Perfect Boiled Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce
Elevate your appetizer game with this foolproof recipe for Perfect Boiled Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce—a seafood lover’s dream! Plump, juicy shrimp are gently cooked in a flavor-packed broth infused with lemon, bay leaves, and peppercorns, then instantly chilled to lock in their succulent texture. Paired with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce blending ketchup, fresh lemon juice, horseradish, and a dash of Worcestershire, this dish balances refreshing citrus notes with a tangy, spicy kick. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an elegant yet effortless crowd-pleaser, perfect for dinner parties or casual gatherings. Serve chilled, garnished with lemon wedges, and watch it disappear!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Raw shrimp (large, deveined, shell-on)
- 8 cups Water
- 2 whole Lemon
- 2 tablespoons Salt
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Prepared horseradish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Hot sauce (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (for cocktail sauce)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the cooking liquid for the shrimp. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.
Cut one lemon into slices and add it to the pot along with salt, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.
Allow the water to simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
While the water is simmering, prepare the cocktail sauce by combining ketchup, horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and salt in a small bowl. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Once the water is infused, add the raw shrimp to the pot. Allow the shrimp to cook for 2-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
Immediately remove the shrimp from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer them to an ice-water bath to stop the cooking process.
Drain the cooled shrimp and peel them, leaving the tails intact for presentation, if desired.
Slice the second lemon into wedges to serve alongside the shrimp.
Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter with the prepared cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1174 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.6 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1243 mg | 414% | |
| Sodium | 18150 mg | 789% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.0 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.3 g | ||
| Protein | 162.1 g | 324% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 495 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1574 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
