Best Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Shrimp cocktail is a beloved classic cold appetizer that showcases succulent poached shrimp served with a tangy tomato-based sauce with a kick. It’s a delicious, timeless favorite known for its refreshing and zesty flavors, as well as its elegant presentation. And making shrimp cocktail is incredibly quick and easy. Sure, you could pick up some pre-cooked shrimp and a jar of store-bought cocktail sauce, but with this easy recipe, there’s no need! Cooking your own shrimp and preparing a homemade cocktail sauce is super simple and makes all the difference in the overall quality and taste. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a light meal, this versatile dish is perfect for any occasion and never fails to impress.
Large Shrimp – Fresh is best, but you can use fresh or frozen raw shrimp. And peel them yourself or buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails intact. Water – Used to make the poaching liquid. Lemon – Sliced lemon adds refreshing citrusy notes to the cooking liquid and enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp. Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the cooked shrimp a little more depth. Bay Leaf – Adds a hint of earthiness and aromatic flavor to the poaching liquid. Salt – Used to season the cooking liquid and to bring out the flavor of the shrimp.
Ketchup – Used as the tomato base for the tangy cocktail sauce, the ketchup adds a touch of sweetness too. Prepared Horseradish – Brings a delightful kick to the cocktail sauce with its pungent and spicy flavor. Worcestershire Sauce – Contributes a layer of rich umami flavor that adds depth and complexity. Hot Sauce – A touch of hot sauce such as Tabasco provides a touch of heat. You can adjust the amount according to your preference. Seasonings – Salt and black pepper are used to season the cocktail sauce to your taste. Lemon Wedges – Served alongside the shrimp cocktail, squeezing fresh lemon juice over the shrimp enhances their flavor and adds a refreshing tang. Fresh lime juice is another option for a twist. Fresh Parsley – Used to garnish the dish and add a pop of color and freshness.
This iconic cold shrimp appetizer is incredibly quick and easy to make. From perfectly cooking the shrimp to making a homemade tangy cocktail sauce, this recipe requires very little prep time and almost no cooking skills. To begin, you need to add the water, lemon slices, crushed garlic, bay leaf, and salt to a large pot big enough to fit all the shrimp. Then bring the water to a boil. Now, add the shrimp to the boiling water and simmer them for just 2 to 3 minutes until they are pink and fully cooked. Be very careful not to overcook them or your shrimp can become rubbery. Once your shrimp are done, drain them in a colander right away. Then rinse them under cold water to cool them off and stop the cooking process. This step ensures that your shrimp remain perfectly cooked and prevents them from becoming overcooked or chewy. After the shrimp have been poached, you need to whip together the zesty sauce. Stir the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl. Then give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings according to your liking. Add more horseradish or hot for spiciness or more lemon juice for tanginess. With your shrimp cooked and cocktail sauce prepared, it’s time to assemble the dish. First, arrange the shrimp on a platter around a small bowl of cocktail sauce. Next, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, and then serve your shrimp cocktail.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, transfer the shrimp and cocktail sauce to separate airtight containers and store them in the fridge. Then consume the shrimp within 1 to 2 days and the cocktail sauce within a week. It’s also possible to freeze the cooked shrimp for up to 3 months and the cocktail sauce for up to 6 months.
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