Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail is a dish that never goes out of style — elegant, refreshing, and wonderfully simple. It’s a classic appetizer that has graced dinner tables, holiday feasts, and fancy restaurants for decades. The beauty of Shrimp Cocktail lies in its simplicity: perfectly poached, plump shrimp served chilled with a zesty, tangy cocktail sauce that awakens the palate.

This dish is a celebration of the shrimp itself — sweet, succulent, and juicy — balanced beautifully by the bold flavors of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Whether served in a crystal coupe glass or on a bed of ice, Shrimp Cocktail instantly brings sophistication to any gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortlessly elegant and universally loved. It’s one of those appetizers that looks impressive but takes very little time to prepare. The shrimp are tender and flavorful, the cocktail sauce is sharp and tangy, and together they create a perfect bite — refreshing yet indulgent.

What makes it truly special is that it fits any occasion: a summer cookout, a festive holiday party, or a romantic dinner for two. It’s light yet satisfying, luxurious yet approachable — everything you want in a first course.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic elegance: Shrimp Cocktail never fails to impress guests.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Healthy and refreshing: High in protein and low in fat.
• Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet shrimp + tangy sauce = perfection.
• Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for entertaining or meal prepping appetizers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5–6 minutes
• Chilling Time: 20–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approx. 180 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Appetizer / Starter
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional but recommended)
• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• Ice (for ice bath)

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp hot sauce (optional, like Tabasco)
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare the poaching liquid.
2. Cook shrimp until pink and tender.
3. Chill the shrimp in an ice bath.
4. Prepare cocktail sauce.
5. Serve cold with garnish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Poaching Liquid

1. In a large pot, combine water, lemon halves, bay leaf, peppercorns, salt, and Old Bay seasoning.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the simmering water.
2. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and curl slightly into a “C” shape.
3. Be careful not to overcook — they’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Step 3: Chill the Shrimp

1. Immediately transfer the shrimp into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
2. Let them cool for 10–15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Prepare the Cocktail Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more horseradish for extra kick or more ketchup for sweetness.
3. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Arrange shrimp around the rim of a serving glass or platter.
2. Fill the center with cocktail sauce.
3. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

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How to Serve

Serve Shrimp Cocktail chilled, ideally in a martini glass or small bowl filled with crushed ice. Arrange the shrimp elegantly around the rim with the cocktail sauce in the center. Add a slice of lemon for squeezing over the shrimp before dipping.

It’s perfect as a light starter before a seafood main course or as a classy finger food for parties and buffets.

Recipe Tips

• Use large shrimp (16–20 count) — they look impressive and have a satisfying texture.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp! Overcooking leads to rubbery texture. Remove as soon as they turn opaque.
• Ice bath is essential — it locks in the shrimp’s tenderness and bright color.
• Chill everything — both shrimp and sauce should be cold before serving.
• For a richer flavor, add white wine or garlic to your poaching liquid.

Variations

1. Spicy Shrimp Cocktail: Add extra horseradish and a few drops of sriracha or chili sauce to the cocktail mix.
2. Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones): Mix cooked shrimp with diced avocado, tomato, cucumber, onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a spicy tomato sauce.
3. Grilled Shrimp Cocktail: Lightly grill shrimp for a smoky flavor before chilling and serving.
4. Asian-Inspired Shrimp Cocktail: Replace ketchup with chili-garlic sauce and add soy sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger for a fusion twist.

Freezing and Storage

• To Store Cooked Shrimp: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To Store Cocktail Sauce: Keep in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• To Freeze Raw Shrimp: Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
• Do not freeze cooked shrimp cocktail — the texture becomes rubbery after thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Serving glasses or cocktail cups
• Ice for cooling bath

Conclusion

Shrimp Cocktail is proof that simple dishes can be the most elegant. It’s refreshing, light, and perfectly balanced — a combination of juicy shrimp and zesty sauce that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a refined snack, this recipe is a timeless favorite that brings a touch of class to any table.

Crisp, cool, and bursting with flavor — this is the kind of appetizer that defines true culinary elegance with minimal effort.

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail is a dish that never goes out of style — elegant, refreshing, and wonderfully simple. It’s a classic appetizer that has graced dinner tables, holiday feasts, and fancy restaurants for decades.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Appetizer & Snacks

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 5 mins Total Time 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450 g)
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional but recommended)
• 4 cups (1 liter)
• Ice (for ice bath)

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• ¹⁄₂ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¹⁄₄ tsp hot sauce (optional, like Tabasco)
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Poaching Liquid : In a large pot, combine water, lemon halves, bay leaf, peppercorns, salt, and Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
2. Step 2: Cook the Shrimp : Add the shrimp to the simmering water. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and curl slightly into a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook — they’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
3. Step 3: Chill the Shrimp : Immediately transfer the shrimp into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for 10–15 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes before serving.
4. Step 4: Prepare the Cocktail Sauce : In a small bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more horseradish for extra kick or more ketchup for sweetness. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Step 5: Assemble and Serve : Arrange shrimp around the rim of a serving glass or platter. Fill the center with cocktail sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

Keywords: Shrimp Cocktail