Classic Cocktail Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

5 minutes
Temperature: Room temperature or chilled
Serving size: 1/4 cup

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Sugar: 14g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of ketchup, use tomato sauce or tomato paste.
- Instead of prepared horseradish, use grated fresh horseradish.
- Instead of Worcestershire sauce, use soy sauce or fish sauce.
- Instead of lemon juice, use lime juice or white vinegar.
- Instead of hot sauce, use cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Variations:
- Add minced garlic or onion for extra flavor.
- Use different types of hot sauce for different levels of spiciness.
- Add a splash of vodka for a classic shrimp cocktail sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Adjust the amount of horseradish and hot sauce to your personal taste.
- Make the sauce ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with shrimp, crab, or other seafood.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Reheating instructions:
- Cocktail sauce does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge or fresh herbs.

Garnishes:
- Lemon wedge
- Fresh parsley or cilantro

Pairings:
- Shrimp cocktail
- Crab cakes
- Fried calamari

Suggested side dishes:
- Coleslaw
- French fries
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more ketchup or horseradish to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Keep the sauce refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Do not leave the sauce out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food history:
- Cocktail sauce was first created in the 19th century as a condiment for oysters.

Flavor profiles:
- Tangy
- Spicy
- Sweet

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dipping sauce for seafood.
- Use as a spread on sandwiches or burgers.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Tangy, Spicy, Sour, Savory, Aromatic