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Home » Food » Recipes » Seafood/ Fish » Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

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Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

This classic shrimp cocktail recipe makes a delicious and easy appetizer that everybody loves.

hand dipping shrimp in cocktail sauce

Shrimp cocktail is a great option for a special occasion or holiday party, or an hors d’oeuvre for anytime and any season.

Note: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. See my full affiliate disclosure policy here.

I am using my homemade cocktail sauce for this recipe. You can also use store-bought cocktail sauce to make this even quicker and easier.

How to make shrimp cocktail

Here is how to make delicious, perfect shrimp cocktail. First gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

For tastiest results, always use the best quality ingredients you have access to.

Ingredients with label text on white surface

To make this shrimp cocktail recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • raw shrimp – peeled and deveined shrimp, with or without tails
  • lemon slices or lemon wedges
  • salt
  • water
  • cocktail sauce (store bought, or homemade)

I recommend fresh shrimp for this recipe for best taste. Of course, if you only have access to frozen shrimp, then use that. I recommend thawing prior to cooking.

I also prefer large shrimp with tails on. Again, use the best shrimp you have access to.

Ingredients with label text on white surface

If you choose to make your cocktail sauce, you will also need:

  • ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • lemon
  • garlic
  • prepared horseradish
  • Tabasco sauce (or hot sauce of choice)

Making homemade cocktail sauce

Again, feel free to use a pre-made jar of cocktail sauce from the grocery store to make this easier.

Here is how to make your own. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, prepared horseradish and hot sauce to a small bowl. Mix all ingredients, and whisk or stir until well-combined.

mixing homemade cocktail sauce in a small bowl

Once you have your cocktail sauce, it is time to cook shrimp. Despite this being such a simple method for cooking shrimp, it has great flavor, particularly if you are using great shrimp. The spicy sauce – classic cocktail sauce – really tops off the flavor profile thought.

Cooking the shrimp

First, add water and lemon slices to a large pot/ Dutch oven and bring it to a boil over high heat on the stovetop. Once it is boiling, add the salt and let it cook for about 1 minute.

Fill a large bowl with cold water. Note: If you prefer serving chilled shrimp and do not have time to chill them in the refrigerator, you can opt to make this an ice bath using a bowl of ice water. This will make the shrimp more chilled, as opposed to room temperature. Set water aside.

Layer a few clean paper towels on a plate. Set aside.

Remove the pot of water from the heat and add the uncooked shrimp. Cook the shrimp in the water until it turns pink, about 2-3 minutes.

cooking shrimp with lemon slices in a large pot

Then remove the shrimp from the water and place it into a bowl of cold water for 1-2 minutes, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place it onto the paper towel lined plate.

cooked shrimp on a paper towel lined plate

Heads up: Shrimp cook time will depend on the size of your shrimp. Larger shrimp, for example, may need and extra minute or so.

Serving shrimp cocktail

At this point you can either serve the shrimp with the cocktail sauce.

To serve: pour the cocktail sauce into a small dish, place it onto a platter and arrange the shrimp around it.

styled shrimp cocktail in large serving dish

You could also do smaller/ individual serving cups or plates. I recommend peel shrimp for sure, with or without tails on. And add some additional wedges of lemon for garnish.

Shrimp cocktail closeup with shrimp dipping into cocktail sauce

If you prefer to make it ahead of serving, place it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.

How long does cooked shrimp last in the fridge? 3 to 4 days If you are making this ahead of serving, I recommend serving within 24 hours for best, freshest taste. The leftovers will be good for the additional time, up to 4 days. Always use common sense and good judgement! If something looks or smells funky, don’t eat it.

You may also enjoy these recipes

You may want to check out:

  • More of my shrimp recipes
  • Homemade dressings, dips and sauce recipes
  • More of my other seafood recipes

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hand dipping shrimp in cocktail sauce
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Shrimp Cocktail

This classic shrimp cocktail recipe makes a delicious and easy appetizer that everybody loves. Homemade cocktail sauce recipe included.

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword shrimp cocktail, shrimp cocktail recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 154 kcal
Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

  • 3 quarts of Water
  • Lemon
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 pounds large shrimp – peeled deveined with tails on
  • Cocktail sauce (store bought or homemade – see below for homemade cocktail sauce)

Homemade Cocktail Sauce

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 Tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 Tablespoon Tabasco (more or less, to preference – and any brand of hot sauce works)
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Instructions

  1. Add water and lemon slices to a large dutch oven and bring it to a boil over high heat on the stovetop. Once it is boiling, add the salt and let it cook for about 1 minute.
  2. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Set aside.
  3. Layer a few clean paper towels on a plate. Set aside.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat and add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp in the water until it turns pink, about 2-3 minutes. Then remove the shrimp from the water and place it into a bowl of cold water for 1-2 minutes, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place it onto the towel lined plate. At this point you can either serve the shrimp with the cocktail sauce or place it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
  5. To serve: pour the cocktail sauce into a small dish, place it onto a platter and arrange the shrimp around it. Enjoy!!

Recipe Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator, and it is based on six servings.

Nutrition Facts
Shrimp Cocktail
Amount Per Serving
Calories 154 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 243mg81%
Sodium 1663mg72%
Potassium 497mg14%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 31g62%
Vitamin A 109IU2%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 122mg12%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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I am a home cook, recipe developer, coffee drinker and mom of two. My recipes are simple and tasty. I enjoy lots of fresh, healthy food, plus full treats without guilt. Thanks so much for stopping by! Read more here.

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