Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Immerse yourself in the exquisite simplicity of our Shrimp Cocktail recipe—an iconic appetizer that transcends time and elevates any occasion. This culinary masterpiece transforms succulent shrimp into a showcase of elegance, pairing the delicate sweetness of the seafood with the bold tanginess of a zesty cocktail sauce. From the first dip to the last bite, experience the symphony of flavors and textures that make this classic dish a perennial favorite.
Begin with plump, succulent shrimp—your culinary canvas. Peeled, deveined, and poached to perfection, these gems of the sea take center stage in a presentation that promises a journey of taste and texture.
Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Ice bath or bowl
- Chilled serving glasses or bowls
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined (with tails on for presentation)
- 1 lemon sliced
- Ice for serving
For the Cocktail Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the sliced lemon to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, then add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to an ice bath or a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Make the Cocktail Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Adjust the horseradish and hot sauce to your desired level of heat.
Chill the Cocktail Sauce:
- Refrigerate the cocktail sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to chill.
Serve the Shrimp Cocktail:
- Drain the chilled shrimp from the ice bath and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Arrange a bed of ice in serving glasses or bowls. Place the cooked shrimp on top of the ice for an elegant presentation.
Present with Cocktail Sauce:
- Serve the chilled cocktail sauce alongside the shrimp in individual dishes or small bowls.
- Optionally, garnish the serving glasses with additional lemon slices for a fresh touch.
Enjoy:
- Dip the chilled shrimp into the zesty cocktail sauce, savoring the freshness and flavors of this classic appetizer.
Notes
For added flavor, consider including a bay leaf or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning in the boiling water when cooking the shrimp.
