Description
Classic shrimp cocktail brings zesty marine flavors from cold waters of North America. Chilled shrimp paired with tangy cocktail sauce create perfect appetizer for elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 shrimp (large, 21-25 count per pound, raw, deveined, and easy peel, thawed)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
- 1/2 lemon (optional)
- 8–10 peppercorns (optional)
- 1 handful fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) horseradish
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) hot sauce, like Tabasco (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot by filling it with water and infusing with salt, whole peppercorns, fresh lemon slices, and parsley sprigs to create a flavorful poaching liquid.
- Bring the seasoned water to a rolling boil over high heat, creating an aromatic cooking environment for the shrimp.
- Gently lower the raw shrimp into the boiling liquid and cook for 2-3 minutes until they transform from translucent to a vibrant pink color and appear firm and opaque.
- Immediately remove the shrimp using a slotted spoon and plunge them into a prepared ice bath, halting the cooking process and ensuring a crisp, tender texture.
- Once cooled, carefully peel the shrimp shells and remove the dark digestive tract if not pre-cleaned.
- Craft the zesty cocktail sauce by whisking together tangy ketchup, sharp horseradish, a pinch of salt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce in a medium mixing bowl.
- Taste and fine-tune the sauce’s flavor profile by adjusting the seasonings to your preference.
- Artfully arrange the chilled, pristine shrimp on a decorative platter surrounding a central bowl of the vibrant cocktail sauce.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, ensuring a refreshing and appetizing presentation.
Notes
- Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Use cold water bath immediately after boiling to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy shrimp.
- Customize cocktail sauce by adjusting spice levels with more horseradish or hot sauce for extra kick.
- For a lighter version, replace traditional cocktail sauce with a zesty citrus-herb dipping sauce using fresh herbs and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 89 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 161 mg