Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marie Rose sauce is a classic British condiment that’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. The combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a few key ingredients like cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of spice creates a flavor profile that is rich yet balanced. Whether you’re serving it with shrimp, fish, or as a spread for sandwiches, this sauce brings a delicious contrast to seafood and a zesty lift to any dish. It’s quick to make, but it tastes like it took far more effort!
Ingredients
- 200ml (⅓ pint) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper, plus extra to serve
- Dash Tabasco
- Dash Worcestershire sauce
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Whisk Mayonnaise and Ketchup
In a mixing bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and ketchup together until smooth and pink.
2. Add the Spices and Sauces
Add the cayenne pepper, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce to the mayonnaise mixture. Whisk well to combine.
3. Stir in the Lemon Juice
Stir in the fresh lemon juice to taste. Whisk again until everything is well incorporated.
4. Season
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Chill
Place the sauce in the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
6. Serve
Before serving, sprinkle a touch of cayenne on top for an extra kick.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings of Marie Rose sauce. It takes around 5 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes of chilling time in the fridge.
Variations
- Add horseradish: For a more pungent kick, you can mix in a small amount of horseradish for an added depth of flavor.
- Use smoked paprika: If you prefer a smokier flavor, replace the cayenne pepper with smoked paprika for a more robust taste.
- Make it milder: To reduce the spice, you can omit the Tabasco and use less cayenne pepper.
Storage/Reheating
Marie Rose sauce is best served chilled. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, avoid freezing it as the mayonnaise may separate upon thawing. Always stir before serving to ensure the consistency remains smooth.
FAQs
1. Can I make Marie Rose sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best to make this sauce ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise, but it may affect the richness of the sauce. The flavor may also be slightly different.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
To make the sauce spicier, add more cayenne pepper or a few extra dashes of Tabasco.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Marie Rose sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir it before using, as it may separate a little.
5. Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely! While it’s most commonly served with shrimp or seafood, you can also use it as a dip for fries or chips, a dressing for salads, or a topping for cold sandwiches.
6. Can I make Marie Rose sauce without ketchup?
While ketchup gives the sauce its signature sweetness, you can substitute it with tomato puree or tomato paste mixed with a little sugar. However, the taste will differ slightly.
7. What kind of shrimp should I serve this with?
This sauce pairs well with all types of shrimp, especially cold, cooked shrimp. It’s also great for prawn cocktails.
8. Is this sauce suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this sauce is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of your ketchup and mayonnaise to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
9. Can I use fresh lemon juice from a bottle?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give the sauce the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if needed in a pinch.
Conclusion
Marie Rose sauce is a simple yet flavorful condiment that elevates any seafood dish. Creamy, tangy, and spiked with just the right amount of heat from cayenne pepper and Tabasco, it’s perfect for shrimp cocktails, seafood platters, or cold sandwiches. Quick to make and easy to customize, this sauce will be your new go-to for adding a burst of flavor to any meal!
Marie Rose Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: British
Description
Marie Rose sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy British condiment made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and a blend of spices. Perfect for seafood, shrimp cocktails, or cold sandwiches.
Ingredients
200ml (⅓ pint) mayonnaise
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
½ tsp cayenne pepper, plus extra to serve
Dash Tabasco
Dash Worcestershire sauce
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and ketchup together until smooth and pink.
- Add the cayenne pepper, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce to the mayonnaise mixture. Whisk well to combine.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice to taste. Whisk again until everything is well incorporated.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Place the sauce in the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Before serving, sprinkle a touch of cayenne on top for an extra kick.
Notes
For a more pungent kick, you can mix in a small amount of horseradish for added depth of flavor.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, replace the cayenne pepper with smoked paprika.
To reduce the spice, omit the Tabasco and use less cayenne pepper.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Stir the sauce before using, as it may separate a little after storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
