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The Recipe · No.900 · Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

Shrimp Cocktail Sauce, and where to source it

Shrimp Cocktail Sauce — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Shrimp Cocktail Sauce American 5best2buy.com

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.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cooknone
Makesabout 1 cup
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  fish
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
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Prepared horseradish
The whole point — the sinus-clearing bite. Add to taste; it fades as it sits, so go bold.
2–3 tbspto taste
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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
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Hot sauce
For a little extra heat behind the horseradish. To taste.
1/2 tspto taste
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
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.
The Toolkit

Mixing bowl · Serving cups

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.

Community Notes

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