Description
A classic chilled appetizer made with tender poached shrimp served around a zesty homemade cocktail sauce. It is fresh, elegant, and easy to make for gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 whole lemon, halved
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with the water, kosher salt, juice from half of the lemon, and black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the ketchup, prepared horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and celery salt until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until pink and opaque.
- Transfer the shrimp immediately to the ice bath with a slotted spoon. Let chill for 3 minutes.
- Drain the shrimp well and pat dry.
- Spoon the cocktail sauce into a small glass or bowl. Arrange the chilled shrimp around it on a serving platter.
- Cut the remaining lemon half into wedges, add them to the platter, and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp or they may become rubbery.
- Pat the shrimp dry well before plating for the best presentation.
- You can prepare the shrimp and sauce several hours ahead and keep them chilled separately.
- Adjust the horseradish or hot sauce to make the dipping sauce milder or spicier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: shrimp cocktail, chilled shrimp appetizer, homemade cocktail sauce, easy seafood appetizer, classic party appetizer