Description
This classic Shrimp Cocktail recipe features perfectly poached jumbo shrimp served chilled with a tangy and spicy homemade cocktail sauce. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s a refreshing appetizer perfect for entertaining or a light meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 lemon, halved
- Optional: flavor-boosters for poaching liquid, such as garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and fresh herbs
- 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, tail-on and deveined
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
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
Instructions
- Poach the shrimp: Fill a large pot with water and kosher salt. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water, then add the lemon halves. Optionally, add aromatics like garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the shrimp and poach them for 2 ½ to 3 minutes until they turn pink and firm.
- Drain and chill the shrimp: Drain the shrimp in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes at room temperature to preserve flavor. Then place them in the refrigerator to chill completely.
- Make the cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Mix well until smooth and adjust heat to your preference.
- Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp over ice on a large platter. Serve alongside the cocktail sauce and extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- To preserve flavor in the shrimp, avoid shocking them in ice water after poaching; just drain and chill.
- If serving in individual glasses, consider doubling or tripling the cocktail sauce recipe for adequate portion size.
- You can customize the poaching liquid with aromatics like garlic, ginger, or herbs to add depth to the shrimp’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
