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Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Close-up of a platter of perfectly cooked shrimp cocktail, seasoned with herbs, served with a vibrant red dipping sauce.
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A timeless appetizer featuring perfectly poached shrimp served with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Cocktail Sauce:
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine water, lemon halves, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt. Bring to a boil.
  2. Add the shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
  3. Drain the shrimp and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  4. While the shrimp are chilling, prepare the cocktail sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
  5. To serve, arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter with ice or around a cocktail glass. Serve with the cocktail sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • You can poach the shrimp and make the cocktail sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
  • For extra flavor in the poaching liquid, you can add a sprig of fresh dill or a few parsley stems.
  • Adjust the amount of horseradish in the cocktail sauce to your preference for spice.

Nutrition

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