Shrimp cocktail brings plump, chilled shrimp to the table like little citrus kissed jewels, served with lemon wedges and that classic refreshing snap. A gentle poach in fragrant broth keeps them crisp tender and full of clean flavor. The sauce is bold and lively, blending ketchup, horseradish, smoked paprika, a touch of tangy vinegar, and a dash of soy for smoky depth. Easy to assemble but instantly impressive, this cocktail is the kind of appetizer that fits any brunch or festive get together and keeps everyone reaching for one more dip.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp cocktail
- It’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh, zesty flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile—great as an appetizer or a light meal.
- Healthy and low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Shrimp cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Boil the Water – Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Squeeze in the juice of lemon halves for a zesty flavor.
- Step 2: Cook the Shrimp – Add the shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Chill the Shrimp – Drain the shrimp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and keep them nice and cool.
- Step 4: Make the Cocktail Sauce – In a bowl, stir together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your taste for a perfect kick!
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy – Pat the shrimp dry and arrange them on a serving platter. Place the bowl of cocktail sauce in the center. Serve cold and enjoy your delicious shrimp cocktail!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 2g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbs | 10g |
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful shrimp cocktail!
- 1 lb large shrimp – peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon – halved
- 1 cup cocktail sauce – mix of ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and hot sauce
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
- Ice – for serving
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail
This delightful shrimp cocktail is perfect for any gathering! With a preparation time of 10 minutes, a cooking time of just 3 minutes, and a chilling time of about 5 minutes, you’ll have a refreshing appetizer ready in no time.
Step 1: Boil the Water
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Squeeze in the juice of lemon halves for a zesty flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 3: Chill the Shrimp
Drain the shrimp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and keep them nice and cool.
Step 4: Make the Cocktail Sauce
In a bowl, stir together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your taste for a perfect kick!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Pat the shrimp dry and arrange them on a serving platter. Place the bowl of cocktail sauce in the center. Serve cold and enjoy your delicious shrimp cocktail!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer / Snacks |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 3 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (chilling) |
| Total Time | 18 minutes |
| Dietary | Seafood |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Cold with cocktail sauce |
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Cocktail
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
- Chill your serving platter and shrimp for a refreshing touch.
- Experiment with homemade cocktail sauce for a personal twist.
- Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be tender and juicy.
How to Serve this Shrimp cocktail
- Serve chilled in a classic cocktail glass for an elegant touch.
- Pair with zesty lemon wedges for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Accompany with a tangy homemade cocktail sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color.
- Offer alongside crunchy vegetable sticks for a healthy crunch.
- Serve on a platter with avocado slices for a creamy contrast.
- Include a side of crispy tortilla chips for added texture.
- For a twist, try a spicy mango salsa as a unique dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your shrimp cocktail later is easy!
Storing Shrimp cocktail Leftovers
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of serving.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
Freezing Shrimp cocktail
- Wrap shrimp tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Shrimp cocktail
- Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
- Avoid boiling to maintain texture.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What do you put in a shrimp cocktail?
A classic shrimp cocktail typically includes cooked shrimp, a tangy cocktail sauce made from ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add garnishes like lemon wedges and fresh herbs for extra flavor. Feel free to customize the sauce to your taste by adjusting the ingredients!
2. Is it better to steam or boil shrimp for shrimp cocktail?
Both steaming and boiling are great methods for cooking shrimp, but steaming is often preferred for shrimp cocktail. Steaming helps retain the shrimp’s natural flavor and texture, while boiling can sometimes make them a bit rubbery. Whichever method you choose, just be sure not to overcook the shrimp!
3. Is shrimp cocktail raw or cooked?
Shrimp cocktail is made with cooked shrimp. The shrimp are typically boiled or steamed until they are pink and opaque, then chilled before serving. This ensures that they are safe to eat and deliciously tender!
4. What alcohol goes best with shrimp?
When pairing drinks with shrimp cocktail, consider non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a refreshing mocktail made with citrus juices and soda. These choices complement the flavors of the shrimp and cocktail sauce beautifully without the need for alcohol!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own classic shrimp cocktail! This delightful dish is not only simple to whip up but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your friends, dip those succulent shrimp, and savor the flavors together. Enjoy the nostalgia of this timeless appetizer, and remember, the best moments are made around good food!