Description
Classic Shrimp Cocktail features tender, poached jumbo shrimp served chilled with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce. This elegant appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, combining refreshing citrus and a spicy, tangy dip that enhances the sweet flavor of the shrimp.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 lemon (halved)
- Optional: flavor-boosters for poaching liquid (garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, fresh herbs)
- 2 pounds jumbo shrimp (tail-on and deveined)
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
For the Cocktail Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco), or more to taste
Instructions
- Poach the shrimp: Fill a large pot with water, and add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water and add the lemon halves. Optionally add aromatics like garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and fresh herbs to boost flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the shrimp and poach for 2 ½ to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are firm to the touch.
- Drain and chill: Drain the shrimp in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes at room temperature. Then transfer to the refrigerator to chill completely, ensuring they are fully cooled before serving.
- Make the cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste). Mix well to create a spicy and tangy dipping sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter over a bed of ice. Serve with the cocktail sauce in a bowl alongside extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp. This presentation keeps the shrimp cold and enhances their fresh flavor.
Notes
- This shrimp cocktail platter is a timeless holiday appetizer that always impresses guests.
- The cocktail sauce recipe is perfectly balanced with spicy, tangy, and citrus notes to complement the shrimp.
- Poaching shrimp quickly ensures they remain tender and juicy without becoming rubbery.
- Serving shrimp on ice maintains their freshness and optimal serving temperature.
- Feel free to customize aromatics in the poaching liquid to add unique flavor twists.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1539 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 143 mg
