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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

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.

Questions

Can I make Shrimp Cocktail gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Shrimp Cocktail keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Shrimp Cocktail?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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