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A plate shrimp cocktail with sauce and lemon wedges

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is a very popular special occasion appetizer that is usually served with chilled cocktail sauce and lemon wedges!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • 1 Large Sauce or Stock Pot
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Collander

Ingredients
  

Poaching Liquid

  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seafood seasoning
  • 1 tsp pickling spice
  • 1 tsp dried dill weed
  • 1 each bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 each small onion, sliced
  • 1 each lemon, cut in half
  • 2 pounds raw, shell-on large shrimp

Cocktail Sauce

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or to taste
  • 4 tbsp prepared horseradish or to taste
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 drops hot sauce or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp salt as needed

Garnish (optional)

  • lemon wedges
  • fresh parsley sprigs or other fresh herb

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, combine the water with the salt, whole peppercorns, Old Bay seasoning, pickling spice, dried dill weed, bay leaf and dried thyme. Stir and then add in the sliced onion and lemon halves.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook until the flavors blend, about 15 minutes.
  • Bring the poaching liquid up to a boil and add the shrimp. Cook uncovered until the shrimp turn pink on the outside and the meat is no longer transparent in the center, about 4 to 5 minutes total. Do not overcook as that will make the shrimp tough and chewy.
  • Drain the shrimp into a colander and then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water and stir. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the shrimp from continuing to cook. Keep the shrimp immersed until cold.
  • Remove the shrimp from the ice water when chilled and then peel and devein them. Cover and put into the refrigerator until service time.
  • To make the cocktail sauce, whisk together the ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and salt in a bowl. Taste and correct any seasonings. Cover and put into the refrigerator until chilled, at least 15 minutes.
  • To serve, arrange the chilled poached shrimp onto a plate or serving platter, and serve with chilled cocktail sauce garnished with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs if desired.
  • NOTE: It is a great time saver to make your shrimp cocktail a day or two before and then just chill until it is needed, especially if prepping for a party.
Keyword appetizer, hors deouvre, seafood, shrimp
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