This tangy cocktail sauce for shrimp is so easy to make! It's zesty and tasty and made with only a few simple ingredients.
You'll never need to buy jarred cocktail sauce again, because this is the best cocktail sauce.
It's perfect for when you want to serve shrimp cocktail, but you can use it in other ways too - like serving it as part of a relish tray, or with crab cakes, or on beef tenderloin.
Why You'll Love Homemade Cocktail Sauce
This classic cocktail sauce is incredibly easy to make and is the tangiest, tastiest sauce for seafood!
You can make it ahead as it saves for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. It's very quick to pull together though, so if you need a great last minute seafood cocktail sauce, this one's a winner.
Cocktail Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- dash of hot sauce*
*If you'd like a lightly spicy cocktail sauce, go for just a dash of Tabasco or Frank's hot sauce. If you want something with a bit more kick, add some chili sauce or a teaspoon of hot sauce.
How to Make this Homemade Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
Serve immediately or save for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can serve this recipe with popcorn shrimp or grilled large shrimp for a delicious appetizer or main course! Serve with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
More Delicious Sauce Recipes
Love an easy sauce recipe that pairs well with seafood? Try one of these!
- Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe - this sauce is so simple to make. You'll love the tangy flavor of this creamy sauce.
- Remoulade for Crab Cakes - this creamy remoulade for crab cakes is a fantastic dip that's easy to make.
- Tzatziki (Cucumber Yogurt Sauce) - a creamy, delicious, and versatile - it can be used in all sorts of ways as a topping or a dip.
Tips for Making this Recipe
Links on some posts are affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Specialty Ingredients - I recommend Frank's Red Hot Sauce and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce.
Recommended Tools - I like using a small whisk to make sauces like this. I think it makes it easier to fully combine the ingredients.
Storing Tips - You can save this sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
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Cocktail Sauce for Shrimp
This delicious and tangy cocktail sauce is easy to make and saves in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Serve immediately or save for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
susan says
I've been making my own shrimp cocktail sauce for decades. Mine is quite similar to your recipe as far as the ingredients. The only thing I have never added is the worcestershire sauce and the dash of hot sauce. The horseradish is enough heat for me. Next time I make some I will try the worcestershire and see what difference it makes. In fact, in a pinch when I decided to make it last minute, I have just mixed together ketchup and prepared full strength white horseradish and it tastes great as well and far better than any jarred sauce they sell at the supermarket.