If you love steak or prime rib as much as I do, you’re going to absolutely flip for this Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe. It’s so simple to whip up but packs that perfect punch of tangy heat balanced with silky creaminess — trust me, this sauce turns any steak dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience without any fuss. When I first tried making this sauce at home, it immediately became my go-to for elevating a casual steak night into something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in just 5 minutes with minimal ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect Balance: Creamy yet zesty thanks to the combination of sour cream and horseradish.
- Versatile: Not just for steak—works great with roast beef, prime rib, and even vegetables.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this sauce, and I’m confident yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe comes together with fresh, simple ingredients that marry so well. I always say using quality horseradish makes a big difference, so look for the prepared kind that’s fresh and spicy rather than too mild or watery.
- Sour Cream: Adds the rich creaminess that balances out the horseradish’s bite—full-fat is best here.
- Prepared Horseradish: The star of the show, choose a fresher, coarse grind for better texture and flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Just a spoonful to add smoothness and a slight tang.
- Chives: Finely chopped for a mild oniony freshness and pretty green specks inside the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives a subtle depth and slight sharpness that’s essential.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly—don’t skip this.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a little heat and complexity without overpowering the horseradish.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe by switching up little touches to suit the meal or mood. Feel free to tweak the horseradish amount or swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want something lighter but still creamy.
- Less Heat Variation: If you’re sensitive to spice like me, start with half the horseradish, then add more after tasting.
- Herbs Mix-Up: Sometimes I add a bit of dill or parsley instead of chives for a different flavor twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo and coconut-based sour cream alternatives for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.
- Extra Tang: Add a dash more Dijon or even a splash of white wine vinegar for a tangier sauce.
How to Make Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients Gently
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, prepared horseradish, mayonnaise, finely chopped chives, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I like to use a small whisk or fork so everything blends evenly without becoming overly runny. Mixing gently prevents breaking down the sour cream too much, which keeps the texture luscious.
Step 2: Let the Flavors Marry
For best results, let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This is the trick I discovered when I first made this sauce — letting it chill lets the horseradish mellow just right while the mustard and chives infuse their flavors, making every bite deliciously balanced.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the sauce to a small serving bowl and top with extra chopped chives for a fresh pop of color and a hint of oniony brightness. This look makes it feel extra special when you bring it to the table alongside your perfectly cooked steak.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe
- Freshness Is Key: Use freshly prepared horseradish rather than pre-mixed sauces to get that bright, spicy kick.
- Adjust Heat Gradually: Start with less horseradish, especially if cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters, then add more to taste.
- Texture Tips: Finely chop the chives to keep the sauce smooth but with that little burst of freshness in every bite.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir gently to keep the sauce creamy and not watery—a light hand makes all the difference.
How to Serve Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe
Garnishes
I swear by a scattering of extra fresh chives on top — they add such a lovely pop of green and subtle bite. Sometimes I’ll also sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper for a little visual contrast and smoky hint that pairs surprisingly well.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon. I especially love it with buttery roasted baby carrots — my family can’t get enough.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the sauce in small individual ramekins garnished with a few edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. It’s amazing how little details like that elevate a home-cooked steak dinner into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftover Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving as the ingredients can settle during storage.
Freezing
Because of the dairy content, I generally don’t recommend freezing this sauce — the texture can break down and become grainy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
This sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so I avoid reheating. When taking it out of the fridge, just let it sit for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off and stir well before dipping or spreading on your steak.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh horseradish root instead of prepared horseradish?
Absolutely! Fresh horseradish root will give a sharper, more pungent flavor. Just peel, grate finely, and add to your sauce, but start with a small amount since it’s more intense than prepared horseradish.
-
How long does this creamy horseradish sauce last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce will keep fresh and tasty for about 3 days.
-
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting it rest in the fridge for at least 20 minutes boosts the flavors significantly. Just give it a stir before serving.
-
What cuts of steak pair best with this sauce?
It goes great with any richly marbled cut like ribeye, strip steak, filet mignon, or prime rib. The creamy tang cuts through the richness perfectly.
-
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. I recommend full-fat Greek yogurt to maintain some creaminess.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe transforms a simple steak dinner into something memorable and delicious. It’s quick, fuss-free, and always impresses guests or family with its bold yet balanced flavor. If you’ve never made your own horseradish sauce, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s one of those little kitchen secrets that’ll make you look like a pro without the stress. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Print
Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and tangy horseradish sauce is the perfect accompaniment for prime rib, steak, and other succulent beef dishes. Made with sour cream, prepared horseradish, mayonnaise, and fresh chives, it offers a balanced spice and freshness that enhances the flavor of your meat without overpowering it.
Ingredients
Horseradish Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, prepared horseradish, mayonnaise, finely chopped chives, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well incorporated.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sauce to a small serving bowl and garnish with extra chopped chives for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- This horseradish sauce is an excellent, fresh complement to beef tenderloin, prime rib, and other rich cuts of meat.
- The creamy texture and balanced spiciness elevate the meat’s natural flavors without overwhelming them.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to let the flavors meld.
- Watch accompanying videos to see the simple preparation in action.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 56 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 158 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 11 mg
