Best 8 Best Shrimp Cocktail Recipes

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Shrimp cocktail is a timeless classic that combines the succulent sweetness of shrimp with a tangy, flavorful sauce. It is a staple of seafood restaurants and a popular appetizer at parties and gatherings. Whether you prefer a traditional cocktail sauce or a modern twist, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect shrimp cocktail. With so many variations to choose from, finding the best recipe can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of shrimp cocktails, providing tips for selecting the freshest shrimp, creating the perfect cocktail sauce, and assembling a visually appealing presentation that will impress your guests. From classic recipes to innovative takes on this beloved dish, you're sure to find the perfect shrimp cocktail recipe that will make your next gathering a memorable one.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEF JOHN'S SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Chef John's Shrimp Cocktail image

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

3 quarts cold water
¼ onion, sliced
½ lemon
2 cloves garlic, peeled and bruised
2 sprigs fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup chili sauce
¼ cup prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 drops hot sauce, or to taste
1 pinch salt
2 pounds shell-on deveined jumbo shrimp

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



Truly the Best Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Ever image

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

1 cup (272 grams) ketchup
1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 1/2 teaspoons (12 grams) prepared horseradish, drained well
1 teaspoon good gin
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
2 pounds (907 grams) unpeeled colossal shrimp
8 cups (1900 ml) water
1 cup (237 ml) dry vermouth or white wine
2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2 bay leaves
1 small onion, sliced
4 fresh tarragon sprigs
1 lemon, halved

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

SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Shrimp Cocktail image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 38m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

10 cups cold water
2 medium carrots, quartered
2 stalks celery, quartered
1 large onion, quartered
1 head garlic, halved
1 lemon, halved
1/2 bunch parsley
5 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 pound medium or large shrimp, in the shell, rinsed
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Cocktail Sauce, recipe follows
Lemon wedges
1 cup ketchup
1 lemon, zest finely grated and juiced
4 teaspoons prepared horseradish, or to taste, drained
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce, to taste

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



Classic Shrimp Cocktail image

This cocktail sauce was in the first Betty Crocker cookbook in 1950, along with the shrimp in another chapter. Now they appear together and it just seems to be right!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 cups water
1 1/2 lb uncooked large shrimp in shells, thawed if frozen, peeled (tail shells left on) and deveined
1 cup ketchup
4 to 6 teaspoons prepared horseradish*
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 or 3 drops red pepper sauce
Lemon slices

Steps:

  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat water to boiling. Add shrimp. Cover and return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp are pink; drain.
  • Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix sauce ingredients. Serve shrimp with sauce and lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 100, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 770 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 0 g

CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Classic Shrimp Cocktail image

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

2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count), peel on
2 large carrots, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into thirds
1 stalk celery with leaves, cut into thirds
4 sprigs thyme
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 lemons
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 to 3 tablespoons fresh horseradish or prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco (optional)

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.

SHRIMP COCKTAIL RECIPE BY TASTY



Shrimp Cocktail Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: large shell-on shrimp, white wine, water, garlic, lemons, kosher salt, cocktail sauce

Provided by Codii Lopez

Categories     Appetizers

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 lb large shell-on shrimp
1 bottle white wine
2 cups water
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
2 lemons, halved crosswise, plus wedges, for serving
kosher salt, to taste
cocktail sauce, for serving

Steps:

  • Use a paring knife to make a slit down the back of a shrimp to expose the vein. Use the tip of the knife to get under the vein and pull the vein out. Remove the rest of the shell, leaving the tail on. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
  • In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, combine the white wine, water, garlic, halved lemons, and salt and bring to a boil.
  • Add the shrimp and cook until pink and tender, about 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the poaching liquid with a slotted spoon.
  • Serve the shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
  • Enjoy!

BEST EVER SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Best Ever Shrimp Cocktail image

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

70 -90 precooked prawns (tail on or off)
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup siracha hot sauce (more or less to taste)
1/2 medium red onion, minced
1 avocado, cubed small
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
1 medium lime, juice of

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



Shrimp Cocktail image

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

3 quarts water
1 small onion, sliced
1/2 medium lemon, sliced
2 sprigs fresh parsley
1 tablespoon salt
5 whole peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3 pounds uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
SAUCE:
1 cup chili sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash cayenne pepper
Lemon wedges, optional

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.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality shrimp. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your shrimp cocktail.
  • Poach the shrimp properly. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. To poach shrimp, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Do not overcook!
  • Make a flavorful cocktail sauce. There are many different recipes for cocktail sauce, so you can find one that suits your taste. Some common ingredients include ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce.
  • Serve the shrimp cocktail chilled. Shrimp cocktail is best served cold, so chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish the shrimp cocktail with lemon wedges, parsley, or dill. This will add a pop of color and flavor to your dish.

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 these tips, you can make the best shrimp cocktail at home. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy appetizer, give shrimp cocktail a try!

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