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Shrimp Cocktail

Classic chilled shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce. An elegant and simple appetizer that never goes out of style.

20 minEasyServes 6120 cal/serving

AmericanAppetizerStovetopPescatarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 2 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
  • 4 lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot, combine 8 cups water, 2 tbsp salt, 1 halved lemon, 2 bay leaf, and 1 tsp black peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat.

  2. 2

    Once boiling, add 1 lb peeled and deveined, tails on large shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes depending on size.

  3. 3

    Immediately transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let cool for 2 minutes, then drain well.

  4. 4

    For the cocktail sauce, mix 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp hot sauce, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.

  5. 5

    Arrange shrimp around the edge of a serving dish with a small bowl of cocktail sauce in the center. Garnish with 4 lemon wedges (for serving).

  6. 6

    Chill until ready to serve.

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Questions

Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in Shrimp Cocktail?

The entry for Shrimp Cocktail calls for 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. In its place: Soy sauce with a few drops of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of shrimp in Shrimp Cocktail?

Yes; most shrimp sold as fresh were frozen once already. Thaw them under cold running water for about ten minutes and pat them very dry so they sear instead of steaming. As written, the entry for Shrimp Cocktail uses 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on.

Can I make Shrimp Cocktail less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Shrimp Cocktail comes from 2 tbsp prepared horseradish and 1/2 tsp hot sauce. For a milder plate, start with half the hot sauce and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes.

Is Shrimp Cocktail low-carb?

A serving of Shrimp Cocktail carries 6 g of carbohydrate, 1 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 30 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 6 percent.

Does Shrimp Cocktail contain shellfish?

Yes: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on. The full allergen list for this entry is shellfish and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How do I store and reheat Shrimp Cocktail?

Refrigerate what is left of Shrimp Cocktail within two hours and eat it within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serve it with

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