Zesty Seafood Cocktail Sauce
Elevate your seafood dining experience with this Zesty Seafood Cocktail Sauce. Perfectly balanced with the tang of horseradish, the umami from Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of lemon juice, this sauce is a delightful complement to shrimp, crab, and other seafood dishes. Quick to make and easy to adjust to your taste, it's an essential sauce for any seafood lover's collection. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this homemade cocktail sauce will impress everyone at the table!
1.67
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ketchup
1 1/2 cups (none)
Prepared Horseradish
2 teaspoons (none)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Hot Sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, sugar, and hot sauce.
2
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until all components are well integrated.
3
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Serve chilled alongside your favorite seafood dishes.
Nutrition Information
0.6g
Fat
36g
Carbs
1g
Protein
24g
Sugar
1200mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Seafood Cocktail Sauce?
Zesty Seafood Cocktail Sauce is a tangy and savory condiment made from ketchup, horseradish, and other seasonings, designed to complement seafood like shrimp and crab.
How do I make this cocktail sauce?
Simply combine ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, sugar, and hot sauce in a bowl, mix well, season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, sugar, and hot sauce.
How much ketchup is required for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of ketchup.
Is the horseradish amount adjustable?
Yes, you can adjust the 2 teaspoons of prepared horseradish to make the sauce more or less pungent according to your preference.
What does Worcestershire sauce add to the flavor?
Worcestershire sauce adds a deep umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the ketchup and the heat of the horseradish.
Should I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe recommends 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Is there sugar in this cocktail sauce?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the acidity of the lemon and vinegar in the ketchup.
How spicy is this seafood sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce and 2 teaspoons of horseradish, making it zesty but manageable. You can add more hot sauce if you prefer it spicier.
Do I need to cook the sauce?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that only requires mixing and chilling.
How long should the sauce chill before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the best way to serve this sauce?
Serve it chilled in a small bowl alongside shrimp, crab, or other seafood appetizers.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 1.67 servings based on the provided data.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content of this sauce?
This sauce is very low in fat, containing only about 0.6g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the sauce?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the ketchup and sugar.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
This recipe is high in sodium, containing approximately 1200mg per serving.
Is there protein in cocktail sauce?
There is a minimal amount of protein, approximately 1g per serving.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 24g of sugar per serving.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
It depends on your brand of Worcestershire sauce; many contain barley malt vinegar which has gluten, so check labels if you have a sensitivity.
Is this recipe vegan?
Standard Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so you would need to use a vegan-certified Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe vegan.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container or a covered bowl in the refrigerator.
How long does homemade cocktail sauce last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it typically remains fresh for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture and consistency of the ketchup and horseradish.
Can I use this as a dipping sauce for fried fish?
Absolutely, it works well with fried calamari, fish sticks, and other breaded seafood.
What type of pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests freshly ground black pepper for the best aromatic quality.
Can I substitute the sugar with a sweetener?
Yes, you can use a honey or a sugar substitute, though it may slightly alter the traditional flavor profile.
Is this sauce good for shrimp cocktail?
Yes, this is the classic sauce used for shrimp cocktail appetizers.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more guests.
What makes this sauce zesty?
The combination of pungent horseradish, acidic lemon juice, and hot sauce provides the signature zesty kick.