Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Shrimp cocktail is one of those classic appetizers I always come back to. It feels light, fresh, and just right for almost any occasion, whether it’s a small family get-together, a holiday spread, or something quick to put out for guests.
This recipe is all about getting the shrimp cooked just right so they stay soft and juicy, not rubbery. Once you try this method, you’ll see how easy it is to make shrimp cocktail at home and why it’s one of my favorite go-to appetizers.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The shrimp turn out tender, not rubbery
- The cocktail sauce is fresh and easy to customize
- No fancy tools or hard techniques required
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or meal prep
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 and a half pounds of large raw shrimp, deveined, shells on or easy peel
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 8 to 10 whole peppercorns, optional
- Cold water
- Ice for an ice bath
For the Cocktail Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Half a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce to taste, optional
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail
- Prepare the Water: Fill a large pot with water, leaving it about three-quarters full. Add salt, lemon slices, and peppercorns if using. Bring the water to a strong boil.
- Cook the Shrimp: Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat. Add the shrimp and gently stir. Cover the pot and let the shrimp sit for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Ice Bath: While the shrimp cook, prepare a bowl filled with ice and cold water. Transfer the cooked shrimp immediately into the ice bath to stop the cooking. Let them chill for about 5 minutes.
- Peel the Shrimp: Drain the shrimp and peel them, leaving the tails on if you like. Place them in the refrigerator to stay cold while you prepare the sauce.
How to Make Cocktail Sauce
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce if using. Taste and adjust based on how spicy you prefer it. Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
How to Serve Shrimp Cocktail
Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter around a bowl of cocktail sauce. You can also serve them in individual glasses with the sauce at the bottom. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness.
Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Large bowl for ice bath
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 and a half pound of large raw shrimp deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lemon sliced
- 8 to 10 whole peppercorns optional
- Water
- Ice for ice bath
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Half teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce to taste optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Fill a large pot three quarters full with water. Add salt, lemon slices, and peppercorns if using. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Remove the pot from heat and add the shrimp. Stir gently, cover, and let sit for 4 to 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Transfer shrimp immediately to an ice bath and let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Drain and peel shrimp, leaving tails on if desired. Refrigerate until cold.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce if using. Taste and adjust.
- Serve chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Do not boil shrimp directly or they may turn rubbery
- Ice baths are important to stop cooking
- Adjust horseradish for mild or spicy sauce
- Shrimp can be cooked a few hours ahead
