Shrimp Cocktail
Get ready to elevate your next gathering with this classic Shrimp Cocktail recipe. Tender, perfectly cooked shrimp are chilled and served with a tangy homemade cocktail sauce that's brimming with zest. It's an elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer that's both simple to prepare and sophisticated in taste.
Servings: 4
Calories: 115kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 2 cups water
- ½ lemon sliced
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tablespoon salt
Cocktail Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 2 tablesoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon cut in wedges, for serving
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the water, lemon slices, garlic, bay leaf, and salt to a boil.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Do not overcook.
- Drain the shrimp and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp on a platter and serve with the cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley leaves.
Notes
- Shrimp Size: I recommend using large shrimp for this recipe. They are the perfect size for dipping and have a great meaty texture.
- Cocktail Sauce: This recipe includes a homemade cocktail sauce, but feel free to use store-bought if you prefer. If you're making your own, you can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less horseradish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the shrimp cocktail in individual glasses for a classy touch, or on a platter for family-style serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Make Ahead: This shrimp cocktail is a perfect make-ahead appetizer. The shrimp can be cooked, cooled, and stored in the fridge a day ahead, and the sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 1723mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 294IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 1mg
