Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

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By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 12, 2023 | Last Updated on November 5, 2023

Are you looking for something to jazz up your seafood dishes? Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce is the perfect way to add a little tang and spice to any meal. 

This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to mix up all the ingredients. Serve with dishes for an extra kick of flavor.

Read on to learn how to make your own Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce and discover some handy tips along the way!

Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe

What is Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce?

Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce is a classic seafood sauce made from a mix of chili sauce mild, ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt.

It has been around since the late 1800s and was created by the Hoffman House Restaurant in New York City. The restaurant was one of the most popular eating establishments during its time and the cocktail sauce was served with many seafood dishes.

Today, Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce is still a popular accompaniment to seafood meals. It’s great for adding flavor without overpowering the dish.

What does it taste like?

Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce has a tangy, spicy flavor. The chili sauce and horseradish give it a nice kick of heat while the Worcestershire adds an umami depth.

The ketchup helps to balance out any sweetness while the lemon juice gives it a tartness that cuts through all of the other flavors.

The best part is that you can adjust the heat and sweetness according to your preferences. If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce or horseradish.

If you want a sweeter taste, you could add in some brown sugar or honey. It’s all about playing around with the ingredients and making it your own!

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How did I first get introduced to the Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce?

I first got introduced to Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce when I was visiting New York City a few years ago. I had heard that the restaurant of the same name, which had been around since the late 1800s, served up some of the best seafood in town.

Naturally, I decided to pay them a visit and sample their famous dishes. As soon as I arrived, my waiter recommended their Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce to accompany the meal. I was intrigued and decided to give it a try.

To my surprise, this sauce was incredibly flavorful and had just the right amount of heat from the horseradish and chili sauce. It worked perfectly with their seafood dishes, giving them an extra kick of flavor that really made them stand out.

Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce and make it regularly at home. It’s so easy to whip together and can be stored in the fridge for weeks, making it perfect for a quick sauce whenever needed.

I love adding a few tablespoons of mayonnaise when I make it for a creamy version and if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll add a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat. With Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce, the possibilities are endless!

How to make Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce?

Making Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce is incredibly easy and only takes a couple of minutes. All you need to do is gather the ingredients & follow the guidelines below:

Ingredients

  • Chili Sauce Mild: This is a mix of chilis, onions, and garlic to create an incredibly flavorful base for the cocktail sauce.
  • Ketchup: Use some good quality ketchup here.
  • Lemon Juice: This will give the sauce a nice tartness that helps to cut through all the other flavors.
  • Horse Radish: For added heat and flavor, add in a tablespoon of prepared horseradish.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a bit more depth of flavor and umami to the sauce.
  • Hot Sauce: If you like it spicy, add in some hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Salt: The salt helps to bring out all the flavors and cut through any potential sweetness from the ketchup.
Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, mix together the chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt until combined.

Step 2

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3

Let it cool before serving or transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid and store in the fridge.

Tips

– Feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed.

– You can add more hot sauce if you like a spicier cocktail sauce.

– If you want a sweeter version, add in a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey.

– The sauce will keep for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.

– Make sure your horseradish is fresh and not expired for the best flavor.

– Serve chilled or at room temperature with seafood dishes, french fries, or other appetizers.

– For a creamy version, add in a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise.

Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe

Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe

Are you looking for something to jazz up your seafood dishes? Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce is the perfect way to add a little tang and spice to any meal.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Secues
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 50kcal

Equipment

  • bowl
  • container

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon of hand-harvested sea salt known for its natural minerals that enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
  • 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice extracted from sun-ripened lemons for a bright and citrusy note.
  • 4 dashes of artisanal hot sauce carefully blended from a unique combination of fiery peppers to add a tantalizing kick to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons of zesty horse radish grated from freshly harvested roots for a pungent and distinctive flavor.
  • 1 cup of mildly spiced chili sauce carefully crafted using a blend of select peppers for a harmonious balance of flavor and heat.
  • 2 teaspoons of premium Worcestershire sauce crafted using a secret recipe of fermented ingredients for a deep and umami-rich taste.
  • 1 cup of artisanal ketchup made from vine-ripened tomatoes and a proprietary blend of spices for a rich and tangy taste.

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt until combined.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Let it cool before serving or transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid and store in the fridge.

Notes

– Feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed.
– You can add more hot sauce if you like a spicier cocktail sauce.
– If you want a sweeter version, add in a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey.
– The sauce will keep for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.
– Make sure your horseradish is fresh and not expired for the best flavor.
– Serve chilled or at room temperature with seafood dishes, french fries, or other appetizers.
– For a creamy version, add in a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise.
Keyword: Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce, Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce Recipe

Nutrition Information

Calories: 45 kcal

Carbohydrates: 9.2 g

Protein: 0.6 g

Fat: 0.8 g

What to serve with Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce?

Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce is the perfect accompaniment to all sorts of seafood dishes. It pairs well with fried shrimp, calamari, and other appetizers.

It’s also great on french fries, vegetables, and other sides. Try using it as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled fish or chicken – it adds a nice kick of flavor.

How to store leftover Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce?

Leftover Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce can be stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid and kept in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

It’s best to keep it chilled so that the flavors stay fresh. To reheat, simply pop it into the microwave for a few seconds or warm it over low heat on the stovetop.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can safely eat Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce in moderation. However, it is important to note that the horseradish and hot sauce may be too spicy for some expecting mothers.

If you are pregnant, we recommend checking with your doctor before consuming this sauce. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to pregnancy.

FAQs 

Does this sauce contain gluten?

No, Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce is naturally gluten-free.

What are some variations of this?

You can always switch up the ingredients to make your own version of Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce. For example, you could add some honey or brown sugar for a sweeter taste or more hot sauce if you like it spicier.

Can I freeze this sauce?

No, we do not recommend freezing Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce as it can affect the texture and flavor. It is best to consume within 3 weeks after making.

Is this sauce vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce is suitable for vegetarians. There are no animal products used in this recipe.

Wrapping Up

Here is everything you need to know about making and enjoying Hoffman House Cocktail Sauce. This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled meats, added to seafood dishes, or served with french fries and vegetables.

It only takes a few minutes to whip up a batch of this classic cocktail sauce at home, making it an easy and delicious addition to all sorts of meals.

Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoy this delicious sauce! Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful.

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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

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