Introduction
Cocktail Sauce is a classic condiment, perfect for pairing with shrimp, oysters, or other seafood at dinners, gatherings, or special occasions. This tangy, spicy sauce, blending ketchup, horseradish, and a touch of lemon, delivers a bold, zesty flavor that enhances every bite. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with a lemon wedge or parsley sprig, this Cocktail Sauce offers a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any seafood platter. This recipe provides a traditional version that is adaptable for dietary preferences and is ideal for home cooks seeking a quick, crowd-pleasing condiment that brings a lively kick to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Optional: Lemon wedge, parsley sprig
- Suggested Uses: Serve with shrimp cocktail, oysters, or fried seafood
- Suggested Pairings: Chilled white wine, sparkling water
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups/spoons, small knife, cutting board
Step-by-Step Process
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust with additional horseradish (for heat), lemon juice (for tang), or salt (for seasoning) to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Transfer the sauce to a white ceramic bowl. Garnish with a lemon wedge or parsley sprig. Serve chilled with shrimp cocktail, oysters, or fried seafood, paired with chilled white wine or sparkling water.
Tips for Better Cocktail Sauce
- Use high-quality ketchup for a robust base flavor; avoid overly sweet brands.
- Taste the sauce before serving to balance tangy, spicy, and savory flavors; adjust with horseradish or lemon juice.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding; stir before serving.
- Adjust heat level by starting with 1 tbsp horseradish and adding more to taste.
- Use a white ceramic bowl for a vibrant presentation, highlighting the bright red sauce and garnishes.
- Make ahead: Prepare sauce up to 3 days in advance; store in the fridge.
- For a smoother texture, blend ingredients in a food processor for 10–15 seconds.
- Enhance aesthetic: Present in a white ceramic bowl with a lemon wedge or parsley sprig for a lively, inviting look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Cocktail Sauce: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure ketchup is gluten-free.
- Vegan Cocktail Sauce: Replace Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative or 1 tsp soy sauce.
- Low-Sodium Cocktail Sauce: Use low-sodium ketchup and reduce salt to a pinch.
- Spicy Cocktail Sauce: Increase hot sauce to 2 tsp or add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
- Sweet Cocktail Sauce: Add 1 tsp honey or sugar for a sweeter profile.
- Citrus Cocktail Sauce: Replace lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different citrus note.
- Creamy Cocktail Sauce: Stir in 1 tbsp mayonnaise for a richer, creamier texture.
- Fresh Herb Cocktail Sauce: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley for a herby twist.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week; stir before serving.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well.
- Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Use as a dipping sauce for shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, or fried seafood.
- Pair with chilled white wine or sparkling water to complement the tangy, spicy flavor.
- Presented in a white ceramic bowl with vibrant garnishes for a lively, appetizing charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (about 1/4 cup each):
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 4% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 2% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sodium ketchup reduces sodium to ~300mg). Moderate in sodium; try the low-sodium variation. Pair with seafood for balance.
Conclusion
This Cocktail Sauce recipe offers a tangy, spicy condiment perfect for any seafood dish. It transforms simple ingredients into a zesty classic. Its quick preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The bold flavors enhance every dip. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its versatile, crowd-pleasing appeal.
Cocktail Sauce Recipe: Tangy and Spicy
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: Lemon wedge parsley sprig
- Suggested Pairings: Shrimp cocktail white wine
Instructions
- Whisk ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with horseradish or lemon juice.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Serve in a white ceramic bowl with a lemon wedge, parsley, and shrimp.
Notes
- Chill to meld flavors.
- Store in the fridge for 1 week or freeze for 3 months.
- Try vegan or spicy variations.
- Pair with oysters.
