Best 9 Cooking Shrimp For Shrimp Cocktail Recipes

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Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is often served at parties and gatherings. It is a simple dish to make, but it can be easy to get wrong. The key to making a great shrimp cocktail is to use fresh, high-quality shrimp and to cook them properly. Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery, so it is important to cook them for just the right amount of time. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cook shrimp for shrimp cocktail, as well as some tips for making the best shrimp cocktail possible.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

HOW TO MAKE A PERFECT SHRIMP COCKTAIL



How To Make A Perfect Shrimp Cocktail image

Learn how to make a perfect shrimp cocktail at home, including your own homemade cocktail sauce and instructions for the type of shrimp to use and how to cook them so that they're tender, juicy and delicious. Listen to me explain briefly about how to make this shrimp cocktail, with some great tips along the way, by clicking the play button below: [sc name="shrimpcocktailrotd"][/sc]

Provided by Christine Pittman

Categories     Appetizer

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

24 large shrimp (21-25 count per pound, raw, deveined and easy peel, thawed*)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 of a lemon (optional)
8-10 peppercorns (optional)
a handful of fresh parsley (optional)
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. horseradish
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. lemon juice (optional)
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1/2 tsp. hot sauce, like Tabasco (optional)

Steps:

  • Fill a large saucepan 3/4 full of water.
  • Add salt.
  • If using lemon, squeeze the juice of the lemon into the pot and add the peel and flesh once squeezed. Add the peppercorns and parsley if using.
  • Bring the pot to a rapid boil over high heat.
  • Remove from the heat and let it stop boiling.
  • Add the shrimp. Stir. Put the lid on the saucepan.Cover the pot. Let sit for 4-5 minutes, until shrimp are opaque and pink.
  • Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath: In a large bowl put two cups of ice cubes and fill halfway with cold water.
  • When shrimp are cooked, drain off the hot liquid and transfer shrimp (but not the aromatics) to the ice bath. Let them sit in there for a few minutes to fully cool off before draining.
  • Peel shrimp but leave the tails on.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, pinch of salt, and the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, if using.
  • Taste, add more horseradish if desired.
  • Divide sauce among 4 small bowls or wine glasses or martini glasses.
  • Hang shrimp from the rims. Serve immediately. (See above in blog post for alternate serving suggestions.)

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 6 shrimp and 1/4 cup cocktail sauce, Calories 188 calories, Sugar 17 g, Sodium 971 mg, Fat 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 22.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 23.4 g, Cholesterol 182.5 mg

SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Shrimp Cocktail image

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

2 pounds large (21- to 25-count) shrimp, shelled and deveined
Kosher salt
8 cups ice cubes (about 2 pounds), plus more for serving
1/4 cup mild red chile powder, gochugaru or sweet paprika with a dash of ground cayenne
1 tablespoon celery seeds
2 lemons
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 large garlic clove, finely grated
Kosher salt and black pepper
Tabasco sauce
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 large garlic cloves, finely grated
1/4 packed cup finely chopped fresh dill (from 1 small bunch)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
Kosher salt and black pepper

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.

SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Shrimp Cocktail image

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 pounds shrimp (16 to 20 per pound), peeled and deveined, shells reserved
5 tablespoons kosher salt
3 cups white wine
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2 bay leaves
1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
4 sprigs fresh tarragon
2 lemons, halved
Cocktail sauce (see recipe)
Sauce Verte (see recipe)
Rouille (see recipe)

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.

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.

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

SIMPLE SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Simple Shrimp Cocktail image

I played with different ways of cooking shrimp for a while and different seasonings to spice it up, but this really became the standard; good shrimp, seasoned just to highlight their flavor, and refreshing cocktail sauce to compliment them perfectly. This is a big hit at all of our family gatherings as an appetizer, snack, or even part of the meal. No more over-paying for those tiny, rubbery shrimp cocktail circles at the grocery store, only to dip them in mediocre cocktail sauce. Try this for easy and yummy shrimp cocktail!

Provided by Lauren Z

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb raw shrimp
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
cooking spray or vegetable oil
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (more or less depending on how spicy you want it)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Set oven to 400°F.
  • Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray, or sparingly brush with vegetable oil, and spread shrimp out in a single layer. Sprinkle on salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly. Make sure to spread shrimp back into a single layer so that they do not overlap during cooking.
  • Cook on middle oven rack until shrimp turn pink (2-5 minutes) and then turn shrimp over and repeat. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp or they will end up very rubbery. You can also boil the shrimp for 4 minutes (on a constant rolling boil) but I think that baking them really allows their natural flavors to brighten.
  • Remove shrimp from oven and enjoy warm, or allow to cool to room temperature before moving shrimp to the fridge for chilled shrimp cocktail.
  • Make the sauce: blend all ingredients in a small bowl or ramican, adjusting ingredients to suite your taste. (At this point, I will sometimes add some chili sauce or Tobasco to give it a kick) If you accidentally add too much spice, just add more ketchup until it's just right.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.8, Fat 2.1, SaturatedFat 0.4, Cholesterol 172.8, Sodium 1233.5, Carbohydrate 6.3, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 3.9, Protein 23.5

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.

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!

Tips:

  • Choose the right shrimp: For shrimp cocktail, large shrimp (21-25 per pound) are best. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a translucent appearance.
  • Thaw frozen shrimp properly: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for 30 minutes.
  • Cook shrimp quickly: Shrimp cook very quickly, so it's important not to overcook them. A good rule of thumb is to cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Chill shrimp before serving: After cooking, immediately transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once the shrimp are cool, drain them and pat them dry.
  • Make a flavorful cocktail sauce: A good cocktail sauce is essential for shrimp cocktail. There are many different recipes available, but a classic cocktail sauce typically includes ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.

Conclusion:

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. By following these tips, you can make delicious and impressive shrimp cocktail that your guests will love.

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