CategoryAppetizers, Fish, Seafood
Shrimp cocktail is a timeless, elegant appetizer that’s simple yet incredibly flavorful. Featuring tender, perfectly cooked shrimp served with a tangy, zesty cocktail sauce, it’s a staple for parties, celebrations, or even as a light starter. The key lies in the shrimp's texture and the bold flavor of the sauce.
For the Shrimp
½ kg large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
4 cups water
1 lemon (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black peppercorns
¼ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
For the Cocktail Sauce
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco, optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley
Paprika (optional)
Prepare the Shrimp
1
-
Boil the Water:
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the sliced lemon, garlic, salt, peppercorns, and paprika (if using) to the water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the simmering water. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make them rubbery.
-
Chill the Shrimp:
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for about 5 minutes.
- Drain and pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
Make the Cocktail Sauce
2
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the levels of horseradish or hot sauce for more heat, or lemon juice for tanginess.
- Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
Assemble the Dish
3
-
Arrange the Shrimp:
- Place the shrimp around a serving platter or a glass bowl filled with ice. Keep the tails outward for easy grabbing.
-
Add the Sauce:
- Spoon the cocktail sauce into a small serving bowl and place it in the center of the platter.
-
Garnish:
- Garnish the platter with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Sprinkle a little paprika on top of the sauce for color, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
4
- Serve the shrimp cocktail immediately, chilled.
- Pair with crackers, crusty bread, or even a crisp glass of white wine for a complete appetizer experience.
Pro Tips
5
- Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Homemade Variations: Add a splash of vodka or gin to the cocktail sauce for an extra twist.
- Make Ahead: Both the shrimp and sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until serving.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
½ kg large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
4 cups water
1 lemon (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black peppercorns
¼ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
For the Cocktail Sauce
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco, optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley
Paprika (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Shrimp
1
-
Boil the Water:
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the sliced lemon, garlic, salt, peppercorns, and paprika (if using) to the water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the simmering water. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make them rubbery.
-
Chill the Shrimp:
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for about 5 minutes.
- Drain and pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
Make the Cocktail Sauce
2
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the levels of horseradish or hot sauce for more heat, or lemon juice for tanginess.
- Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
Assemble the Dish
3
-
Arrange the Shrimp:
- Place the shrimp around a serving platter or a glass bowl filled with ice. Keep the tails outward for easy grabbing.
-
Add the Sauce:
- Spoon the cocktail sauce into a small serving bowl and place it in the center of the platter.
-
Garnish:
- Garnish the platter with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Sprinkle a little paprika on top of the sauce for color, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
4
- Serve the shrimp cocktail immediately, chilled.
- Pair with crackers, crusty bread, or even a crisp glass of white wine for a complete appetizer experience.
Pro Tips
5
- Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Homemade Variations: Add a splash of vodka or gin to the cocktail sauce for an extra twist.
- Make Ahead: Both the shrimp and sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until serving.
Notes
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