Name: Shrimp Cocktail with Classic Spicy Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. shrimp (21/25 count, tail on); 8 cups water; 2 tsp salt; 2 Tbsp sugar; Handful of parsley; 1 lemon (halved and juiced); 1 cup ketchup; 2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2 Tbsp prepared horseradish; 1 clove garlic (crushed); 1-2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco); 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Description

This classic Shrimp Cocktail recipe features perfectly poached shrimp served chilled with a tangy and spicy homemade cocktail sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an elegant appetizer ideal for gatherings and special occasions. The shrimp are cooked to tender perfection in a flavorful aromatic poaching liquid and paired with a zesty sauce enhanced with horseradish, lemon, garlic, and hot sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Poaching Liquid

1 lb. shrimp (21/25 count, tail on)
8 cups water
2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
Handful of parsley
1 lemon (halved and juiced)

Cocktail Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1 clove garlic (crushed)
1-2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

Prepare Poaching Liquid: In a large pot, combine the water, salt, sugar, parsley, lemon halves, and lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil to infuse the liquid with fresh aromatic flavors.
Cook Shrimp: Once boiling, turn off the heat carefully and add the shrimp to the hot liquid. Let the shrimp cook covered for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the tails curl and shrimp turn opaque and firm to the touch.
Chill Shrimp: Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the shrimp into a bowl filled with ice water. This shock chilling stops the cooking process and keeps the shrimp tender. Let them soak until completely chilled, about 10 minutes.
Make Cocktail Sauce: While the shrimp chill, combine ketchup, fresh lemon juice, horseradish, crushed garlic, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter with ice or in individual cocktail glasses. Serve alongside the chilled cocktail sauce and garnish with additional lemon wedges for an elegant presentation. Enjoy your classic shrimp cocktail!

Notes

Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for best results.
Poaching the shrimp gently ensures tender texture without overcooking.
The ice water bath is crucial to stop cooking immediately and keep shrimp crisp.
The cocktail sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Adjust hot sauce quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
Serve chilled for the best refreshing taste.