Print

Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Cocktail Sauce

A plate featuring several plump, cooked shrimp arranged around a small white ramekin of red cocktail sauce for shrimp cocktail.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Prepare a simple, elegant shrimp cocktail featuring perfectly cooked shrimp served with a zesty, homemade cocktail sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. 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. Arrange the shrimp on a platter, curved side down, with the tails facing up.
  5. To make the sauce, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
  6. Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve the chilled shrimp with the homemade cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For the best presentation, arrange the shrimp in a circle around a small bowl of sauce.
  • You can prepare the shrimp and the sauce up to one day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
  • Adjust the amount of horseradish to control the spiciness of your sauce.

Nutrition