A Sauce Made for a Good Steak Sandwich
I originally made this horseradish sauce to go with a steak sandwich, but it is far too useful to save for just one meal. It has the creamy richness of mayonnaise, the unmistakable bite of horseradish, and just enough Dijon, Worcestershire, lemon, and hot sauce to give it depth without overpowering the food.
It takes only a few minutes to stir together, although the flavor is even better after it has rested in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. That short rest gives everything time to come together while still preserving the sharp horseradish bite
What Is Prepared Horseradish?
Prepared horseradish is freshly grated horseradish root preserved with vinegar and salt. It is sharp, pungent, and usually slightly coarse rather than completely smooth.
This is not the same thing as the creamy bottled product labeled “horseradish sauce.” That sauce already contains a creamy base and often several additional ingredients. For this recipe, you want plain prepared horseradish because we are making the creamy sauce ourselves.
Prepared horseradish is found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store rather than in the mayonnaise aisle. Look near the refrigerated pickles, deli foods, seafood sauces, or refrigerated condiments. Because stores organize these products differently, you may have to look in more than one cold section.
Read the Ingredient Label
Prepared horseradish should be a very simple product. I look for a jar made primarily with horseradish root, vinegar, and salt.
Some brands contain gums, preservatives, artificial flavors, sweeteners, or other unnecessary ingredients. The front of the jar will not always tell you that, so turn it around and compare the ingredient lists. Choosing a simple prepared horseradish gives you better control over what goes into the finished sauce.
Also make sure the jar says “prepared horseradish” and not “creamy horseradish sauce.” The jars can look very similar when you are standing in front of the refrigerated case.
More Than a Sandwich Sauce
This sauce is an obvious match for steak and roast beef, but there are plenty of other ways to use it. Spread it on burgers, serve it alongside prime rib, or spoon it over grilled pork or chicken.
It also makes a flavorful dip for roasted potatoes and vegetables. You can spread it on wraps, add it to a roast beef platter, or use it anywhere you want a creamy sauce with a little bite.
Because the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared horseradish are already seasoned, taste the finished sauce before adding more salt. A small amount may be all it needs.
Horseradish Sandwich Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp horseradish
- 1-2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Whisk the mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon juice together until smooth and evenly combined.Stir in the pepper and kosher salt. Taste and add additional horseradish or hot sauce if you want a stronger, spicier sauce.For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.NotesBegin with 1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish for a milder sauce. Use 2 tablespoons—or a little more—for a stronger horseradish bite.Be sure to use prepared horseradish, not the creamy bottled sauce labeled “horseradish sauce.”
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on steak sandwiches, roast beef sandwiches, burgers, or alongside prime rib. It is also delicious with grilled pork, chicken, roasted potatoes, or vegetables.
Notes
- Prepared horseradish varies considerably in strength. Begin with 1 tablespoon, then add more until the sauce has the amount of heat you prefer.Look for prepared horseradish in the refrigerated section, often near the refrigerated pickles, deli foods, or seafood sauces. Choose one with a simple ingredient list and no added gums.Prepared horseradish is grated horseradish root packed with vinegar and salt. Do not substitute creamy bottled horseradish sauce, since this recipe already contains mayonnaise.