A showstopping prime rib deserves an equally impressive partner. Forget the bland, store-bought jars and elevate your feast with this incredibly easy, ultra-creamy horseradish sauce for prime rib. This recipe is the secret to unlocking that classic steakhouse experience right in your own kitchen. In just five minutes, you can whisk together a perfectly balanced, tangy, and zesty sauce that cuts through the richness of roasted beef, making every single bite unforgettable. This is more than just a condiment; it's an essential component of the perfect roast dinner.
Why You'll Love This Horseradish Sauce Recipe
This isn't just another prime rib sauce; it's destined to become your go-to recipe. Here’s why it stands out from the rest:
- Incredibly Fast: Seriously, it takes just 5 minutes to whisk everything together. No cooking, no complicated steps.
- Perfectly Balanced: The creamy sour cream base, sharp horseradish, tangy Dijon, and bright lemon juice create a harmony of flavors that complements beef without overpowering it.
- Completely Customizable: You control the heat! Easily add more horseradish for a fiery kick or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
- Steakhouse Quality at Home: This recipe rivals the best, creamy sauces served at high-end restaurants like Ruth's Chris. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients Needed
Crafting this delicious sauce requires just a few simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Sour Cream: The rich, creamy foundation of our sauce. Full-fat provides the best texture and flavor.
- Prepared Horseradish: This is the star of the show! Find it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. We'll start with ¼ cup, but feel free to adjust.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a complex, tangy depth that plain yellow mustard can't match.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A crucial component that brightens all the flavors and adds a clean, zesty finish.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To season and enhance the other ingredients.
- Worcestershire Sauce (Optional): A dash adds a wonderful savory, umami note that deepens the sauce's complexity.
- Fresh Chives (Optional): For a mild, fresh onion flavor and a beautiful pop of green garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready in minutes, this creamy horseradish sauce recipe is practically foolproof.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. If you're using it, add the Worcestershire sauce now.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Use a whisk to stir everything together until the sauce is completely smooth and uniform in color.
- Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step! Give the sauce a taste. Does it need more fiery heat? Add another tablespoon of horseradish. Want it tangier? A little more lemon juice. Adjust until it's perfect for you.
- Chill for Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it allows all the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Serve: Just before serving, give the sauce a final stir. Garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired, and serve alongside your magnificent prime rib, roast beef, or steak.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Horseradish Sauce
How to Control the Heat
The potency of prepared horseradish can vary significantly between brands. Always start with the amount listed in the recipe (¼ cup) and add more in small increments until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
Make it Ahead
This sauce is perfect for making ahead of time, which is a lifesaver for holiday meal prep. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavor actually gets even better as it sits!
For an Extra Creamy Texture
If you prefer an even richer, silkier sauce, stir in two tablespoons of high-quality mayonnaise along with the sour cream. This adds a luxurious smoothness reminiscent of a classic creamed horseradish recipe.
Serving Suggestions
While this is the ultimate horseradish sauce for prime rib, its uses don't stop there. It's a fantastic all-purpose condiment for any beef with horseradish sauce pairing. Try it with:
- Thick-cut roast beef sandwiches
- As a dipping sauce for steak frites
- Dolloped onto smoked salmon
- As a zesty spread for burgers
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover horseradish sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving again. We do not recommend freezing this sauce, as the dairy base will separate upon thawing and the texture will be ruined.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this sauce without sour cream?
Absolutely. For a tangier, lighter version, you can substitute an equal amount of plain full-fat Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
Can I use fresh horseradish root?
Yes! Freshly grated horseradish root has a more potent, vibrant flavor. If using fresh, start with about half the amount called for in the recipe (2 tablespoons) and adjust from there, as it is much stronger than prepared horseradish.
Is this sauce very spicy?
The spice level is entirely up to you. As written, it has a pleasant, zesty tang with a mild heat. You are in complete control of the final spice level by adjusting the amount of horseradish you add.
The Ultimate Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib (5-Minute Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup prepared horseradish adjust to your preferred heat level
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional, for added depth
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. If using, add the Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Whisk all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking—add more horseradish for a spicier kick or a pinch more salt to enhance the flavors.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the horseradish sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it allows all the bold flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Stir the sauce again just before serving to ensure it's creamy. Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives if desired, and serve chilled alongside prime rib, roast beef, or steak.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
