Name: Shrimp Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
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)); 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)

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

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

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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.

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.

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.

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