Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp cocktail recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp while keeping them perfectly tender and juicy. The addition of fresh lemon juice, parsley, and a touch of sugar in the cooking water creates a subtly flavorful base, ensuring the shrimp are never bland. The homemade cocktail sauce is the perfect complement, with its zesty kick from horseradish and hot sauce. It’s a delightful combination of flavors that will make your guests feel like they’re dining at a high-end restaurant.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb. shrimp (21/25 count), tail on
- 8 cups water
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- Handful of parsley
- 1 lemon, halved and juiced
For the Cocktail Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1-2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Shrimp:
- Prepare the cooking liquid: In a large pot, add 8 cups of water, salt, sugar, parsley, and lemon halves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp: Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them to keep them tender.
- Ice bath: Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for a few minutes to chill.
- Peel and serve: Once the shrimp have cooled, peel the shells off, leaving the tails intact. Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and set aside.
For the Cocktail Sauce:
- Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, crushed garlic, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the cocktail sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more horseradish or hot sauce for extra spice, or more lemon juice for added tang.
- Serve: Pour the cocktail sauce into a small bowl and serve alongside the chilled shrimp.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Increase the amount of horseradish or hot sauce in the cocktail sauce for more heat, or even add a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp cooking liquid for an extra kick.
- Garlic butter shrimp: For a richer flavor, sauté the shrimp in garlic butter after boiling them, instead of serving them chilled.
- Lemon and herb-infused shrimp: Add extra herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary to the cooking liquid for a more aromatic shrimp flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cocktail sauce in a separate container for freshness.
- Reheating: If you want to serve the shrimp warm, gently reheat them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil. It’s best to enjoy shrimp cocktail cold, though, for optimal taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and if they’re pre-cooked, reduce the cooking time accordingly.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and have an opaque appearance. Be sure to check the color and texture, and remove them from the water immediately once they reach this stage.
Can I make the cocktail sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cocktail sauce up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh.
Can I use cocktail sauce from the store?
While store-bought cocktail sauce is convenient, homemade cocktail sauce offers a fresher, more customized flavor. This recipe allows you to adjust the spice level and tanginess to your liking.
Can I serve shrimp cocktail with other sauces?
Absolutely! You can serve shrimp cocktail with a variety of sauces, such as remoulade, aioli, or even a spicy Sriracha mayo for a different flavor experience.
How should I serve the shrimp?
Serve the shrimp chilled on a platter, with the cocktail sauce in a small bowl for dipping. You can also arrange the shrimp in a glass bowl or on a seafood tower for an elegant presentation.
How do I peel shrimp?
To peel the shrimp, gently pull off the outer shell starting from the head or the legs, leaving the tail intact for a decorative touch. You can also devein the shrimp by making a shallow slit along the back and removing the vein.
Can I use large shrimp instead of small?
Yes, you can use any size of shrimp for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—larger shrimp may take slightly longer to cook.
Can I make shrimp cocktail without a lemon?
While lemon adds a nice touch of tang, it’s not essential. You can substitute with lime juice or skip it entirely, though the citrus helps balance the flavor of the shrimp.
How long can shrimp cocktail sit out?
For food safety, shrimp cocktail should not sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. If serving at a party, consider placing the shrimp over a bed of ice to keep them chilled.
Conclusion
Shrimp cocktail is a timeless appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With its perfectly cooked shrimp, fresh lemony flavor, and tangy cocktail sauce, it’s an elegant yet simple dish that never fails to impress. This homemade version ensures the freshest taste, and with a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your shrimp cocktail game and make it a standout at your next gathering!
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Shrimp Cocktail
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp Cocktail is a classic, elegant appetizer featuring tender, juicy shrimp paired with a tangy and spicy homemade cocktail sauce. This easy-to-make recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties, dinners, or special occasions. With a refreshing, homemade touch, this shrimp cocktail will impress your guests and elevate your appetizer spread.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb. shrimp (21/25 count), tail on
8 cups water
2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
Handful of parsley
1 lemon, halved and juiced
For the Cocktail Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1 clove garlic, crushed
1–2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
For the Shrimp:
-
Prepare the cooking liquid: In a large pot, add 8 cups of water, salt, sugar, parsley, and lemon halves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Cook the shrimp: Once the water boils, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking.
-
Ice bath: Transfer cooked shrimp to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for a few minutes.
-
Peel and serve: Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Arrange on a serving platter.
For the Cocktail Sauce:
-
Mix the ingredients: Combine ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, garlic, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
-
Taste and adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning with more horseradish or hot sauce as desired.
-
Serve: Pour the cocktail sauce into a small bowl and serve with the chilled shrimp.
Notes
Make Ahead: Shrimp and cocktail sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Refrigerate shrimp and sauce for up to 2 days.
Spicy Version: Add more horseradish or hot sauce to increase the heat.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: For a rich alternative, sauté shrimp in garlic butter before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling, Chilled
- Cuisine: American
