Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Cocktail Sauce Recipe
This classic Shrimp Cocktail recipe features perfectly poached jumbo shrimp served chilled with a zesty and tangy cocktail sauce. The shrimp are gently cooked in a flavorful poaching liquid, enhanced with optional aromatics, then quickly chilled to retain their tender texture. The cool and bright cocktail sauce with horseradish, lemon, and Worcestershire sauce complements the sweet shrimp for a refreshing and elegant appetizer perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Poaching Liquid
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 lemon, halved
- Optional flavor-boosters: garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, fresh herbs (as desired)
- 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, tail-on and deveined
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Cocktail Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco), or more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Poaching Liquid: In a large pot, combine water with kosher salt, lemon halves, and any optional aromatics such as garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, or fresh herbs to infuse flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Poach the Shrimp: Add the jumbo shrimp to the simmering poaching liquid carefully. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring not to overcook to maintain a tender texture.
- Chill the Shrimp: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked shrimp immediately to an ice bath or bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and chill them thoroughly.
- Make the Cocktail Sauce: In a bowl, mix together ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Adjust the heat level and lemon juice to taste for desired tanginess and spice.
- Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter or in cocktail glasses with extra lemon wedges on the side. Serve with the cocktail sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Keep shrimp tails on for easier handling and a traditional presentation.
- Adjust horseradish and hot sauce amounts for preferred spice level in the cocktail sauce.
- Poaching liquid can be flavored with various spices and herbs to add extra depth.
- Serve immediately or keep shrimp chilled in the refrigerator up to 2 hours before serving.
Keywords: Shrimp Cocktail, Poached Shrimp, Cocktail Sauce, Appetizer, Seafood Starter