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The Ultimate Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Zesty Cocktail Sauce

A white plate featuring peeled shrimp cocktail arranged around a small glass bowl of zesty red dipping sauce.
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Make an elegant seafood appetizer quickly with this classic shrimp cocktail recipe. You will serve plump, chilled shrimp alongside a tangy, homemade cocktail sauce that tastes much better than store-bought versions. This is a perfect party shrimp recipe.

Ingredients

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  • 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Fill a large pot with water, add the lemon halves, bay leaf, salt, and peppercorns. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp curl and turn pink. Do not overcook.
  3. Immediately drain the shrimp and plunge them into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the chilled shrimp well and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in the refrigerator to chill completely for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for a good chilled shrimp appetizer.
  5. Make the homemade cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  7. To serve, arrange the chilled shrimp around a small bowl filled with the zesty cocktail sauce. You can serve this as an easy shrimp appetizer or arrange it on a platter for a holiday shrimp appetizer presentation.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. You can cook the shrimp and sauce up to one day ahead of time.
  • If you want a spicier sauce, increase the amount of horseradish or hot sauce.
  • For an elegant presentation, consider serving the shrimp cocktail wreath style using a ring mold or platter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/shrimp-cocktail-ultimate-classic-recipe/