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Juicy Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Poaching
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A classic and elegant shrimp cocktail recipe featuring perfectly poached jumbo shrimp served chilled with a tangy and spicy homemade cocktail sauce, ideal for holiday appetizers or any festive occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Poaching Liquid

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 lemon (halved)
  • Optional: flavor-boosters for poaching liquid, such as garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and fresh herbs

Shrimp

  • 2 pounds jumbo shrimp (tail-on and deveined)

Cocktail Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco) (or more to taste)

To Serve

  • extra lemon wedges


Instructions

  1. Poach the shrimp: Fill a large pot with water and add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water and add the lemon halves along with any optional aromatics such as garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, or fresh herbs. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the shrimp and poach for 2½ to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and firm.
  2. Drain and chill the shrimp: Drain the shrimp in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes at room temperature. Then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill completely before serving.
  3. Make the cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon hot sauce. Mix well until thoroughly blended.
  4. Serve on a platter: Arrange the chilled shrimp over ice on a large serving platter. Serve alongside the cocktail sauce and extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.

Notes

  • This shrimp cocktail is a timeless holiday appetizer that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress guests.
  • The poaching liquid can be customized with aromatics like garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and fresh herbs to add extra flavor.
  • The cocktail sauce is quick to make and can be adjusted for heat by adding more or less hot sauce.
  • Serving the shrimp chilled over ice keeps them fresh and appetizing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 118 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 1539 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 143 mg