Horseradish Sauce For Prime Rib Recipe

Zesty Homemade Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib Recipe

Creamy, zesty horseradish sauce can add surprising depth to your prime rib experience.

Culinary traditions often overlook this simple yet powerful condiment that brings remarkable punch to rich meats.

Sharp ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a tangy companion for succulent roasted beef.

Pungent roots deliver an unexpected kick that awakens dormant flavor profiles.

Kitchen experiments reveal how easily this sauce comes together with just a few carefully selected components.

Mixing takes mere minutes, promising a delectable accompaniment that will impress anyone seated at your table.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this classic steakhouse-style sauce.

What’s Great About Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib

  • Lightning-fast sauce preparation takes just 5 minutes with basic kitchen ingredients.
  • Easily adjust spiciness by adding more or less horseradish to suit personal taste preferences.
  • Perfect accompaniment for prime rib, sandwiches, roasted meats, and cold cuts with bold, tangy flavor profile.
  • Prepare in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to intensify and develop deeper complexity before serving.

Ingredient List for Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib

Creamy Base:
  • Sour Cream: Provides a tangy, smooth foundation for the sauce with a rich dairy flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the sauce ingredients together.
Zesty Flavor Enhancers:
  • Horseradish: Classic spicy ingredient that gives the sauce its signature heat and sharp bite. Fresh or prepared works well.
  • Dijon Mustard: Contributes a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the creamy base. Smooth variety recommended.
Seasoning and Acidity:
  • White Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the rich creamy ingredients. Choose fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle background warmth and depth to the sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors in the sauce. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal.
Optional Garnish:
  • Chives, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a pop of color and light, fresh flavor to the finished sauce.

Making Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib Like a Pro

Step 1: Blend Tangy Base

Grab a medium mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Sour cream
  • Prepared horseradish
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard

Whisk these ingredients until they create a smooth, velvety mixture.

Step 2: Kick Up the Flavor

Introduce these zesty companions to your creamy blend:
  • White vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly until everything combines into a harmonious sauce.

Step 3: Perfect the Punch

Taste your creation and play with the flavors. Want more heat? Add extra horseradish. Prefer a milder touch? Fold in additional sour cream.

Step 4: Let Flavors Dance

Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator. Allow the sauce to chill and let the flavors mingle and deepen for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Before serving, sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley on top for a fresh, colorful garnish that adds visual appeal and a hint of herbal brightness.

Tips That Elevate Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib

  • Choose Fresh Horseradish: Use high-quality, fresh prepared horseradish for the most vibrant and intense flavor in your sauce.
  • Customize Heat Level: Adjust the horseradish amount to match your spice preference, adding more for a zesty kick or less for a milder taste.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more complex taste profile.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container to save time before serving with prime rib.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap regular mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo to create a lighter, alternative version of the sauce.

Keeping Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib Fresh

  • Store leftover horseradish sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Stir the sauce well before each use to maintain its creamy consistency.
  • Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces tend to separate and lose texture when frozen.
  • Always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best flavor and smooth texture.

Great Pairings for Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib

  • Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complement the sauce's sharp, tangy profile and match prime rib's rich meat flavors perfectly.
  • Choose strong, malty craft beers like dark stouts or amber ales that can stand up to the horseradish's intense heat and creamy texture.
  • Roasted asparagus, garlic-herb potatoes, or buttered green beans provide fresh, balanced counterpoints to the sauce's bold characteristics.
  • Sparkling water with lemon or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc help cleanse the palate and soften the horseradish's spicy punch.

Customize Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib Easily

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Low-Carb Kick: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and add extra horseradish for a protein-rich, lower-calorie sauce perfect for keto diets.
  • Herb-Infused Version: Incorporate fresh dill, chives, or tarragon to create a more complex flavor profile that complements the sharp horseradish notes.
  • Spicy Fusion: Add sriracha or cayenne pepper for an extra heat boost that transforms the traditional sauce into a more adventurous condiment.

All the FAQs on Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib

  • Can I make this horseradish sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the flavors will continue to develop and intensify.

  • How can I control the spiciness of the sauce?

Adjust the amount of horseradish to manage the heat level. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to reach your desired spiciness. Fresh horseradish tends to be stronger than prepared horseradish from a jar.

  • Is this sauce only for prime rib?

No, this versatile sauce works great with roast beef, steak, sandwiches, and even as a dip for vegetables or potato wedges. It adds a zesty kick to many dishes.

  • Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream. It will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor while potentially adding a bit more protein to the sauce.

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Horseradish Sauce For Prime Rib Recipe

Horseradish Sauce For Prime Rib Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy horseradish sauce elevates prime rib with tangy, bold flavors that dance across restaurant-quality plates. Zesty and smooth, this classic condiment brings steakhouse elegance to home-cooked meals you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) mayonnaise

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) white vinegar or lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper

Garnish (Optional):

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Gather sour cream, horseradish, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing vessel.
  2. Whisk together sour cream and mayonnaise until they form a smooth, creamy base.
  3. Incorporate prepared horseradish and Dijon mustard, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
  4. Add white vinegar or lemon juice to introduce a tangy undertone to the sauce.
  5. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
  6. Taste the sauce critically, adjusting heat levels by incrementally adding more horseradish for intensity or balancing with additional sour cream for a gentler profile.
  7. Transfer the sauce to a sealed container and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and develop depth.
  8. Prior to serving, optionally garnish with finely chopped chives or parsley to enhance visual appeal and provide a fresh herbal accent.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting horseradish amount for spice lovers or those with milder palates.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Prepare sauce a day ahead to allow flavors to develop deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, making it a convenient make-ahead condiment for multiple meals.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 40
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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