Spicy Cocktail Sauce Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s ridiculously simple to whip up yet delivers a flavorful punch that elevates any seafood dish. Plus, the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and smoky makes me feel like a gourmet chef at my own dinner parties with minimal effort!

Creating a bold and delicious Spicy Cocktail Sauce that adds a zesty kick to any seafood dish is something I love to do. With a base of 1 cup ketchup, the sauce gets its heat from 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish, 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce, and a touch of fresh lemon juice.

The addition of Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

• Ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base, rich in lycopene.
• Prepared Horseradish: Adds heat and pungency, enhancing flavor complexity.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Contributes brightness and a refreshing citrusy tang.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens umami flavor, with hints of sweet and savory.
• Hot Sauce: Elevates heat, giving a spicy kick.
• Smoked Paprika: Infuses subtle smokiness, warms the palate.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances spice; adds mild heat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl of medium size, combine 1 cup of ketchup with the base for your cocktail sauce.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish to the bowl. Adjust to taste if you prefer more or less spiciness.

3. Directly into the bowl, squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.

4. Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth of savory flavor.

5. Include 1/4 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco, if you want it extra spicy.

6. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika over the mixture to bring in a nice smoky flavor.

7. Add to the mixture 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and mix it in there well. This will give you a hint of spice without making any one part too dominant. I only used two drops of hot sauce, which isn’t really enough to taste it in the finished dish.

8. Adding a small amount of salt is optional and is to taste, if desired.

9. Mix well all the components until they are thoroughly amalgamated and smooth.

10. Pour the cocktail sauce into a dish that can be served. It needs to be kept in a cool place for at least 30 minutes, but it can hang out for much longer. If you make it more than a day ahead, cover it with plastic wrap. It keeps well in the fridge and lets you next-day impress your guests.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Lemon squeezer or juicer
5. Spoon for mixing
6. Plastic wrap (for covering if made ahead)
7. Serving dish

FAQ

• What is the best way to store leftover spicy cocktail sauce?Keep any sauce that you have left over in an air-tight container that can go in the fridge. It should stay sauce-like and fresh for refrigeratable sauces for a week.
• Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared horseradish?Using fresh horseradish is fine, but be advised that it packs a bigger punch. You might want to go easy on it and adjust the amount upwards only if your taste buds are demanding it.
• What can I use as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?For a similar umami flavor, you can use soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a small amount of vinegar.
• Is there a way to make this sauce vegan?To prepare the sauce for vegans, use a vegan version of Worcestershire sauce. Soy sauce also works well if you need a substitute.
• How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?To boost or lessen the spiciness, modify the quantities of hot sauce and horseradish to your preference.
• Can I freeze spicy cocktail sauce?Not recommended due to possible texture changes, the sauce can be kept frozen, in an airtight container, for up to 3 months, if necessary. Thaw before use. Stir well after thawing.

Substitutions and Variations

Wasabi paste: Substitute with grated fresh wasabi or horseradish for a different kind of kick.
Juice from fresh lemons: Substitute with juice from fresh limes for a slightly different flavor that’s still citrus.
Worcestershire sauce: For a similar umami effect, use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
Sriracha or cayenne pepper can take the place of hot sauce in a pinch. They offer different heat levels and flavor profiles.
Paprika, smoked: Regular paprika works well in place of smoked paprika; add a drop of liquid smoke for a similar flavor.

Cooking tip: Smoked paprika can be a difficult ingredient to replicate, so use regular paprika and a bit of liquid smoke for a close homage in flavor.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting your own garlic and adding a small minced clove to the mixture. This adds a subtle, aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients.

2. If you prefer a thicker consistency, try mixing in a tablespoon of tomato paste. It will give the cocktail sauce more body without altering the taste significantly.

3. For a touch of sweetness to balance the spicy and savory flavors, add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar. This can enhance the overall taste profile.

4. If you want to infuse even more complexity, try adding a dash of celery salt. This can provide an interesting, slightly herby note that pairs well with seafood.

5. To intensify the smokiness, use a pinch of chipotle powder instead of or in addition to the smoked paprika. This will add a deeper smoky flavor with a bit more heat.