A classic seafood sauce with a zesty twist that will make you ditch the store-bought version forever!
This Homemade Cocktail Sauce completely transforms fresh prawns (shrimp) and has damaged me from eating the store-bought variety! This is good, really good, and it’s just a simple mix of whole-egg mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and, the secret ingredient, horseradish cream, which really brings the magic.
My family loves it when I make this sauce and we use it with many different seafood dishes. We enjoy it with fresh prawns, dolloped on oysters with a little Tabasco, served with a pot of mussels with chips for dipping, with prawn cocktails (a must here in Australia in the holiday season!), any fresh seafood (lobster or crab goes down a treat with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon), or even with smoked salmon and avocado on a bagel. It’s easy and fast (no chopping or fuss and ready in less than 5 minutes!) and is absolutely delicious.
Once you try this homemade cocktail sauce, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version. It’s not often that I say something is the best. But this cocktail sauce truly takes the crown. It is THAT good. The bright orange cocktail sauce you see in the supermarket does not stand a chance next to this number. Whip this out and serve when you have your next seafood feast!
Can I make this sauce without horseradish cream?
Horseradish cream is the secret to the sauce’s punchy flavour. Horseradish cream has a very mild spice when eaten on its own, but when mixed with the other ingredients, the spice is completely diluted (my children can’t taste it at all). You can however substitute it with dijon mustard for a milder taste, if you prefer.
What dishes can I pair this sauce with?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with fresh seafood like prawns (shrimp), lobster, crab, oysters and mussels. It’s also great with fish burgers, seafood platters or as a spread for smoked salmon bagels.
Watch how to make Homemade Cocktail Sauce
What are some other simple, delicious sauce recipes?
If you are looking for easy sauces to transform your meals, try:
Mushroom Sauce
Bechamel Sauce
And check out my blog article 12 Quick and Easy Salad Dressings, which is packed full of simple dressings and sauces.
Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Perfectly creamy and tangy, this Homemade Cocktail Sauce will be your new go-to for your seafood favourites.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup (250 g) 1x
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (160 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 g) ketchup
- 1 tbsp horseradish cream (see note 1)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of Tabasco (optional)
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco (if using) in a bowl. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or more Tabasco, if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge until needed.
Equipment
Notes
Note 1 – Horseradish cream has a very mild spice when eaten on its own, but when mixed with the other ingredients, the spice is completely diluted (my children can’t taste it at all). You can however substitute it with dijon mustard for a milder taste, if you prefer.
Make Ahead
This cocktail sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container to let the flavours meld beautifully.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: Modern
