Shrimp Cocktail is a classic chilled seafood appetizer featuring tender shrimp served with a tangy homemade cocktail sauce. Perfect for parties, holidays, or light entertaining, this elegant dish is simple to prepare and always crowd-pleasing.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
1 lemon, sliced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
Water, for boiling
Ice, for chilling
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water and add the lemon slices, Old Bay seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
Transfer the cooked shrimp immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Let the shrimp chill for several minutes, then drain and pat dry.
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper to make the cocktail sauce.
Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter or around a cocktail glass with the cocktail sauce in the center.
Serve cold with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For extra spicy cocktail sauce, add additional horseradish or hot sauce.
Frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed before cooking.
Do not overcook the shrimp or they may become rubbery.
Store shrimp and cocktail sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Serve with crackers, salads, or seafood platters for a complete appetizer spread.
