Published: by Debra Clark · 24 Comments
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Homemade Shrimp co*cktail Sauce Recipe - tangy with just a little bit of ZIP, this sauce is perfect for dipping co*cktail shrimp, fried shrimp, oysters, you name it! Making your own co*cktail sauce is so much better than store-bought!
Next time try Cilantro Garlic Sauce - it's a great dipper!
Jump to:
- Why you'll love this recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Video
- Equipment
- FAQ's
- Tips
- Variations
- Storage
- Related recipes
- Serve with
- Best Shrimp co*cktail Sauce Recipe
Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ You have all the ingredients on hand.
✔️ It's easy to make.
✔️Without a doubt, it tastes 100 times better than store-bought co*cktail sauce!!!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- catsup - regular or low-sodium ketchup is great for this delicious recipe.
- jarred horseradish sauce - you can use grated or creamy, personal choice.
- Worcestershire sauce - you can substitute with soy sauce if you'd prefer.
- freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice is best, though in a pinch you can use jarred lemon juice.
- Hot sauce - I use Tabasco, but you can use your favorite sauce. Though spice is optional, give it a taste test until it gives you that perfect spicy flavor!
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Measure out each ingredient, pour into a small bowl.
- Whisk it together to combine. Refrigerate until serving.
- This will make about one cup of sauce.
Video
Click on the image to watch this fun video and see me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips!
Don't have time to watch the whole video?Check out the YouTube short here!
Equipment
- a small bowl to whisk the ingredients
- speaking of a whisk, you'll need that or just a small spoon.
FAQ's
What is the difference between seafood sauce and this easy shrimp co*cktail sauce?
Nothing! It's the same thing. Seafood and co*cktail sauce is a tomato-based sauce seasoned with horseradish or wasabi.
Is it seafood sauce spicy?
It can be. co*cktail sauce gets its zip from the horseradish and Tabasco sauce. It can be more or less spicy with the addition of more or less of those sauces.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Yes, leftovers must be refrigerated. It can sit out at room temperature for two hours.
What is the best shrimp?
I prefer to buy large shrimp or a shrimp ring. Fresh shrimp is better than frozen, BUT most shrimp is frozen before it gets to the store.
Tips
- Horseradish gives Shrimp co*cktail Sauce a zesty bite. Though you can use creamy horseradish (mild, not near as spicy) sauce, I prefer to use the extra hot grated horseradish. It gives your sauce an extra ZING!
- You can buy jarred horseradish that has been grated or grate your own. I use the jarred version.
- Do not use raw shrimp, you'll want to use shrimp that's cooked.
Variations
If you don't like horseradish you can substitute with:
- wasabi is your best substitute!
- fresh grated ginger
- spicy mustard
If you prefer a milder sauce, use less horseradish sauce.
Storage
Refrigerate -Store leftovers in an airtight container, Refrigerate up to three to four days.
Freezer - I do not recommend freezing leftovers, use or toss them!
Looking for more tasty seafood sauces?
- Thousand Island Sauce - you love it on a crab louie right? It's also delicious as a seafood dip!
- Ponzu Sauce - citrus, salty and spicy this is perfect for seared tuna!
- Hollandaise Sauce - rich, buttery and lemony this adds an amazing elegance to any seafood feast!
- Creamy Dill Sauce - dill, garlic, cream another delicious homemade sauce!
For more delicious sauces be sure to try these - Alabama white sauce recipe or Homemade Tomato Relishjust click on the link!
Serve with
Serve as a dipping sauce with your favorite seafood - jumbo shrimp, crab, raw oysters, or fish - also delicious topping a yummy po'boy sandwich!
This would be amazing to spice up a Bloody Mary!
Serve with plenty of lemon wedges as well! There's nothing like a splash of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp or prawn co*cktail!
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
If you love this recipe please leave a⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
5 from 14 votes
Best Shrimp co*cktail Sauce Recipe
This tangy co*cktail sauce is easy to make and It's so much better than store-bought! Serve with a pile of cooked gorgeous shrimp, crab cakes, or tortilla chips.
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Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16
Calories: 13kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup catsup
- 2 tablespoon jarred horseradish
- dash Worcestershire sauce
- dash Tabasco sauce
- ½ lemon or lime, juiced
I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
Measure out each ingredient, pour into a small bowl.
Mix the shrimp sauce well. Refrigerate until serving.
This will make about one cup of sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three to four days.
Serve with pre-cooked shrimp, fried shrimp, oysters, scallops, clams, fritters or your favorite seafood!
Notes
I prefer the grated (jarred) horseradish, though creamy will work. The difference is the grated is spicer, creamy is more mild in flavor.
No horseradish? Substitute with wasabi!
Nutrition
Calories: 13kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 40mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!
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About Debra Clark
Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,Twitterand YouTube.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Lois
This is a great and tasty sauce. So good.Reply
Bowl Me Over
This is delicious and so much better than storebought!
Reply
Arlie
Love all the recipiesReply
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Arlie!!!
Reply
See AlsoHomemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Sandra Shaffer
Homemade shrimp co*cktail sauce is so much better than the bottled stuff. What a great recipe to have on hand and so simple to make. Don't you love the recipe inspiration you get when traveling? Beautiful photos of Morro Bay!Reply
Bowl Me Over
I agree, it takes so little effort to make something that is super delicious! Thank you Sandra
Reply
Sandi
Morrow Bay looks like such a quaint little ocean town...I am so glad you share pictures from all of your journeys with us. Now I am craving shrimp co*cktail 🙂Reply
Bowl Me Over
I know right? I could go back tomorrow! We feasted while we were there!!
Reply
Michaela Kenkel
Shrimp co*cktails are one of the best appetizers in my opinion!! This sauce recipe is a keeper!! Thank you!!Reply
Bowl Me Over
You are welcome Michaela, enjoy!
Reply
Madi
I love the idea of making homemade co*cktail sauce! This looks so good!Reply
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Madi, it's so good and so easy too!
Reply
Ashlyn
This sauce looks totally yummy and so easy to make, too! Glad you had a great trip! Your photos make it look so beautiful and relaxing!Reply
Bowl Me Over
The ocean is definitely my happy place, thanks Ashlyn! Enjoy that sauce too!!
Reply
Healing Tomato
I am all for spicy sauces because they make the appetizers that much better. You have a very good talent of blending the right amount of spices to make a wonderful sauce. This looks so good.Reply
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Rini!! I love that spicy pop of flavor!
Reply
Julie
What a beautiful view! I'd never want to leave. We always made our co*cktail sauce too and I love the recipe for yours!Reply
Bowl Me Over
I know right? We're already making plans to return! Enjoy Julie!!!
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michele
I love a good shrimp co*cktail sauce... I just tried this with your suggestion to sub wasabi.... (I had horseradish, but the wasabi sounded so good I had to try). It was FAN FLIPPING TASTIC!Reply
Bowl Me Over
ooooh!!! Now I'm wanting more seafood, YUM!! Glad you enjoyed the recipe Michele!!!
Reply
Angela
I absolutely love shrimp co*cktail and the co*cktail sauce just may be my favorite part! I love the sound of your recipe and cant wait to give it a try soon!Reply
Bowl Me Over
Wonderful - when you do, swing back by Angela - I'd love to hear what you thought of this easy recipe!!
Reply
Liza
I tried to make a co*cktail a few times because I thought it was easy: just matchup + horseradish... But... it never came out as good as the one from a restaurant. And that's because I didn't have your recipe! Now I know what to do! It's really all about these little "touches" of flavor like Worcestershire sauce and lemon sauce that make all the difference in the taste! Wonderful recipe! Thanks!!!!!Reply
Bowl Me Over
So tasty, thank you Liza - please give it a try, I know you'll be so happy with this recipe!!
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