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Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Zesty Homemade Cocktail Sauce

A white plate featuring perfectly cooked shrimp cocktail pieces arranged around a small glass bowl of zesty red cocktail sauce.
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Make this impressive, easy shrimp appetizer for your next gathering. This recipe features plump, chilled shrimp served with a tangy, homemade cocktail sauce that is far better than store-bought.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Fill a large pot with water, add the lemon halves, bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, until the shrimp curl and turn pink. Do not overcook.
  3. Immediately drain the shrimp and plunge them into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the chilled shrimp well and pat them dry. Place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Make the homemade cocktail sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. For a bolder flavor, add more horseradish.
  7. Chill the cocktail sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  8. Arrange the chilled shrimp around a bowl of the zesty cocktail sauce for an elegant party shrimp platter presentation. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For an extra festive look, arrange the shrimp in a wreath shape around the sauce bowl. This makes an impressive holiday shrimp platter centerpiece.
  • If you want a quick shrimp appetizer, you can use pre-cooked, frozen shrimp; just thaw and chill them thoroughly before serving.
  • If you enjoy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones), try adding chopped avocado, onion, and cilantro to the sauce for a vibrant twist.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/shrimp-cocktail-classic-recipe-homemade-sauce/