Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that features tender, succulent shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce. This dish is elegant, yet incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for special occasions or as a starter for a dinner party.
To make shrimp cocktail, start by poaching the shrimp in a pot of boiling water seasoned with salt, lemon slices, and spices such as peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic. Cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, which should only take a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the cocktail sauce by combining ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Adjust the ingredients to taste, adding more horseradish for a spicier sauce or more lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the poaching liquid and let them cool slightly. Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter with a bowl of cocktail sauce in the center for dipping. You can garnish the platter with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
The combination of tender shrimp and tangy cocktail sauce is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as indulging in a delicious shrimp cocktail. This timeless appetizer has been enjoyed for decades, and it continues to be a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings. With its tantalizing flavors and refreshing presentation, the shrimp cocktail is a true culinary delight. So, let’s dive into the recipe, including some helpful notes and valuable nutrition information.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds of large shrimp, peeled and cleaned
½ cup lemon juice divided
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley a little more for garnish
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
½ cup mayonnaise , ½ cup tomato sauce
½ teaspoon hot sauce optional
Olive oil to decorate
How To Make Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Place shrimp in a medium bowl; add ⅓ cup lemon juice. Put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Drain the shrimp and discard the lemon juice.
In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, place the water and salt. When it starts to boil add the shrimp and turn off the heat.
Let the shrimp in the water just until they are cooked, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp to a plastic container and refrigerate.
In a small bowl, combine onion, remaining lemon juice, ketchup, mayonnaise, pepper, hot sauce, and parsley.
Add the shrimp and serve in glass bowls over the lettuce. Serve with crackers and garnish with olive oil and parsley.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a general overview of the approximate nutrition information for the shrimp cocktail recipe per serving (including the sauce):
Calories: 150-180
Total Fat: 1-2g Cholesterol: 180-200mg Sodium: 500-700mg
Carbohydrates: 12-15g Fiber: 0-1g Sugar: 8-10g Protein: 20-25g
Please note that the nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. The values provided are meant to serve as