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Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Cocktail Sauce

A close-up of a white platter featuring chilled shrimp cocktail pieces surrounding a small bowl of bright red cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
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Prepare an impressive chilled shrimp appetizer using this classic recipe for perfectly cooked shrimp and a zesty homemade cocktail sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (for sauce)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (for garnish/serving)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Place the shrimp in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
  2. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp curl and turn pink. Do not overcook.
  3. Immediately drain the shrimp and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the chilled shrimp well and pat them dry. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. To make the sauce, combine the ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust horseradish or hot sauce as desired. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  7. To serve, arrange the chilled shrimp around the rim of a glass or platter. Place the cocktail sauce in the center. Garnish with chopped celery and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones) variation, skip the horseradish in the sauce. Instead, mix 1 cup of tomato juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup clamato juice, 1/4 cup finely diced avocado, 1/4 cup finely diced onion, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Serve the shrimp submerged in this zesty broth.
  • You can prepare the shrimp and sauce up to one day ahead of time. Keep them stored separately in the refrigerator.
  • Use high-quality, large shrimp for the best presentation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/shrimp-cocktail-recipe-easy-party-appetizer/