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A classic seafood sauce with a zesty twist that will make you ditch the store-bought version forever!

This Homemade Cocktail Sauce completely transforms fresh prawns (shrimp) and has damaged me from eating the store-bought variety! This is good, really good, and it’s just a simple mix of whole-egg mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and, the secret ingredient, horseradish cream, which really brings the magic.

Close-up of a prawn dipped in Cocktail Sauce, showcasing its creamy texture and fresh ingredients
Homemade Cocktail Sauce brings extra delicious flavour to all kinds of fresh seafood, from prawns (shrimp), mussels and oysters to lobster and crab.

My family loves it when I make this sauce and we use it with many different seafood dishes. We enjoy it with fresh prawns, dolloped on oysters with a little Tabasco, served with a pot of mussels with chips for dipping, with prawn cocktails (a must here in Australia in the holiday season!), any fresh seafood (lobster or crab goes down a treat with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon), or even with smoked salmon and avocado on a bagel. It’s easy and fast (no chopping or fuss and ready in less than 5 minutes!) and is absolutely delicious.

Once you try this homemade cocktail sauce, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version. It’s not often that I say something is the best. But this cocktail sauce truly takes the crown. It is THAT good. The bright orange cocktail sauce you see in the supermarket does not stand a chance next to this number. Whip this out and serve when you have your next seafood feast! 

Bowl of Cocktail Sauce placed on a tray surrounded by fresh prawns, perfect for serving.
This simple but absolutely delicious sauce is a combo of whole-egg mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and horseradish cream.

Can I make this sauce without horseradish cream?

Horseradish cream is the secret to the sauce’s punchy flavour. Horseradish cream has a very mild spice when eaten on its own, but when mixed with the other ingredients, the spice is completely diluted (my children can’t taste it at all). You can however substitute it with dijon mustard for a milder taste, if you prefer.

What dishes can I pair this sauce with?

This sauce pairs wonderfully with fresh seafood like prawns (shrimp), lobster, crab, oysters and mussels. It’s also great with fish burgers, seafood platters or as a spread for smoked salmon bagels.

Watch how to make Homemade Cocktail Sauce

What are some other simple, delicious sauce recipes?

If you are looking for easy sauces to transform your meals, try:
Mushroom Sauce
Bechamel Sauce
And check out my blog article 12 Quick and Easy Salad Dressings, which is packed full of simple dressings and sauces.

Close-up of a prawn dipped in Cocktail Sauce, showcasing its creamy texture and fresh ingredients

Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Author: Nicole
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Perfectly creamy and tangy, this Homemade Cocktail Sauce will be your new go-to for your seafood favourites.
Prep 5 minutes
Total 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 160 g (⅔ cup) whole-egg mayonnaise
  • 60 g (¼ cup) ketchup
  • 1 tbsp horseradish cream (see note 2)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • dash of Tabasco (optional)
  • sea salt flakes, to taste

Equipment

Instructions

  • Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco (if using) in a bowl. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or more Tabasco, if desired.
  • Serve immediately or store in the fridge until needed.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
292
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
30
g
46
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
18
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
17
mg
6
%
Sodium
 
432
mg
19
%
Potassium
 
80
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
105
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
10
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.2
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe notes

Note 1 – Horseradish cream has a very mild spice when eaten on its own, but when mixed with the other ingredients, the spice is completely diluted (my children can’t taste it at all). You can, however, substitute it with Dijon mustard for a milder taste, if you prefer.

MAKE AHEAD

This cocktail sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container to let the flavours meld beautifully.

LEFTOVERS

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course seafood
Cuisine Modern