Chilled Shrimp Cocktail (Print Version)

Tender chilled shrimp served with a bright, flavorful sauce and lemon wedges for a refreshing start.

# What You Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
02 - 1 lemon, sliced
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1 tsp black peppercorns

→ Cocktail Sauce

05 - ½ cup ketchup
06 - 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
07 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
10 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish

11 - Lemon wedges
12 - Fresh parsley (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Fill a large pot with water and add lemon slices, salt, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil.
02 - Add shrimp to the boiling liquid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and just cooked through.
03 - Immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to halt cooking. Chill for at least 10 minutes.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to preference.
05 - Drain chilled shrimp and pat dry. Arrange over crushed ice or lettuce leaves on a serving platter.
06 - Present shrimp with cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, and optional parsley garnish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impressive but takes less time than most people spend choosing what to watch on TV.
  • The cocktail sauce has that homemade brightness you just cant get from a jar.
  • Shrimp are naturally sweet and tender when you dont overcook them, which is easier than you think.
02 -
  • Overcooking shrimp is the most common mistake, they turn rubbery in seconds so watch them closely.
  • The ice bath is not optional, it locks in that perfect tender texture and keeps them cold for serving.
  • Make the sauce at least 30 minutes ahead if you can, the flavors meld and taste even better after sitting.
03 -
  • Add a bay leaf or splash of white wine to the poaching water for a subtle, elegant flavor.
  • If youre short on time, buy pre cooked shrimp and just chill them well before serving.
  • Use a clear glass bowl for the sauce so people can see that bright red color, it makes the whole platter look more inviting.
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