At our house, we’re pretty picky about shrimp cocktail sauce. The bottled stuff doesn’t make the cut. That’s the reason we use the restaurant tried and true recipe. Simple and flavorful. The prefect pairing for so many things.
This sauce comes together very simply in just a few minutes with only a handful of ingredients! My family loves this cocktail sauce! I think you will love it as well!
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about shrimp cocktail served with a zesty, chilled dipping sauce. At Wholesome Farmhouse Recipes, we’re all about easy recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort—and this classic homemade shrimp cocktail sauce is the perfect example.
Made with just three simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, this recipe has been a go-to for me for years—both at home and professionally.
We Love This Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
When I worked in restaurants, we never bought pre-made cocktail sauce. Ever. We made it from scratch in-house, every single day. That’s how I learned that the best cocktail sauce is all about freshness and balance. You just can’t beat the flavor of a homemade version, especially when it takes less than five minutes to throw together.
This is the same recipe I’ve used in restaurant kitchens—and now it’s a staple in my home kitchen too.
Classic Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce in Minutes
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Ketchup your favorite brand or even homemade ketchup if you’re feeling ambitious
- 3/4 Teaspoon Horseradish adjust the amount of horseradish to your taste
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Stir and Taste: Combine the ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well.1 Cup Ketchup, 3/4 Teaspoon Horseradish, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Customize the Flavor: Taste and adjust. Like it spicier? Add more horseradish or a little hot sauce.
- Chill and Serve: Let the sauce chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes if you have time—it helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Optional Flavor Add-Ins
• A splash of Worcestershire sauce
• A dash of hot sauce or hot pepper sauce
• A pinch of black pepper or garlic salt
• A tiny spoonful of brown sugar for sweetness
• A dash of cider vinegar or lime juice for added tang
Nutrition
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover shrimp cocktail sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week and is great for serving with so many things from grand seafood platters to even spreading on sandwiches.
What to Serve with Cocktail Sauce
Shrimp cocktail sauce isn’t just for shrimp! This tangy, zesty homemade cocktail sauce recipe pairs beautifully with all kinds of seafood and appetizers. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a special dinner, or just whipping up something quick for your family, here are some perfect pairings to try:
🦐 Cocktail Shrimp
Of course, this is the best pairing—chilled cocktail shrimp with a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon wedges on the side. Serve in a fancy dish with crushed ice for a restaurant-style presentation.
🦀 Crab Legs or Crab Cakes
The bold flavor of horseradish cocktail sauce cuts through the richness of crab legs and crab cakes perfectly. It’s a great alternative to butter sauce!
🐟 Fried Fish or Fish Sticks
A dipping sauce for crispy fish fillets, fried shrimp, or even store-bought fish sticks in your homemade version for a quick and satisfying meal. Add a dash of garlic salt or black pepper to the sauce for extra zing.
🌮 Shrimp Tacos
Add a drizzle of this spicy cocktail sauce over shrimp tacos for an unexpected twist—it acts like a spicy, smoky seafood salsa.
🍤 Seafood Platters
If you’re serving a grand seafood platter, this is your go-to dipping sauce. It’s a natural with oysters, clams, scallops, and more.
🍟 French Fries or Onion Rings
Sounds unusual? Maybe. But try it once and you might never go back to ketchup alone. This sauce’s tangy flavor pairs surprisingly well with fried sides.
🍔 Burger Topping
Mix a bit of this homemade cocktail sauce with mayo or use it as-is on top of burgers, especially seafood or veggie burgers.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes! All three main ingredients—ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice—are usually gluten-free. Just be sure to check labels if you’re buying a specific brand.
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