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    Homemade cocktail sauce

    Published: Sep 7, 2021 · Modified: Apr 6, 2022 by Cadry Nelson
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my Privacy Policy for more details.

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    Text overlay: Cocktail sauce. Jar of homemade cocktail sauce on plate with vegan crab cakes.

    Homemade cocktail sauce is a cold, tomato-based condiment with the pungent bite of horseradish. It’s a terrific dipping sauce that’s easy to make. It involves just four ingredients and a bit of stirring.

    Glass jar of cocktail sauce by fried vegan crab cakes.

    There’s nothing like the right sauce to bring a dish to life. Cocktail sauce has a zing & bite that makes you want to keep dipping.

    And while you could go to the store and buy a jar, homemade cocktail sauce is deliciously easy to make.

    Overhead jar of homemade cocktail sauce with artichoke cakes.

    Homemade cocktail sauce ingredients

    It is made with just four ingredients. But the flavor is so much more than the sum of its parts.

    It has a kick of heat from horseradish and hot sauce that makes it uniquely addictive.

    Ketchup

    I prefer to use natural ketchup, which uses cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.

    Trader Joe’s is my regular brand. It’s made with tomato puree, cane sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices.

    However, you can use any kind that you have in the refrigerator.

    Prepared horseradish

    Prepared horseradish is what gives cocktail sauce its unique & specific flavor. While there are some cocktail sauce ingredients you could omit (like Worcestershire or hot sauce), ketchup and horseradish are musts.

    Prepared horseradish is made with vinegar, salt, and grated horseradish root. The horseradish root provides a nose-clearing bite. It has a warmth that’s similar to wasabi.

    The type of prepared horseradish that I buy is sold in the refrigerated section, usually near the mayonnaise. (Bubbies is my favorite brand.)

    Shelf stable varieties are also available in the center aisles near the condiments, but they tend to have more preservatives.

    (Have horseradish leftover? Mix it with vegan mayo for a creamy spread that’s great on a French dip sandwich.)

    Vegan Worcestershire sauce

    A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami undertones to cocktail sauce.

    Many brands include anchovies, which makes them not vegan. However, you can easily find vegan varieties in most natural grocery stores.

    It’s typically sold near the ketchup, barbecue sauce, and other shelf stable sauces. I recommend Wizard’s or Annie’s.

    (Use leftover Worcestershire in a Bloody Mary or au jus.)

    Hot sauce

    For this dip, I like to use jalapeño hot sauce. It has a nice kick of heat and zing of flavor. However, any hot sauce that you enjoy can be used here.

    And if you don’t like spicy food, leave it out.

    Step by step instructions

    Labeled cocktail sauce ingredients. Plus, bowl mixing the ingredients.

    In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:

    • Ketchup
    • Prepared horseradish
    • Hot sauce
    • Vegan Worcestershire sauce

    Make it your own

    • Replace ketchup with chili sauce
    • Add more or less horseradish to adjust the amount of bite
    • Add more or less hot sauce to adjust the amount of heat
    • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for more brightness
    • Add celery salt or diced celery
    • Add minced garlic
    • Add salt and pepper

    Hand holding vegan shrimp topped with cocktail sauce.

    Serving ideas

    Even though cocktail sauce is often referred to as seafood sauce or shrimp sauce, there’s no reason it can’t be used & adored by vegans too. (Just be sure to use vegan Worcestershire sauce when you make it!)

    It’s perfect for dunking vegan fried shrimp made from hearts of palm.

    It’s great with flaky vegan crab cakes made with artichokes and chickpeas. (Or use the store-bought variety.)

    Add a dollop to crispy breadcrumb-coated fried almond cheese balls. Or have it with baked french fries instead of ketchup.

    Need more ideas? Use it as a dipping sauce for any of the following:

    • Fried zucchini
    • Fried artichoke hearts
    • Fishless filets
    • Hashbrowns
    • Fried mushrooms
    • Onion rings
    • Hush puppies (from Glue & Glitter)
    • Use it as a veggie platter dip

    How long will it last?

    Homemade cocktail sauce will last at least a couple of weeks in a covered container in the refrigerator.

    All of the ingredients have a really long shelf life. (Think about how long you keep a bottle of ketchup or hot sauce!)

    So if you’re planning on serving this sauce for a dinner party, it’s a good recipe to make ahead of time.

    Homemade cocktail sauce in jar with lid.

    Cocktail sauce in glass jar by fried cakes.

    Homemade cocktail sauce

    Cocktail sauce is easy to make & has a vibrant bite. Use it for dipping with fried food, baked fries, or on a vegetable tray with celery sticks.
    Makes about ½ cup cocktail sauce
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American, Vegan
    Keyword: dipping sauce, no cook sauce, sauce recipe
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 35kcal
    Author: Cadry Nelson

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup ketchup
    • 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
    • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
    • ¼ teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, combine ketchup, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
    • Serve the sauce right away, or transfer it to a covered container & refrigerate.

    Video

    Notes

    I recommend using a natural ketchup (without high fructose corn syrup), so that it's not overly sweet.
    If you'd prefer a less pungent sauce, halve the amount of prepared horseradish.
    Make it your own by adding a squeeze of lemon, minced garlic, salt, and/or pepper.
    Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will last for at least two weeks.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 313mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag @cadryskitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #cadryskitchen!
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    Comments

    1. Shell

      September 07, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      I love this simple way to make cocktail sauce at home! Side note- I will be trying TJ’s ketchup when I get a chance.

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        September 08, 2021 at 11:54 am

        Thank you! So glad to hear it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Cadry!

    I’m a longtime vegan. (14 years!) But I grew up eating a Standard American Diet. I know that all of us crave foods that are familiar, comforting, and delicious.

    That’s why it’s my passion to share mouthwatering plant-based recipes that taste like home.

    More about me →

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    Easy weeknight meals

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