Finding a truly balanced seafood sauce can feel like a quest. For years, my family kept a single bottle of Crosse & Blackwell sauce in the refrigerator, reserved only for special occasions.
When it became harder to find locally, I decided to recreate that perfect harmony of zest and spice in my own kitchen. This recipe captures that distinctive balance of tangy tomato, sharp horseradish, and complex sweetness.
You can now make a version that rivals the original, with the benefit of controlling every ingredient that goes into it.
How to Make Crosse and Blackwell Cocktail Sauce Recipe
This method creates a sauce with great depth, mirroring the profile of the classic brand. The process is straightforward, taking only about ten minutes from start to finish.
Building on this, the key is in the selection and proportion of ingredients to achieve an absolute balance.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 Min
- Cook Time: 0 Min
- Servings: About 1.5 Cups
- Course: Condiment, Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup Heinz chili sauce or similar chili sauce base
- 2 to 3 tablespoons prepared ground horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons tamarind extract or concentrate
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper extract (or a few dashes of hot sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Add the tomato ketchup and chili sauce to a medium mixing bowl.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, tamarind extract, and distilled vinegar until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the ground horseradish, starting with 2 tablespoons.
- Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and chili pepper extract over the mixture.
- Whisk everything together thoroughly until the sauce is completely smooth and uniformly red.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more horseradish or chili extract to your preference.
- Transfer the finished seafood sauce to an airtight jar or container.
- For best results, refrigerate the sauce for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
These values are per tablespoon and are estimates. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brand ingredients used.
Cooking Method
This is a no-cook, cold-process recipe. The method relies solely on mixing and resting.
Consequently, the quality of your prepared ingredients directly defines the final flavor of your sauce.
Tools Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Airtight glass jar or container for storage
The Science and Flavor Behind the Ingredients
Each component in this formula serves a specific purpose, creating a layered flavor profile. This mirrors the choice ingredients listed on the Crosse & Blackwell product description.
Understanding these roles helps you make informed substitutions without compromising the sauce’s character.
The Tomato Foundation
Ketchup and chili sauce provide the sweet, tangy, and savory base. Tomato paste and ripe tomatoes are concentrated into these condiments, offering body and umami.
Using a chili sauce like Heinz adds a subtle, spiced complexity that plain ketchup alone cannot achieve.
Horseradish and Heat
Prepared ground horseradish delivers the essential sharp, sinus-clearing punch. Its intensity can vary greatly between brands and freshness.
Chili pepper extract introduces a different, clean heat that complements rather than competes with the horseradish, a signature noted in many taste tests.
Complex Tang and Sweetness
Distilled vinegar and lemon juice provide straightforward acidity. Tamarind extract is the secret weapon, contributing a fruity, sour-sweet note that prevents the sauce from tasting one-dimensional.
This ingredient is a key differentiator, often highlighted in descriptions of these rich and zesty sauces.
The Supporting Cast
Worcestershire sauce deepens the savoriness with its fermented anchovy and spice blend. Onion powder and garlic powder offer background aromatics without raw texture.
Paprika contributes a mild pepper flavor and enhances the sauce’s vibrant red color.
Nutritional Analysis and Dietary Considerations
As a condiment, this seafood sauce is typically used in small amounts. The primary nutritional considerations are sodium and sugar content, which you directly control in this homemade version.
Many commercial sauces use high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or other sweeteners to balance acidity.
Managing Sugar and Sodium
You can select a ketchup and chili sauce with no sugar or lower sodium to adjust the profile. The recipe contains no cholesterol and minimal fat, aligning it with various dietary patterns.
For a strict vegan version, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is made without anchovies and your sugar source is plant-based.
Addressing Common Allergens
The main allergens to consider are gluten in some Worcestershire sauces and shellfish from anchovies in traditional Worcestershire. Always check labels if accommodating allergies.
This homemade approach allows you to avoid additives like lactic acid, used in some products for shelf stability and tartness.
Perfecting Your Sauce and Serving Ideas
The flavor of your sauce will develop and mellow slightly after a night in the refrigerator. Always taste and adjust seasoning just before serving, as cold temperatures mute flavors.
If the sauce seems too thick, a few drops of water or lemon juice will loosen it to the perfect dipping consistency.
Classic and Creative Uses
This sauce is the traditional partner for chilled shrimp, crab claws, and oyster platters. It also works wonderfully as a zesty spread for fish tacos or a baked potato topping.
Think of it as a flavor enhancer for any simply prepared seafood where a punch of tangy heat is welcome.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your homemade cocktail sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will maintain optimal flavor and safety for up to two weeks.
For food safety, always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial introduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Crosse & Blackwell sauce different from others?
Crosse & Blackwell sauce is often noted for its absolute balance of tangy tomato, sharp horseradish, and a unique, complex sweetness often attributed to ingredients like tamarind. Many taste tests over the years have highlighted its distinct, well-rounded profile compared to other cocktail sauce entries.
Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared?
Yes, freshly grated horseradish root can be used. Start with a smaller amount, about 1 tablespoon, as it is often more potent than the prepared version in a jar. Mix it with a teaspoon of vinegar to help stabilize its flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have tamarind extract?
A good substitute is 1 tablespoon of pomegranate molasses mixed with an extra 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. This mimics the sweet-sour fruitiness that tamarind provides, though the flavor profile will have a slight variation.
How can I make a lower-sugar version of this seafood sauce?
Use a no-sugar-added ketchup and replace the chili sauce with a blend of tomato paste, water, vinegar, and a pinch of chili flakes. You will need to adjust the other seasonings upward slightly to compensate for the flavor shift.
Why does my homemade sauce taste better after sitting?
Allowing the sauce to rest in the refrigerator lets the ingredients fully hydrate and the flavors to marry. The sharp edges of the vinegar and horseradish mellow, and the spices fully infuse the tomato base, creating a more harmonious taste.
Is this recipe an exact copy of the Crosse & Blackwell product?
This is a carefully formulated copycat recipe based on the ingredient list and sensory profile of the original. Without access to the corporate recipe from J.M. Smucker, it is a closely approximated version you can make at home.
Where can I buy the original sauce if I don’t want to make it?
The original Crosse & Blackwell Seafood Cocktail Sauce can sometimes be found in the condiment or international foods aisle of larger grocery stores. If not available in your usual stores, check online sources or the company’s website for purchasing options.