Description
This Juicy Shrimp Cocktail recipe offers a quick and delicious appetizer that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Fresh or thawed shrimp are boiled until perfectly tender and then chilled in an ice bath to lock in juiciness. Served with a tangy and mildly spicy homemade cocktail sauce, this dish is perfect for entertaining or a light, flavorful 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)
Garnish
- 2 pieces Lemon wedges (For garnish and extra zest)
Instructions
- Prepare Ice Bath: Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water to create an ice bath. Set this aside to chill the shrimp immediately after boiling, which stops the cooking process and preserves juiciness.
- Boil Water with Seasoning: 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 to enhance flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Chill Shrimp: Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to the prepared ice bath. Let them chill for 3 to 5 minutes to halt cooking and maintain their juicy texture.
- Make Cocktail Sauce: While the shrimp chill, combine 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup mild chili sauce, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce in a mixing bowl. Stir well to blend all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter. Place the cocktail sauce in a bowl alongside and garnish with lemon wedges for added zest and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level of the cocktail sauce by adding more or less hot sauce or chili sauce based on your preference.
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle Old Bay seasoning or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice into the boiling water.
- If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw completely before cooking for the best texture.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste or keep refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
