Shrimp Cocktail – This easy shrimp cocktail with tender juicy shrimps and the homemade flavorful sauce is the go to appetizer to impress the guests made in less than 15 minutes.
Shrimp Cocktail: The Best Ingredients
Shrimp: Opt for large, plump shrimp (15 count per pound is ideal). Look for “easy-peel” or “deveined” for convenience. Fresh or frozen both work well.
Cocktail Sauce: The heart of the dish! We’ll cover a classic recipe below, but feel free to experiment with different flavors.
Lemon Wedges: For a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity.
Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with parsley or cilantro adds visual appeal and flavor.
Shrimp Cocktail – Tips
Shrimp Ice bath is key: Shocking the shrimp in ice water prevents them from overcooking and keeps them plump and juicy.
Don’t overcook: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
Taste as you go: Adjust the sauce ingredients to your liking. Prefer it spicier? Add more horseradish or hot sauce.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Mango Salsa: Swap the cocktail sauce for a vibrant mango salsa with jalapenos and cilantro.
Avocado & Lime: Add diced avocado and a squeeze of lime juice to the classic cocktail sauce for a creamy, citrusy twist.
Bloody Mary: Infuse your cocktail sauce with vodka, celery salt, and a dash of Worcestershire for a Bloody Mary-inspired flavor.
How to Serve this perfect shrimp cocktail?
Classic: On a platter with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
Individual Cups: Serve in small glasses for a sophisticated presentation.
Seafood Tower: Go all out with a multi-tiered tower featuring shrimp cocktail, oysters, clams, and other seafood delights.
How to Store this shrimp cocktail?
Refrigerate the cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly (about 30 seconds in boiling water).
How do I keep the shrimp from curling?
Thread a toothpick through the shrimp before cooking to help them maintain their shape.
Can I make the cocktail sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator.
Shrimp Cocktail (With Best Sauce)
This easy shrimp cocktail with tender juicy shrimps and the homemade flavorful sauce is the go to appetizer to impress the guests made in less than 15 minutes.
Ingredients
For the cocktail sauce
- 1/2 cup Heinz mild chili sauce
- 3-4 Tbsp horseradish, prepared
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 tsp Tabasco hot sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Shrimp
- 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined with tail intact
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 4 wedges of lime
Instructions
- Thaw and rinse the shrimp under cold water. Drain and pat dry with with paper towels.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir well and place in rimmed baking sheet in single layer.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes at 450 degrees or until pink and cooked through.
- Check for the doneness and immediately transfer to a serving plate.
- In a mixing bowl, add all the cocktail sauce ingredients, combine well. Add the hot sauce and horseradish as per the taste.
- Refrigerate the sauce and shrimp for at 60 minutes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 169Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 191mgSodium 1356mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 22g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
