Description
This Easy Shrimp Cocktail is a classic seafood appetizer featuring perfectly poached shrimp served cold with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce. Ideal for entertaining or light dining, it’s simple, elegant, and ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for seafood lovers and quick appetizer ideas.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
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1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 lemon, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, smashed
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1 bay leaf
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4-5 peppercorns
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Ice water for chilling
For the Cocktail Sauce:
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1/2 cup ketchup
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2 tbsp prepared horseradish (or more to taste)
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp lemon juice
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A few dashes hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
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Poach the Shrimp: In a saucepan, combine water, salt, lemon slices, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to chill and stop the cooking.
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Make the Cocktail Sauce: In a bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and optional hot sauce. Adjust horseradish to desired heat.
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Serve: Arrange chilled shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
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Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.
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Chill shrimp thoroughly to enhance texture.
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Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
