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Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
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Classic Shrimp Cocktail recipe with perfectly poached shrimp served with homemade zesty cocktail sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb raw shrimp (16–20 count, shell-on, with tails preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 lemon
  • Optional: 1 tbsp pickling seasoning
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce
  • 2–4 tsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: lemon zest or lime zest for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water.
  2. In a 3-4 quart saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the Old Bay seasoning, the half lemon (squeezed for juice), and optional pickling spice to the boiling water.
  3. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the raw shrimp to the pot. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
  4. Immediately drain the cooked shrimp and transfer them to the prepared ice bath to stop the cooking process and chill them quickly.
  5. Once chilled, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation.
  6. For the cocktail sauce, combine ketchup, Heinz chili sauce, prepared horseradish (adjusting to your preferred spice level), Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl.
  7. Whisk all sauce ingredients together until well combined. For best flavor development, chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
  8. Arrange the chilled shrimp around a serving bowl filled with the cocktail sauce, or serve individual portions with a side of sauce.

Notes

  • Adjust horseradish to taste for desired spiciness.
  • Optional ingredients like pickling seasoning and zest enhance flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.

Find it online: https://www.masterthecook.com/shrimp-cocktail-recipe/