Description
A classic and easy recipe for the best shrimp cocktail with a flavorful homemade cocktail sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water. Add the lemon halves, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
- Drain the shrimp immediately and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drain the shrimp again and pat dry.
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Season the cocktail sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter or in individual glasses.
- Serve the shrimp with the cocktail sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best results.
- Adjust the amount of horseradish and hot sauce in the cocktail sauce to your preference.
- You can make the cocktail sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of old bay seasoning to the boiling water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp cocktail, classic shrimp cocktail, easy shrimp cocktail, homemade cocktail sauce, seafood appetizer