Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe - tangy with just a little bit of ZIP, this sauce is perfect for dipping cocktail shrimp, fried shrimp, oysters, you name it! Making your own cocktail sauce is so much better than store-bought!
Jump to:
- Shrimp cocktail sauce recipe
- Ingredients you’ll need
- Creative variations to try
- Step-by-step instructions
- Watch and learn: recipe video
- Essential tools for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
- Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
- How to store leftovers
- More recipes you’ll love
- Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- Best Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Shrimp cocktail sauce recipe
You all know I'm a BIG fan of seafood! Large shrimp, dipped into a zesty sauce? That be heaven right there! But you're saying.... Deb why would I make sauce, can't I just bug it?
Well... here a few reasons... You have all the ingredients on hand. This is SUCH an easy recipe. AND without a doubt, it tastes 100 times better than store-bought cocktail sauce!!! No joke guys, this is amazing.
Ingredients you’ll need
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. Of course you can use fresh horseradish as well, but I don't find it readily available. Horseradish is what gives shrimp cocktail sauce that extra special kick!
- 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!
Creative variations to try
If you don't like horseradish you can substitute with:
- wasabi is your best substitute!
- fresh grated ginger
- spicy mustard
- Some add a pinch of salt, (but I don't think it needs it).
Step-by-step 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.
Watch and learn: recipe 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!
Essential tools for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
Nothing! It's the same thing. Seafood and cocktail sauce is a tomato-based sauce seasoned with horseradish or wasabi.
It can be. Cocktail 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.
Yes, leftovers must be refrigerated. It can sit out at room temperature for two hours.
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.
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
Horseradish gives Shrimp Cocktail 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.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, use less horseradish sauce.
How to store leftovers
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!
More recipes you’ll love
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!
- Blender 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 Relish just click on the link!
Perfect pairings: what to 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!
Serve with plenty of lemon wedges as well! There's nothing like a splash of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp or prawn cocktail!
This would be amazing to spice up a Bloody Mary! If you have some leftovers, add a tablespoon of brown sugar andspread as a glaze over the top of Meatloaf - yum!
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Best Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup catsup
- 2 tablespoon jarred horseradish
- dash Worcestershire sauce
- dash Tabasco sauce
- ½ lemon or lime, juiced
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!
Dean Reiman says
Great recipe, simple and good. Do you happen to know my friend Joni in St Helens? She owns a cafe there. I used to own The Wine Shack in Cannon Beach but Joni and her friend Juan and I all grew up together in Moses Lake, WA. Keep up the good work!
Debra Clark says
Hey Dean - nice to emeet you! I'm sorry, but I don't know Joni, which cafe does she own? We head to St. Helens often, i could stop by and tell her you said hey!! It's a small world for sure. It must have been fun in Cannon Beach. That's one of my favorite places! Thanks Dean!!!
Lois says
This is a great and tasty sauce. So good.
Bowl Me Over says
This is delicious and so much better than storebought!
Arlie says
Love all the recipies
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Arlie!!!
Sandra Shaffer says
Homemade shrimp cocktail 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!
Bowl Me Over says
I agree, it takes so little effort to make something that is super delicious! Thank you Sandra
Sandi says
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 cocktail 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
I know right? I could go back tomorrow! We feasted while we were there!!
Michaela Kenkel says
Shrimp cocktails are one of the best appetizers in my opinion!! This sauce recipe is a keeper!! Thank you!!
Bowl Me Over says
You are welcome Michaela, enjoy!
Madi says
I love the idea of making homemade cocktail sauce! This looks so good!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Madi, it's so good and so easy too!
Ashlyn says
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!
Bowl Me Over says
The ocean is definitely my happy place, thanks Ashlyn! Enjoy that sauce too!!
Healing Tomato says
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.
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Rini!! I love that spicy pop of flavor!
Julie says
What a beautiful view! I'd never want to leave. We always made our cocktail sauce too and I love the recipe for yours!
Bowl Me Over says
I know right? We're already making plans to return! Enjoy Julie!!!
michele says
I love a good shrimp cocktail 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!
Bowl Me Over says
ooooh!!! Now I'm wanting more seafood, YUM!! Glad you enjoyed the recipe Michele!!!
Angela says
I absolutely love shrimp cocktail and the cocktail sauce just may be my favorite part! I love the sound of your recipe and cant wait to give it a try soon!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful - when you do, swing back by Angela - I'd love to hear what you thought of this easy recipe!!
Liza says
I tried to make a cocktail 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!!!!!
Bowl Me Over says
So tasty, thank you Liza - please give it a try, I know you'll be so happy with this recipe!!