Easy Homemade Cocktail Sauce
If you’ve ever been curious about how to make cocktail sauce or just want to level up your seafood nights, this recipe is totally worth trying. It takes less than five minutes, doesn’t require any fancy tools, and tastes amazing.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring spoons & cup
- Citrus squeezer (optional
- Storage container with lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish more or less to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce like Tabasco
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Gather All Your Ingredients
- Grab your ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Measure everything out before mixing — it makes the process smoother and faster.
Pro Tip:
- Set your horseradish out first. If it’s been in the fridge, it may need a quick stir in its jar to loosen up before mixing.
Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients to a Bowl
- Pour 1 cup of ketchup into your mixing bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish.
- Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
Pro Tip:
- If using fresh lemon, hold your hand under the lemon as you squeeze to catch any seeds.
Step 3: Mix in the Flavor Boosters
- Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce (or more if you like heat).
- Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional).
- Toss in a pinch of salt to round out the flavors.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
- Use a spoon or small whisk to stir the mixture until it’s completely smooth and blended.
- Make sure there are no streaks of horseradish or ketchup — it should be one even color.
Pro Tip:
- Whisk in a circular motion, scraping the sides of the bowl, so you don’t miss any bits clinging to the edges.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
- Give your cocktail sauce a quick taste.
- If you want more heat, stir in a little more horseradish or hot sauce.
- For more tang, add a splash more lemon juice.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving (Optional but Recommended)
- You can serve it right away, but it tastes even better after 30 minutes in the fridge.
- This gives the flavors time to blend together.
Pro Tip:
- Make it a few hours ahead if you’re serving guests — it saves time and tastes more balanced!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approx. 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 35
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.