Classic Shrimp Cocktail Recipe – Easy, Healthy & Delicious

Shrimp cocktail is a timeless and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a light and refreshing seafood dish, shrimp cocktail is an excellent choice. It combines succulent poached shrimp with a zesty cocktail sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for both beginner and experienced cooks.

Shrimp cocktail is a staple in American cuisine and is often served in steakhouses and seafood restaurants. With the right technique, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home with minimal effort. The key to a perfect shrimp cocktail is selecting high-quality shrimp, cooking them to the right texture, and pairing them with a flavorful homemade cocktail sauce.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a classic shrimp cocktail, including how to properly cook the shrimp and make a tangy cocktail sauce from scratch.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Appetizer
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Mixing bowls
• Ice bath (large bowl with ice water)
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving glasses or platter

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on)
• 4 cups water
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• Ice (for ice bath)

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Poaching Liquid

1. Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water.
2. Add the sliced lemon, garlic cloves, salt, black peppercorns, and bay leaf.
3. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

4. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and add the shrimp.
5. Let the shrimp cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
7. Let the shrimp chill for about 10 minutes.
8. Drain the shrimp and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Make the Cocktail Sauce

9. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and smoked paprika.
10. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve the Shrimp Cocktail

13. Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter or in cocktail glasses.
14. Serve with a bowl of cocktail sauce on the side for dipping.
15. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired.
16. Enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Best Shrimp Cocktail

• Use Fresh or High-Quality Frozen Shrimp: Fresh shrimp provide the best flavor, but if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator.
• Do Not Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and curl slightly, remove them from heat.
• Chill the Shrimp Thoroughly: The ice bath helps lock in the perfect texture and flavor.
• Adjust Cocktail Sauce to Taste: If you like it spicier, add more horseradish or hot sauce.
• Serve Cold: Shrimp cocktail is best enjoyed when fully chilled.

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Cocktail: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the cocktail sauce.
• Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail: Add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and avocado for a ceviche-like twist.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Cocktail: Toss shrimp in melted garlic butter before serving.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp and cocktail sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Do Not Freeze Cooked Shrimp: Freezing can alter the texture, making the shrimp mushy when thawed.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp cocktail is a classic, simple, and delicious appetizer that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a light meal, this easy Shrimp Cocktail Recipe is guaranteed to impress. The combination of tender shrimp and tangy, spicy cocktail sauce makes it an irresistible dish that everyone will love.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a refreshing, protein-packed seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion!