Shrimp Cocktails
Dive into the timeless elegance of Shrimp Cocktails, a perfect appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. This classic seafood dish features plump, succulent large shrimp, delicately poached in an aromatic bath of lemon, garlic, and bay leaf for maximum flavor. Quickly chilled and paired with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce made from ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a touch of hot sauce, this recipe delivers the ideal balance of tang, spice, and freshness. Ready in just 20 minutes, Shrimp Cocktails are ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or light summer entertaining. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of elegance and serve these chilled shrimp with their bold dipping sauce for an appetizer that’s sure to impress. Perfectly simple, undeniably delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, with tails on)
- 6 cups Water
- 1 whole Lemon
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1 whole Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Fill a large pot with 6 cups of water. Slice the lemon in half and squeeze its juice into the water, then add the lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, and salt.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Add the shrimp to the simmering water and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
5. In a small mixing bowl, prepare the cocktail sauce by combining the ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce. Mix well and adjust seasonings to taste.
6. Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter, serving them alongside the cocktail sauce in a small bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
840 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.0 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 902 mg | 301% | |
| Sodium | 4675 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.3 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.1 g | ||
| Protein | 109.7 g | 219% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 288 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 1278 mg | 27% | |
*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.
