Shrimp On the Stove.
OTHER USES FOR COCKTAIL SAUCE
Shrimp cocktail sauce is not limited to only shrimp! The possibilities are endless for this spicy condiment.
If you're wanting to stick to the seafood route, load up your oysters, calamari, or crab cakes next time with this popular sauce.
Burgers, meatballs, and even meatloaf are great options to top with your homemade cocktail sauce, too!
Create an elegant menu for your date night at home by pairing this starter with a classy Cast Iron Filet Mignon topped with Gorgonzola Sauce.
And don't be afraid to dip those mozzarella sticks or breaded zucchini in this simple shrimp cocktail. It's the perfect complement to those breaded flavors.
One of the most popular places you might see a Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe that isn't on shrimp is the infamous Blood Mary Bar. Add a scoop of the sauce in your deliciously savory tomato cocktail alongside celery stalks, olives, pickled okra, bacon...the list goes on and on! Here at TAK we absolutely swoon over sauces and condiments. If you need a sauce or condiment to complement a home-cooked meal we've got you covered with tons to choose from!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is cocktail sauce?
Cocktail sauce is condiment typically served with seafood, most often shrimp. It contains ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (optional).
What does cocktail sauce taste like?
Cocktail sauce has a similar flavor profile to ketchup, only far less sweet and much bolder in flavor. It often contains ingredients like fresh lemon and horseradish, which also makes it a bit more acidic and spicier.
How do you store homemade cocktail sauce?
Store this homemade cocktail sauce recipe in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months if desired.
Cocktail sauce vs. Ketchup
Both are tomato-based condiments, however rather different in flavor. Ketchup is sweeter and smoother in consistency, while cocktail sauce is typically blended with a mix of other savory ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and chili sauce.
Is cocktail sauce healthy?
Cocktail sauce is typically gluten- and fat-free, making it a fairly healthy choice for condiments. However, because of the ketchup base, cocktail sauce might be a little high in sugar for some.
Sources:
"Prawn Cocktail." Wikipedia, 22 Jun. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prawn_cocktail.
"History of a Shrimp Cocktail Sauce & How to Make It." Glass and Vine, 21 Apr. 2012, glassandvine.com/history-of-a-shrimp-cocktail-sauce-how-to-make-it/.
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Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup Ketchup
- ⅓ cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespooon prepared horseradish
- 2 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl and stir until evenly combined. Serve right away or cover and place in the refrigerator to chill. Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
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