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

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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