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Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Tangy Sauce

Plump, cooked shrimp arranged around a small white ramekin of bright orange shrimp cocktail sauce.
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Make this classic shrimp cocktail appetizer with perfectly cooked shrimp and a simple, tangy homemade cocktail sauce. It is an elegant seafood starter perfect for parties or holidays.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup prepared horseradish, drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: In a medium saucepan, combine water, vinegar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the shrimp to the boiling liquid. Cook for 2 to 3 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. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Make the cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, if using.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. For a bolder flavor, add more horseradish.
  7. Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Arrange the chilled shrimp around the rim of a glass or on a platter. Serve the homemade cocktail sauce in a small bowl in the center for dipping.

Notes

  • For the best texture, cook the shrimp in small batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
  • You can make the cocktail sauce up to two days ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator.
  • To serve this as a quick seafood appetizer, arrange the shrimp on individual cocktail glasses with a dollop of sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/shrimp-cocktail-classic-recipe-homemade-sauce/