5-Minute Chipotle Cocktail Sauce
A smoky, bold cocktail sauce made with chipotle peppers in adobo, ketchup, horseradish, and fresh lemon juice. Ready in 5 minutes with no cooking required.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo finely minced; start with 1 for moderate heat
- 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish sharp-style, not creamy
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper pinch
Instructions
- Finely mince the chipotle pepper(s) until they form a near-paste texture. Measure 1-2 teaspoons of adobo sauce from the can.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, minced chipotle, adobo sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust -- add more chipotle for heat and smoke, more horseradish for sharpness, more lemon for brightness.
- Transfer to a small serving bowl or ramekin. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve alongside chilled shrimp, crab cakes, raw oysters, or any cold seafood platter.
Notes
Heat level: Start with 1 chipotle pepper for mild-to-medium heat. Use 2 for a stronger, smokier sauce. Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Flavor improves on day two. Horseradish: Always use prepared sharp horseradish, not creamy horseradish sauce. Make-ahead: This sauce improves overnight. Prepare the evening before a dinner party for best results.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Sodium: 290mg | Sugar: 5g