Shrimp Cocktail
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Who doesn’t love a shrimp cocktail? This classic appetizer has been a crowd-pleaser for decades, effortlessly gracing tables at parties and events. Served chilled with a tangy cocktail sauce, it’s the perfect beginning to any meal.
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner or throwing a casual get-together, homemade shrimp cocktail is a timeless choice that never goes out of style. Its blend of simplicity and elegance captivates seafood lovers.
Looking for more tasty shrimp appetizer recipes? Check out my Mexican Shrimp Ceviche, Cilantro Lime Shrimp, and Oven Baked Shrimp recipes too!
Ingredients
Homemade Cocktail Sauce
- Chili Sauce
- Ketchup
- Prepared Horseradish
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Hot Sauce – for additional heat
Shrimp Cocktail
- Filtered Water
- Kosher Salt
- Lemon (half)
- Bay Leaf
- Celery Stalk – cut into 3-inch pieces
- Large-size, shell-on shrimp that are already deveined. It retains flavor better and ensures a juicy texture.
Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.
Choosing the right shrimp
Start with shrimp that are worth every bite. The quality of shrimp greatly determines the taste and texture of your cocktail. Sourcing high-quality, sustainably harvested shrimp not only supports environmental efforts but ensures a better taste.
Look for shrimp that are wild-caught or responsibly farmed. Aim for larger shrimp sizes like Large or Jumbo since their texture holds up well when cooked. Avoid shrimp with additives like sodium tripolyphosphate, which can impact flavor and texture.
How to prepare the perfect shrimp cocktail
Shrimp cocktail sauce
Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Cover and chill until ready to use.
Shrimp cocktail appetizer
Add 3 cups of water, salt, bay leaf, lemon half, and celery stalk to a large pot (6-quart)
Bring to a boil. Add shrimp to boiling water and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Drain shrimp and rinse with cold water, or place in an ice bath. Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill.
Peel shrimp and arrange on a serving platter or large bowl.
Serve with homemade sauce and lemon wedges.
Expert Tips
- To make shrimp cocktail ahead of time: Cook the shrimp, chill them in an ice bath, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
- You can serve shrimp cocktail in a variety of ways — traditionally in a glass with a cocktail sauce on the bottom, or on a platter with the sauce in the center for dipping.
- Shrimp cocktail should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if it’s a hot day. Keep it chilled over ice if serving outdoors.
Alternate cooking methods
- Steaming: A gentler method that allows for tender shrimp with maintained flavor. Place shrimp in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes.
- Grilling: Adds a smoky twist that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Skewer the shrimp, brush with a bit of oil, and grill them for 1-2 minutes per side until they’re charred and pink.
Make it a meal
- Salads: A crisp green salad or a simple arugula salad add freshness without overpowering the shrimp.
- Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks or garlic bread make great accompaniments.
- White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
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Enjoy!!
Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients
Cocktail Sauce
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup chili sauce
- 0.5 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- dash hot sauce optional
Shrimp Cocktail
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 0.5 lemon
- 0.5 celery stalk cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1 pound unpeeled large-size fresh shrimp mine came already deveined
- lemon wedges to garnish
Instructions
- Place all cocktail sauce ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Cover and chill until ready to use.
- Add 3 cups of water, salt, bay leaf, lemon half, and celery stalk to a large pot (6-quart).
- Bring to a boil. Add shrimp to boiling water and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Drain shrimp and rinse with cold water, or place in an ice bath. Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill.
- Peel and devein shrimp, leave tails on if you like, and arrange on a serving platter or large bowl with lemon wedges.
Notes
- To make shrimp cocktail ahead of time: Cook the shrimp, chill them in an ice bath, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
- You can serve shrimp cocktail in a variety of ways —traditionally in a glass with a cocktail sauce on the bottom, or on a platter with the sauce in the center for dipping.
- Shrimp cocktail should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if it’s a hot day. Keep it chilled over ice if serving outdoors.
