Classic Shrimp Cocktail

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 3 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Shrimp cocktail is a timeless appetizer that never goes out of style. With its tangy, spicy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, it's a surefire hit for any gathering. Whether it's a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dinner, this dish fits right in.

Ingredients for Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp: The star of the show, large shrimp provide a satisfying bite and are easy to handle. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture.
Water: Used to boil the shrimp, infusing them with the flavor of the added ingredients.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp as they cook.
Lemon: Sliced and added to the boiling water, it imparts a fresh, citrusy aroma to the shrimp.
Ketchup: Forms the base of the cocktail sauce, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor.
Horseradish: Adds a spicy kick to the sauce, making it lively and exciting.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, zesty note.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a depth of flavor, with its unique, savory tang.
Hot Sauce: Gives the sauce an extra spicy edge, adjustable to your heat preference.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like your cocktail sauce spicier, feel free to add more horseradish or hot sauce.
  • For the best texture, don’t skip the ice bath — it keeps the shrimp firm and juicy.
  • Make the cocktail sauce a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this classic shrimp cocktail with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to keep things refreshing. For a full spread, serve alongside a cheese platter or fresh veggies for a well-rounded appetizer selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but fresh-cooked shrimp will have better flavor and texture.
How long does the cocktail sauce last?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.

Classic Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Walkthrough

Start by filling a large pot with 4 cups of water. Toss in 1 tablespoon of salt and your sliced lemon. This creates a flavorful bath for your shrimp. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Once boiling, carefully add your 1 pound of shrimp. You'll want to cook them for just 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye out for them turning pink and opaque — that’s your cue that they’re perfectly done.

As soon as the shrimp are cooked, transfer them immediately to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps them tender. It's a little trick that makes a big difference.

While the shrimp cool, mix up your cocktail sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of horseradish, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce. Stir until well blended.

Once the shrimp are chilled, serve them with your cocktail sauce and a slice of lemon on the side for an extra pop of freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • The cocktail sauce has just the right kick to complement the shrimp.
  • Makes you feel like a pro chef with minimal effort.
  • Great for those who love a classic, elegant appetizer.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
4 cups water
1 tbsp salt
1 lemon (sliced)
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp horseradish
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp hot sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water, add 1 tbsp of salt and the sliced lemon.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
3. Remove the shrimp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
4. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to make the cocktail sauce.
5. Serve the chilled shrimp with the cocktail sauce and a slice of lemon on the side.

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