The Recipe · No.893 · Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

Shrimp Cocktail Sauce, and where to source it

Stir the horseradish in last and serve it within the hour. Horseradish loses its nose fast once it's mixed — make it too far ahead and the bite you want has faded by the time the shrimp hits the table.

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Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cooknone
Makesabout 1 cup
CuisineAmerican
Greedometer ●●●●● Angel food Level Easy
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
Cook it with
No-cook
Suits
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  fish
Straight Answers
Can you freeze Shrimp Cocktail Sauce? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Shrimp Cocktail Sauce ahead of time? — Best fresh

Best made fresh and served soon — it loses its edge standing around. You can prep the parts ahead, but finish and serve it close to the table.

Is Shrimp Cocktail Sauce gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Shrimp Cocktail Sauce vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 cup
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Ketchup
The sweet-tart red base. A cleaner ketchup without corn syrup tastes brighter.
3/4 cuprecommended
Source it →
Prepared horseradish
The whole point — the sinus-clearing bite. Add to taste; it fades as it sits, so go bold.
2–3 tbspto taste
Local / market
Lemon juice
Fresh, to cut the sweet and lift the seafood. To taste.
1 tbspto taste
Local / market
Worcestershire sauce
A savory undertone. Just a dash.
1 tsprecommended
Source it →
Hot sauce
For a little extra heat behind the horseradish. To taste.
1/2 tspto taste
Source it →
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.
Part Two
The Method
  1. StirStir everything together, adding horseradish last and tasting as you go.
  2. ServeServe within the hour for the sharpest bite, or chill briefly — it's not one to make far in advance.
Part Three
The Toolkit

Mixing bowl · Serving cups

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