Best 7 Recipes For Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer Recipes

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Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It is delicious, easy to make, and can be prepared ahead of time. The main ingredient in shrimp cocktail is, of course, shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but if you are using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Once the shrimp are cooked, they are combined with a cocktail sauce, which is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and horseradish. Shrimp cocktail is often served with lemon wedges and crackers, but it can also be served with other accompaniments, such as avocado, cucumber, or pineapple.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested 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

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

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



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



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.

MINI SHRIMP COCKTAIL APPETIZERS



Mini Shrimp Cocktail Appetizers image

From Kraftfoods(dot)com website. I made these for a party and I've had so many people request the recipe. Kraft calls for using finely chopped onions but I skipped that just to make it an even faster appetizer to get on the table.

Provided by HokiesMom

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 10m

Yield 16 appetizers, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

16 crackers (I have used Ritz & Cobblestone Wheat Crackers)
1/3 cup whipped cream cheese spread
1/3 cup seafood cocktail sauce
16 large fresh shrimp, cooked (or pre-cooked frozen shrimp that has been thawed)
1/3 cup finely chopped green onion (optional)

Steps:

  • Spread each cracker with 1 tsp of the cream cheese spread.
  • Top evenly with the cocktail sauce and one shrimp.
  • Sprinkle some of the finely chopped onions on top (if you desire).

SHRIMP COCKTAIL CHEESE BALL APPETIZER



Shrimp Cocktail Cheese Ball Appetizer image

I have been serving this shrimp ball appetizer for 45 years and it is always a big hit. It is simple and easy to prepare and good for all seasons.

Provided by Susie

Time 8h10m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (4.5 ounce) can cooked salad shrimp
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 small onion, minced
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Chop shrimp into small pieces. Mix with cream cheese, onion, and 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce. Form mixture into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight.
  • Mix ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice for sauce together until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
  • Unwrap shrimp ball and place on a platter. Pour sauce over top and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 92.4 calories, Carbohydrate 4.3 g, Cholesterol 39 mg, Fat 6.8 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 196.7 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
  • If using frozen shrimp, thaw them properly before cooking.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp, as this will make them tough.
  • Use a variety of dipping sauces to complement the shrimp cocktail.
  • Garnish the shrimp cocktail with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or cocktail sauce.

Conclusion:

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and elegant presentation, it's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a party, a potluck, or just as a snack, shrimp cocktail is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy appetizer, give shrimp cocktail a try. You won't be disappointed!

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