My favorite easy Shrimp co*cktail sauce recipe only requires three ingredients and a few seconds to make. You’ll never reach for store-bought co*cktail sauce again!
Want more shrimp recipes? Try Shrimp and Grits, Kung Pao Shrimp, Shrimp Alfredo, or Shrimp Tacos!
Why I love this recipe:
- Easy and Elegant – If I want a fancy holiday appetizer in seconds, I always turn to shrimp co*cktail. All you need is ketchup, horseradish and lemon juice to make homemade co*cktail sauce.
- Delicious – Shrimp is expensive and deserves a sauce of equal quality. The flavor of this homemade co*cktail sauce compliments the shrimp perfectly and is better than any of those pre-made options.
How to Make Shrimp co*cktail:
Combine: Add ketchup, lemon juice, and prepared horseradish to a bowl then mix well to combine. Taste and adjust to your preference (more horseradish if you want more of “punch” and more ketchup if you prefer milder.
Serve: Refrigerate shrimp co*cktail sauce for at least an hour then serve cold, with cooked shrimp. Arrange on a platter and watch it disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions:
To Make Ahead: Shrimp co*cktail sauce can be made several days in advance.Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
To Store: Shrimp co*cktail should be kept covered and in the refrigerator when not enjoying.
Recipe
4.96 from 200 votes
Shrimp co*cktail Sauce
This easy Shrimp co*cktail sauce recipe is made with just three ingredients (ketchup, lemon juice and horseradish). It's so simple, takes a few seconds to make, and compliments the shrimp perfectly.
Servings 6
Calories 41
Cost 15
Prep 5 minutes mins
Total 5 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1 ½ lbs large, cooked, tail-on shrimp* , rinsed with cold water
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well to combine.
Taste and adjust to your preference (more horseradish if you want it spicier and more ketchup if you want it mellower).
The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for several days in advance. Serve cold with shrimp.
Notes
Shrimp: There are about 16-20 large shrimp in one pound, and I recommend buying about 1 ½ lbs. You can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Choose large, tail-on, frozen shrimp. Large shrimp fill the space in the platter beautifully, and tail-on are more flavorful and easy for guests to grab and eat. I prefer frozen, pre-cooked shrimp for ease in preparation (as long as it’s high quality). Shrimp sold at inland grocery seafood counters was likely shipped frozen, and thawed for display
Make Ahead Instructions: Shrimp co*cktail sauce can be made up to one week in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to use.
Storage Instructions: Keep leftover shrimp and sauce in the fridge.
Nutrition
Calories: 41kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.05gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 366mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 205IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.1mg
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*I originally shared this recipe December 2015. Updated October 2019 and December 2023.
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About The Author
Lauren Allen
Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.
