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Shrimp Cocktail

A refreshing and impressive appetizer, shrimp cocktail combines tender shrimp with a punchy homemade cocktail sauce, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on is optional but cute) Medium or large shrimp work well.
  • 1 lemon half for the pot, half for serving Squeeze for flavor in boiling water.
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons salt For boiling water.
  • Ice and water for an ice bath To stop cooking.
For the Cocktail Sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish Start small, then taste.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Hot sauce to taste (optional) Adjust based on preference.
  • Pinch salt and black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix the sauce first by stirring together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and any hot sauce you like. Taste and adjust.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil with salt and half a lemon squeezed in, adding the lemon halves too. Add shrimp and cook just until pink and opaque, usually about 2 to 4 minutes depending on the size.
  3. Drain the shrimp and immediately dunk them into a big bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Leave for about 3 minutes, then drain well.
  4. Chill shrimp in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Serve with the sauce and lemon wedges.

Notes

Make the cocktail sauce ahead of time for the best flavor. Dry shrimp with paper towels before serving to avoid watery sauce. Adjust horseradish based on your heat preference.