Zesty Hot Sauce

Prep: 5 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

A tangy, spicy hot sauce with lemon and horseradish that pairs perfectly with fish and seafood, adding zest and heat to your dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1/4 cup ReaLemon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
  2. Refrigerate the sauce.
  3. Serve with fish or seafood.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You can substitute the catsup with tomato sauce if you prefer a less sweet flavor, and if you don’t have ReaLemon, fresh lemon juice works just as well. Finely chopped garlic can also enhance the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This zesty hot sauce pairs beautifully with fish or seafood dishes, making it a perfect complement for grilled shrimp or baked salmon. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as a dip for crispy vegetables. It can also enhance American recipes like fried calamari or fish tacos.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover zesty hot sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week. To refresh the sauce before serving, give it a good stir; the flavors will meld beautifully over time.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Zesty Hot Sauce contains roughly 181 calories, with 2g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1274mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).

181 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 42.1g 15% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 28.9g 58% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1274.3mg 55% DV
Potassium 446.3mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 31.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 12.6mg 14% DV
Calcium 40.7mg 3% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this hot sauce in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop further. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

Is this hot sauce spicy?

The heat level is mild, primarily coming from the horseradish. If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to add more horseradish or a touch of hot pepper sauce to taste.

Can I use this sauce for other dishes?

Yes! This zesty hot sauce is versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers, a dressing for mixed greens, or even drizzled over grilled vegetables for added flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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