I first encountered Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce while making prawn cocktails for a family dinner. I had been craving a nostalgic dish and figured I’d give it a shot. As I stirred the ingredients together, I realized just how simple and flavorful this sauce was-so much more than just a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup! It got me thinking about how often we overlook these basic yet brilliant sauces in our cooking.
Marie Rose Sauce, often associated with British cuisine, has a delightful tang and creaminess that pairs perfectly with seafood. Over the years, it’s become a go-to sauce for many, especially when serving prawns or lobster. Today, I’ll walk you through Jamie Oliver’s take on this classic sauce, share my own experiences with it, and show you how to elevate your cooking with just a few ingredients.
Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s version of Marie Rose Sauce is a twist on the traditional recipe. His approach balances the tanginess of ketchup and lemon with the richness of mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. It’s light yet packed with flavor-something I was surprised to discover when I first made it.
When I prepared the sauce, I was impressed by how versatile it was. While it’s excellent with prawns, you can also use it in sandwiches, salads, or even as a dip. Jamie’s version isn’t overly complicated, but it strikes the right balance between creamy and zesty.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, bringing a smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy mayo.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to give the sauce that sharp zesty kick.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A little goes a long way, adding depth and umami.
- Tabasco Sauce: A dash of heat that you can adjust based on your preference.
- Smoked Paprika: For a subtle smokiness that enhances the flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, adding seasoning balance.
Each of these ingredients plays a unique role. The mayo is the base, the ketchup brings sweetness, and the Worcestershire sauce provides a savory layer. Lemon juice brightens it all up, while the Tabasco adds that extra kick.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce
Making Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce is quick and simple. I remember the first time I made it; it was one of those "Why haven’t I been doing this all along?" moments. Here’s how you do it:
- Combine Mayo & Ketchup: In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of ketchup. Stir until smooth.
- Add the Zest: Squeeze in a tablespoon of lemon juice. This is where the sauce starts to come alive with that refreshing tang.
- Season it Right: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a few drops of Tabasco, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Mix well. The Worcestershire sauce and paprika add complexity, making the sauce more than just a basic dressing.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste your sauce, then add salt and pepper to your liking. You can adjust the lemon juice or Tabasco if you want more tang or heat.
- Serve or Chill: Once mixed, you can either use it right away or let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. The flavors meld together beautifully when allowed to sit.
This method never fails to deliver a smooth, balanced sauce. I love making it the night before a party so it has time to sit and develop flavor!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s dive deeper into why these ingredients work so well together:
- Mayonnaise: It’s rich in fat, which gives the sauce its creamy texture. Fat helps carry flavor, making it a perfect vehicle for the other ingredients to shine.
- Ketchup: Besides the tang and sweetness, ketchup is a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes that may offer health benefits.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness of the mayo. Plus, the citrus adds a fresh, aromatic layer.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This fermented sauce contains ingredients like anchovies and tamarind, which impart a deep, savory umami flavor. It also introduces a complex layer of tanginess.
- Tabasco Sauce: Capsaicin in hot sauces provides a mild burn that enhances your taste buds’ ability to perceive sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the mayo and ketchup.
Understanding the science behind these ingredients shows why they work so well together-each one enhances the others in different ways, creating a harmonious sauce.
Expert Tips
When making Marie Rose Sauce, a few small tips can make a big difference:
- Use Full-Fat Mayonnaise: For the creamiest texture and best flavor, go for full-fat mayo over low-fat options.
- Chill it: Allow the sauce to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or more to let the flavors meld. This makes the sauce even more delicious.
- Adjust the Heat: The amount of Tabasco sauce can be altered depending on how spicy you like your food. Start with a small amount and taste test as you go.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled versions can have a metallic taste that’s less vibrant.
- Quality Worcestershire Sauce: Invest in a good quality Worcestershire sauce. It makes a difference in depth of flavor.
Recipe Variations
Marie Rose Sauce is versatile, and once you master the classic version, you can start experimenting. Here are a few ideas:
- Avocado Twist: Mash half an avocado into the sauce for a creamy texture and a slight sweetness.
- Herbed Version: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a more aromatic sauce.
- Garlic Kick: Mix in a crushed garlic clove for an extra layer of flavor, especially if you’re pairing it with seafood.
- Curry Marie Rose: Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a fragrant, spiced variation. It pairs great with prawns and chicken.
Feel free to get creative. The base sauce is forgiving, and small tweaks can give it an entirely new character.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s quick to make, requires few ingredients, and can elevate your seafood dishes to new heights. Whether you’re making a prawn cocktail, adding it to a sandwich, or using it as a dip, it’s a simple yet elegant sauce that adds flavor and sophistication.
I’ve found that making this sauce always brings out a conversation at dinner. People are often surprised at how flavorful something so simple can be!
FAQs
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce Recipe?
It’s a creamy and tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice, often served with seafood like prawns.
Can I Adjust The Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce Recipe?
Yes, you can add more ketchup for sweetness or a dash of hot sauce for some heat depending on your taste.
How Long Can I Store Jamie Oliver’s Marie Rose Sauce?
You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.