Description
This Simple Shrimp Cocktail recipe features tender, juicy shrimp boiled to perfection and served chilled with a creamy, tangy, and spicy homemade dipping sauce. Perfect for an elegant appetizer or light snack, it combines fresh shrimp with a zesty sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce, enhanced by a splash of lemon juice.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined (choose large shrimp for better presentation)
- 4 cups Water (for boiling the shrimp)
- 1 Lemon (for squeezing over the shrimp)
- Ice (for chilling the shrimp after cooking)
Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise (creamy base for the dipping sauce)
- ¼ cup Ketchup (adds sweetness and tang)
- 1 tablespoon Horseradish (for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (adds depth to the sauce)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely. Peel and devein the shrimp, ensuring they are clean and ready to cook.
- Boil water. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil with a pinch of salt added for seasoning.
- Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are done.
- Prepare ice bath. While shrimp cook, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water to create an ice bath for chilling the shrimp.
- Chill the shrimp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp immediately to the ice bath. Let them cool for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process and maintain firm texture.
- Make the dipping sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Season the sauce. Taste the dipping sauce and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for balanced flavor.
- Drain and dry shrimp. Remove shrimp from the ice bath, drain thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Serve. Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter and serve alongside the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious shrimp cocktail experience.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for the best presentation and texture.
- Serve immediately after chilling for optimum freshness.
- The dipping sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust horseradish quantity for spiciness according to taste.
- Make sure to thoroughly dry shrimp before serving to avoid diluting the sauce.
