In the realm of appetizers, few dishes can rival the timeless elegance and classic flavors of a well-crafted shrimp cocktail. Its delicate balance of succulent shrimp, tangy sauce, and crisp accents has made it a staple at gatherings and celebrations for decades. Whether you seek a traditional approach or a contemporary twist, this article will guide you through the art of creating the best shrimp cocktail that will leave your guests craving more. We'll explore the essential elements that make up this iconic dish, including the selection of high-quality shrimp, the preparation of a flavorful sauce, and the secrets to achieving the perfect combination of textures. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will elevate your shrimp cocktail game to new heights.
Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!
CHEF JOHN'S SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Before I knew much about food or dining out, I knew that if they brought shrimp cocktails to the table as an appetizer, we were eating at a 'fancy' restaurant. I'm sure I enjoyed the shrimp, but what I really loved was dipping the crackers in the spicy, horseradish-spiked cocktail sauce.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Seafood Shrimp
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Stir water, onion, lemon, garlic, tarragon, seafood seasoning, peppercorns, and bay leaf together in a large pot; bring to a simmer and cook until flavors blend, about 15 minutes.
- Whisk ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt together in a bowl; refrigerate until chilled, at least 15 minutes.
- Bring poaching liquid to a rapid boil. Cook the shrimp in the boiling liquid until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is no longer transparent in the center, about 5 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water and immerse in ice water until cold; drain. Arrange cold shrimp on a platter and serve with chilled sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 305.6 calories, Carbohydrate 18.9 g, Cholesterol 345 mg, Fat 4.3 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 47.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 1414.9 mg, Sugar 10.4 g
TRULY THE BEST SHRIMP COCKTAIL RECIPE EVER
Look, I know it's a little ridiculous to call a recipe "the best," buuuuttttttt this recipe is seriously THE BEST shrimp cocktail recipe ever. The poaching method gives the shrimp a wonderful, delicate texture and flavor, and the sauce has a hint of gin in it, so. Don't miss it.
Provided by Carolyn Gratzer Cope
Categories Snacks and Starters
Time 1h30m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In small bowl, mix together the ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, gin, Tabasco, celery salt, and sea salt. Chill until ready to serve. Stir in parsley right before serving.
- Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails attached. You can refer to the video for visual cues on how to do this.
- Place peels into a large pot. Add water, vermouth or wine, 1 tablespoon of the kosher salt, peppercorns, coriander seeds, bay leaves, onion, tarragon, and lemon.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes more, then strain broth through a fine sieve into a fresh pot.
- Bring stock to a boil, then remove from heat. Add shrimp and cover tightly. Leave for 3 to 4 minutes, until just opaque throughout (still off the heat - the shrimp "poach" in the residual heat and remain amazingly tender).
- While the shrimp poach, fill a large bowl with ice water and the remaining tablespoon kosher salt.
- Transfer shrimp to bowl to stop the cooking and chill thoroughly. They will firm up a bit as they cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 122 calories, Carbohydrate 10.4 grams carbohydrates, Fat 1.3 grams fat, Fiber 0.1 grams fiber, Protein 17.2 grams protein
BEST EVER SHRIMP COCKTAIL
i tried a cocktail simular to this in whistler B.C at a mexican resteraunt and i had to make it myself it was sooooo good.. now i can't get enuf and it is so easy to make.
Provided by likeriaj
Categories < 15 Mins
Time 10m
Yield 1/2 cup, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. mix ketchup, siracha hot sauce and lime juice and mix well.
- 2. add chopped avacado, minced red onion and cilantro and mix again.
- 3. if you want to go easy you can add all the prawns into mixture, but for better presentation add about half the prawns into mixture .
- 4. for nice presentation scoop desired about of cocktail into martini glass or desert cup and use remaining prawns to dress the outside of glass.
- 5. for better flavour chill for at least an hour before serving.
- 6. serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers on the side if desired.
- 7. goes well with a cold Corona.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 139.1, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 0.8, Cholesterol 88.2, Sodium 982.1, Carbohydrate 12.7, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 7.7, Protein 10.9
SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 38m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Put the water, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, lemon, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer, set a cover on top slightly ajar, and cook for 10 to 30 minutes.
- Drop the shrimp into the liquid and turn off the heat. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they curl and turn pink, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large ones. Drain and cool to room temperature. Peel the shrimp and remove the vein along the curve of the shrimp, if desired. Refrigerate if not serving right away. If refrigerated, bring the shrimp to room temperature 20 minutes before serving.
- To serve put the cocktail sauce in a medium bowl and surround with the shrimp, or loop the shrimp over the edge of an individual cocktail glass and top with the sauce. Garnish with the lemon and serve.
- Optional Tip: To de-vein the shrimp before cooking, hold a shrimp between the thumb and forefinger with the rounded side of the shrimp upward. Place the pointed end of a wooden skewer at the junction of the second and third segments of the shrimp shell, about 1/8-inch down from the top. Gently push the skewer through the shell and then lift up to remove the vein.
- Combine the ketchup, lemon zest and juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Add hot sauce, if desired. Mix well, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups
CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL
One of Martha's favorite entertaining strategies is to serve a pared-down-but still special feeling-menu. Her classic shrimp cocktail is a perfect example: it's an easy but elegant starter that shines because it calls for the very best ingredients-including a quick homemade cocktail sauce. When preparing this spread, use high-quality, sustainably sourced shrimp, and plan on about three to six shrimp per guest.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Shrimp: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with ice (to later cool down shrimp). In a large stockpot combine 12 cups water, carrot, celery, thyme, 1 tablespoon salt, and peppercorns. Cut one lemon in half; squeeze half the juice into the water and add the rind. Cut remaining 1 1/2 lemons into small wedges for serving; set aside.
- Bring water to a boil. Add shrimp, cover; remove from heat. Let stand until shrimp are bright pink and curled; 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to prepared tray of ice to cool completely. Once cool, shrimp can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Cocktail Sauce: Meanwhile, whisk together all ingredients until combined. (Cocktail sauce can be made ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week.)
- To Serve: Peel shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired. Using a paring knife, make a shallow cut along backs of shrimp to remove vein. Arrange shrimp neatly on a platter, shingling them slightly to make a pattern, and serve chilled with cocktail sauce and reserved lemon wedges on the side.
CLASSIC MEXICAN SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Make and share this Classic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Dirty Bird
Categories For Large Groups
Time 1h30m
Yield 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients (except avocado) in large pot, stir well. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. Serve in glass bowls. Garnish with diced avocado.
SHRIMP COCKTAIL
During the '60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It's the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. -Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 30m
Yield about 6 dozen (1-1/4 cups sauce).
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, combine the first 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add shrimp. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until shrimp turn pink, 4-5 minutes. , Drain shrimp and immediately rinse in cold water. Refrigerate until cold, 2-3 hours. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until serving. , Arrange shrimp on a serving platter; serve with sauce. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 59 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 555mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 9g protein.
SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Steps:
- In a large pot, combine shrimp shells, 2 quarts water and 3 tablespoons salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes. Remove pot from heat, and steep until cool.
- Strain shrimp broth into another large pot, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add wine, peppercorns, coriander seeds, bay leaves, parsley, tarragon and lemons. Boil 2 minutes. Add shrimp, and remove pot from heat. Steep shrimp until they are white, about 3 minutes. Fill a large bowl with water, ice and the 2 remaining tablespoons salt. Transfer shrimp to bowl. Let shrimp cool 3 minutes, then drain well. Refrigerate with a bag of ice on top, until ready to serve.
- To serve, divide shrimp among four plates. Place sauces in individual ramekins on each plate, or in three small bowls to pass at the table.
SHRIMP COCKTAIL
This method for a beloved appetizer maximizes flavor by gently poaching shrimp in a deeply seasoned broth of salt, chile powder and celery seeds. Rather than wash away all the spices with a rinse or a plunge in an ice bath, you stop the cooking by pouring ice directly into the hot bath. For dipping, go for a classic cocktail sauce with the sharp brightness of lemon and horseradish, or a simple garlicky dill butter, which makes the shrimp taste somehow of lobster, or a comforting, warmly spiced honey mustard, because you always need a creamy option. Enjoy the plump shrimp with your favorite sauce - or all three.
Provided by Eric Kim
Categories finger foods, seafood, appetizer
Time 15m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- Make the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp and 2 teaspoons salt, and set aside. Keep the 8 cups ice nearby, either in another large bowl or directly in the icemaker tray of your refrigerator.
- Meanwhile, fill a large pot with 8 cups water, 1/2 cup salt, the chile powder and celery seeds, and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and add the shrimp to the hot liquid, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through and no longer translucent on the inside, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Immediately dump the ice into the pot to stop the cooking, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is cool to warm or room temperature, about 1 minute. Pour the contents of the pot into a colander in the sink, then transfer the drained, celery seed-dotted shrimp to a large platter and refrigerate until ready to eat. Cut the lemons into quarters lengthwise, then cut each piece in half crosswise.
- Make the cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, stir the ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish and garlic to combine, and season to taste with salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce.
- Make the garlicky dill butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add the garlic, dill, lemon juice and sugar to a small bowl and stir in the hot melted butter. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the curried honey mustard: In a small bowl, stir the mayonnaise, mustard, honey, lemon juice, curry powder and cayenne to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. All three sauces can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. (The dill butter will need to be reheated in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat until liquid again.)
- To serve, cover a large platter with cubed or crushed ice, top with the poached and cooled shrimp and scatter the lemon pieces all over. Serve with one or more of the dipping sauces on the side.
Tips:
- Use fresh, large shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Poach the shrimp in a flavorful court-bouillon to infuse them with extra flavor.
- Chill the shrimp thoroughly before serving to ensure they are crisp and refreshing.
- Use a variety of dipping sauces to add different flavors to the shrimp cocktail.
- Garnish the shrimp cocktail with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and elegant presentation, shrimp cocktail is sure to impress your guests. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy appetizer, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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