Description
A quick and easy Juicy Shrimp Cocktail recipe that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Perfectly boiled shrimp served chilled with a tangy and spicy homemade cocktail sauce, garnished with fresh lemon wedges. Ideal for a light appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Boiling Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 aside for chilling the shrimp immediately after boiling.
- Boil the water: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and optional seasonings like Old Bay or a splash of lemon juice to enhance flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Submerge the peeled and deveined shrimp into the boiling water. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Shock shrimp in ice bath: Immediately remove the shrimp from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared ice bath. Let them chill for 3-5 minutes to stop the cooking process and keep them juicy.
- Prepare the cocktail sauce: While the shrimp cool, mix together 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup mild chili sauce, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce in a bowl. Adjust the hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter alongside the cocktail sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges to add a fresh citrus zest.
Notes
- Using fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Customize the cocktail sauce by adjusting the amount of horseradish and hot sauce based on your taste.
- An ice bath is essential to prevent overcooking and keep shrimp tender.
- Optionally add Old Bay seasoning or lemon juice to the boiling water for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately or keep shrimp chilled until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
