Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Shrimp cocktail is the ultimate appetizer for seafood lovers, offering a delightful combination of tender shrimp and a tangy, flavorful sauce that will impress at any gathering.
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Servings: 6 Serves
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 2 pounds 16-20 shell-on shrimp deveined, thawed if frozen (see note)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- For the Cocktail Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice from one lemon
- ½ teaspoon packed lemon zest, from one lemon
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- A few dashes of hot sauce such as Tabasco, to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 6 cups of water with the salt and sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water and place it near the sink for immediate use.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the boiling water and allow them to cook for precisely 3½ minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. It's normal if the water doesn’t return to a full boil after adding the shrimp.
- Once cooked, drain the shrimp in a colander, then quickly transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking. Let the shrimp cool for around 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cocktail sauce by mixing the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Peel the shrimp, leaving only the tails intact. Arrange the shrimp on a platter over crushed ice, if desired, and serve alongside the cocktail sauce. Enjoy!
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