Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Name: Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 – 6 oz can of tomato paste [see NOTES 1 for substitutions]; 3 Tablespoons of ground horseradish [see NOTES 2 for substitutions]; 1 tablespoon sriracha chili sauce (optional) [add more if not spicy enough]; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoon fish sauce [see NOTES 3 for substitutions]; ¼ cup vegetable broth/stock (Use Code: JENNSMITH15 to 15% off at Gourmend); ¼ teaspoon of honey (optional) [see NOTES 4 for substitutions]

ByJenn Giam Smith January 23, 2025May 4, 2025

shrimp and sauce on a plate with a bowl of sauce

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links provided on this page are affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe will benefit you, the reader. Your support helps me to continue providing quality content. Affiliate Disclaimer

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I can’t even remember the last time I reached for a store-bought cocktail sauce! Making it at home has become my go-to choice! It all began with a simple mix of ketchup and horseradish, but over time, I was on a quest to create the ultimate thick and spicy cocktail sauce. I don’t know about you all, but my husband and I prefer that extra kick of heat!

Let me tell you, homemade is a game-changer! You probably have everything you need right in your fridge and cupboard, just waiting to be transformed into something spectacular. Once you try whipping this up yourself, I guarantee you’ll never go back to the jarred stuff!

The absolute best part? You can personalize it to match your taste buds! Not a fan of heat? Just leave out the sriracha! Want to turn up the spice dial? Go wild with extra sriracha! Craving a touch of sweetness? A drizzle of honey will do the trick. Prefer to skip the sweet stuff? No problem at all! The possibilities are endless, and the deliciousness is all yours! Ready to make it?

My Latest Food Videos

ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS

Tomato Paste is the foundation for this classic Cocktail Sauce (typically it’s ketchup).

Horseradish is what gives the cocktail sauce its signature flavor. I personally prefer ground horseradish, which is courser than the creamy style. Just make sure that the horseradish you buy is stored with vinegar and salt. It gives it a briny flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce adds a bit of sweetness and umami flavor.

JENN’S TIP

Be sure to use ground horseradish and not fresh horseradish! Ground horseradish is still prepared horseradish, but not so much of a sauce. It’s chunkier and still has salt and vinegar added to it.

fish sauce adds tang, more umami, and salt.

Salt and Freshly ground black pepper boost flavor (but you don’t need a lot of either)

Sriracha Chili Sauce for spice, so add a little, a lot, or leave it out altogether.

vegetable broth/stock adds a little liquid to the paste to help break it up a little so you can actually dip.

honey adds that sweetness you usually find in ketchup (skip it if you would rather not have a sweetness).

COOKING WITH KIDS

DISCLOSURE: Please keep in mind that the following tips are general and are meant to be suggestive. I personally use these strategies with my own kids, who are all unique even within my own family of five. Therefore, please regard these as suggestions or ideas. If you feel that your child requires more or less assistance, then go with what you and your child are comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your child best.

measuring the ingredients
mixing the ingredients
plating the cocktail sauce and shrimp (let them get creative)!

SERVING YOUR COCKTAIL SAUCE

The obvious is shrimp. I love playing with different ways to display my shrimp.

shrimp on a platter with a bowl of sauce

shrimp and sauce on a fan-shaped plate with a bowl of cocktail sauce at the bottom

STORAGE DETAILS

The cake is best the day it is baked, but you can store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or beeswax food wraps. You could also use small condiment containers with lids. Simply take off the lid and serve.

Ello Duraglass Reusable Glass Condiment Containers with Leak Proof Plastic Lid, 4 oz, Set of 3

Buy Now →

small condiment containers with lids

Buy Now →

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Please take a moment to leave a comment and provide a star rating below. If you share a picture on Instagram don’t forget to tag me @jenngiamsmith! I always share your posts on my story and tag you!

Share or save it:

shrimp one a round green and gold plat and a square bowl of sauce in the middle with one shrimp in the middle

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Post a photo to Instagram and tag

@jenngiamsmith

MAKE MID-WEEK A LITTLE EASIER

shop the post

Thyme & Table Stoneware Ramekin, Black & White Dot, 2-Piece Set

Buy Now →

Yellowstone 12-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Set, Rip Collection

Buy Now →

Jenn Giam Smith

My name is Jenn, I'm wife to a true blue Wisconsin Man and mom of 5. I'm here sharing my passion for food, craft, family, & life (especially my love of Wisconsin)! I grew up in a food-oriented family. Most of my recipes are a mix of fun and easy (sometimes fast), and when I can... I add a bit of my family's Chinese-American-European roots.