Horseradish sauce is the perfect complement to prime rib, offering a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy kick that enhances the rich flavors of the meat. This quick and easy sauce is made with a few simple ingredients and can be customized to your taste. Whether for a holiday feast or a special dinner, this sauce will elevate your prime rib to restaurant-quality status.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in just a few minutes with minimal effort.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to your preference.
- Versatile: Works with more than just prime rib—try it on sandwiches or roasted vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and let the flavors develop.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Prepared horseradish (fresh or jarred)
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice or white vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper, adjusting to your preference.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired, and serve alongside prime rib.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1 cup of sauce, enough for 6-8 servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of horseradish or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Yogurt Twist: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, lighter version.
- Vinegar Kick: Swap lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for added depth.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Stir in a small clove of minced garlic or a pinch of garlic powder.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature; this sauce does not require reheating.
FAQs
What type of horseradish should I use?
Prepared horseradish works best, but freshly grated horseradish provides a stronger flavor if you prefer more heat.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better if made a day ahead as the flavors deepen over time.
What pairs well with this sauce besides prime rib?
It’s great with roast beef, steak sandwiches, baked potatoes, or even grilled vegetables.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, but check labels on prepared horseradish and Worcestershire sauce to ensure compliance.
Can I use light mayonnaise or sour cream?
Yes, using light versions will reduce calories without compromising flavor.
How do I tone down the spiciness?
Reduce the amount of horseradish and add more sour cream or mayonnaise for a milder taste.
Can I freeze this sauce?
It’s not recommended to freeze as the texture may change upon thawing.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of lemon juice or add a little extra sour cream.
What’s the shelf life of prepared horseradish?
Once opened, store prepared horseradish in the refrigerator, where it typically lasts 3-4 months.
Can I use Dijon mustard instead of regular mustard?
Yes, Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that works well in this sauce.
Conclusion
Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib is an essential addition to any beef feast, balancing the richness of the meat with its creamy, tangy kick. With its quick preparation, customizable flavors, and versatility, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Serve it with confidence at your next special dinner, and watch your guests savor every bite!
Print
Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About ¾ cup 1x
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Horseradish Sauce is the perfect complement to prime rib. Its tangy, zesty flavor enhances the rich, savory taste of the meat, making it a must-have for holiday dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, horseradish, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir in the white vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more horseradish for extra heat or more sour cream for a milder flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Texture: For a smoother sauce, use a whisk or blend the ingredients with an immersion blender.
- Extra Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for more spice.