Description
This quick and easy Juicy Shrimp Cocktail recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender shrimp with a zesty, tangy cocktail sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal appetizer for any occasion, combining simple boiling and chilling techniques for a refreshing seafood starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound Shrimp, deveined and peeled (Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp)
- 4 cups Water (For boiling the shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (Enhances flavor; optional: Old Bay or lemon juice)
Cocktail Sauce
- 1 cup Ketchup (Sweet base for the sauce)
- 1/4 cup Mild chili sauce (Adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons Prepared horseradish (Adds tangy zing)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (Deepens umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Hot sauce (Personalize heat level)
- 2 pieces Lemon wedges (For garnish and extra zest)
Instructions
- Prepare Ice Bath: Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water, then set aside. This will immediately cool the shrimp after boiling to preserve their texture.
- Boil Water: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and optional seasonings like Old Bay or lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink, opaque, and curl slightly, indicating they are done.
- Chill Shrimp: Quickly transfer the cooked shrimp to the prepared ice bath to halt the cooking process. Let them chill in the ice water for 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooled.
- Prepare Cocktail Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup mild chili sauce, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter. Serve alongside the cocktail sauce and garnish with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Notes
- Using fresh or thawed frozen shrimp will yield the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust hot sauce and chili sauce quantities based on preferred spice level.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the boiling water or sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp as they become rubbery quickly.
- The ice bath is essential to stop the cooking immediately and keep shrimp tender.
