Description
A smoky seafood cocktail sauce featuring roasted red pepper to elevate classic shrimp or fish dishes. This no-cook recipe transforms weeknight meals into special occasions with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup ketchup, good quality
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red pepper, drained and patted dry
- 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (alcohol-free), or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the ketchup, drained horseradish, and fresh lemon juice. Pulse a few times to start integrating the sauce base.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained roasted red pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, agave nectar (if using), hot sauce, sea salt, and black pepper to the processor.
- Blend until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the sauce is completely smooth and vibrant in color. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the blended sauce and adjust seasonings as desired. Add extra horseradish for more kick, lemon juice for more tang, or hot sauce for increased heat.
- Chill before Serving: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 2 hours or overnight.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the chilled cocktail sauce into a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving alongside shrimp or other seafood.
Notes
To achieve a thick sauce texture, ensure the roasted red pepper and prepared horseradish are thoroughly drained before adding them to the blender. The sauce improves significantly when chilled for at least 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Do not freeze, as the texture will separate upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 60 calories
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: seafood, cocktail sauce, smoky, roasted red pepper, horseradish, condiment, dip, appetizer, quick, no-cook, family-friendly