I made this recipe a few years ago when I had a friend over for drinks and snacks after work. Thankfully most of my friends are always game for my food experiments. Although I planned to steam some shrimp for us to eat with our drinks, I forgot I didn’t have any cocktail sauce until the shrimp were already cooked. “Okay, I can make some,” I thought. But there was a catch: I didn’t have any horseradish. From what I had on hand, I quickly made a dipping sauce, and we were amazed at how good it was.
A bowl of chilled plump shrimp paired with a zesty cocktail sauce is the ultimate appetizer. But what if you want to enjoy that classic combo without the sinus-clearing burn of horseradish? No worries, you can easily whip up a horseradish-free shrimp cocktail sauce at home. In this article, we’ll share a simple recipe and tips for crafting a creamy, tangy sauce with a customized kick.
Ketchup: The Mild Base
To build a flavorful cocktail sauce without horseradish, ketchup is the ideal starting point. The tomatoey condiment provides a familiar flavor base along with a smooth, pourable texture. For our recipe, we recommend using about 1 1⁄2 cups of ketchup to yield enough sauce for dunking a hearty platter of shrimp.
Quality matters when it comes to ketchup. Opt for a brand made with fresh tomatoes and minimal added sugars for the best flavor foundation. Or take it up a notch by using homemade ketchup if you have some on hand.
Punch It Up With Chili Powder
Without the sinus-clearing sting of horseradish, we’ll need to add some zing through spicy chili powder. Start with about 1 tablespoon of chili powder and adjust the amount to your desired level of heat
For a mild, kid-friendly version, 1 teaspoon may suffice. Adults who enjoy more kick can amp it up to 1 1⁄2 to 2 tablespoons, or even add a few splashes of hot sauce. Play around with different chili powder varieties like ancho, chipotle, or cayenne for different flavor profiles.
Brighten With Acidic Lemon Juice
Tart lemon juice is the perfect way to brighten the sauce and provide some acidity to balance the richer ketchup. Add about 1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed juice to taste. Want even more citrus zing? Consider swapping in a tablespoon of lime juice instead.
Layer On Sweet and Savory Flavors
Now for the finishing touches to round out the flavor. A teaspoon or two of white sugar will add touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. We also recommend adding 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. The added seasoning provides a subtle savory depth.
Mix Up the Spices
Part of the fun of crafting your own cocktail sauce is customizing the flavors to suit your tastes. Consider these tasty spice mix-ins to put your unique spin on it:
- Smoked paprika for rich, barbecue-like undertones
- Cayenne, red pepper flakes, or Tabasco for extra heat
- Dried oregano, basil, or dill for herby aromatics
- Onion or garlic powder for savory depth
Start with small amounts, like 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon, and increase amounts gradually until it tastes just right to you. The possibilities are endless!
Thicken It Up
If you prefer a thicker cocktail sauce, there are easy ways to achieve it minus the horseradish. Simply simmer the sauce over low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing some of the liquid to reduce down. You can also stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a bit of water. Just cook and stir for few minutes until suitably thickened.
Chill Thoroughly Before Serving
Once your shrimp cocktail sauce comes together, let it chill thoroughly in the fridge. The cooled temperature allows the flavors to meld and shine. It also makes for the perfect dipping consistency to pair with chilled shrimp.
For best results, prepare the sauce ahead of time so the flavors have at least 30 minutes to an hour to mingle. Give it a final stir before pouring into a bowl or ramekins alongside cooked, peeled shrimp.
With this easy from-scratch recipe, you can craft a sensational shrimp cocktail sauce without horseradish. Adjust the spices to suit your taste and enjoy it as a zesty, cooler-friendly dip anytime. Just be prepared for requests for the recipe once guests get a taste!
Recipe Notes & Tips
Best used soon after making. This sauce is kind of like “Oh no, I need something now!” and it’s not meant to be kept for a long time. For best results, use the same day. If you make this at Thanksgiving, definitely make a new batch for Christmas or New Years!.
Ingredients can be adjusted to taste. No matter how many times Ive made this sauce, I still sometimes adjust the ingredients a tad. If it tastes too much like ketchup, add Worcestershire sauce. It’s best to add a dash or two further at a time. Not spicy or zesty enough? Add a little bit more garlic and Tabasco.
Need tips for cooking your shrimp for shrimp cocktail? Check out How to Make a Perfect Shrimp Cocktail from Cook the Story. For steamed shrimp, check out Old Bay Steamed Shrimp by Savory Experiments.
See my Pecan if you want more ideas for cold appetizers.
Cocktail Sauce Without Horseradish Recipe
Can you make cocktail sauce without horseradish?
Horseradish can be swapped out for other ingredients to still give the cocktail sauce recipe without horseradish a flavorful kick without the heat. Mix the sauce ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add the ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire, and lemon juice. Whisk until well combined.
Can you make shrimp cocktail sauce without horseradish?
But because many people do not enjoy the strong flavor of horseradish, cocktail sauce as it is may not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you are one of those people that don’t/can’t enjoy horseradish for one or more reasons, don’t despair, as there are plenty of ways to make shrimp cocktail sauce without horseradish.
What can I use instead of horseradish in a cocktail?
Hot Sauce: Hot sauce is another common condiment that can be used in place of horseradish. Try a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to boost the cocktail sauce’s flavor. Popular hot sauces include Sriracha, Tabasco Sauce, and Frank’s RedHot.
How long does shrimp cocktail sauce last without horseradish?
Homemade shrimp cocktail sauce without horseradish will last for 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This particular cocktail sauce is best enjoyed fresh or 1 to 2 days after you’ve made it. Can You Freeze Cocktail Sauce Without Horseradish?