Shrimp Cocktail

Ditch the store-bought shrimp cocktail platter you typically go for and try your hand at making your own shrimp cocktail and homemade cocktail sauce.

If you’re looking for more appetizers, you’ll definitely want to try my Smoked Salmon Tartare and Peach and Honey Ricotta Crostini recipes, next!

Shrimp cocktail is one of those any-occasion finger foods; great for holiday gatherings, parties, poolside eats, or the perfect pairing to your dry riesling. We’ve all done it before; opted for the ready-made platter of shrimp cocktail and it’s sufficed–but if you only knew how easy it is to make your own, you’d just might never go back to those pre-packaged days.

How to cook shrimp

Step 1: Do not overcook shrimp–that is crucial! No one likes rough, chewy shrimp, and the key to achieving that perfect texture is by poaching shrimp for 4 minutes.

Prior to poaching, devein the shrimp, but keep the shell intact. The shell will be removed after poaching and is left on to help retain flavor while cooking.

Deveining shrimp is fairly easy, and is best done using a pair of kitchen scissors. Carefully cut along the top and devein. When poaching liquid comes to a boil, add shrimp and cook for 4 minutes.

The poaching mixture is quite simple and calls for: kosher salt, bay leaf, lemon juice + lemon halves and water. Simply bring contents to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Add shrimp and cook for 4 minutes.

While shrimp cooking, prepare an ice bath. Place cooked shrimp in an ice bath for 5 minutes or until completely cooled. Remove shell until you reach the tail–tails serve as a great handle and keep fingers mess-free when dipping.

Keep in the refrigerator until ready to plate.

Homemade shrimp cocktail sauce:

Cocktail sauce is incredibly easy to make and done in just a few minutes. If you have time, it’s best to make the sauce ahead of time–2-3 hours of night before–as the flavors blend better over time.

In a bowl add ketchup, prepared horseradish, worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, tabasco, and lemon juice in a bowl.
Mix to combine well.
Place in refrigerator for 2-3 hours or ideally overnight until ready for use.

Yup, it’s that easy and quite delicious.

What size shrimp should I use?

l sauce. Also, when shrimp cook, the muscles contract, thus causing them to be smaller in size. A good indicator of knowing when shrimp are fully cooked is when shrimp curl to a “C” shape.

Different sauce brands may yield varying textures and taste
I didn’t want to go without mentioning different ketchup brands will yield a thicker or smooth textured cocktail sauce. I tested two brands: Sir Kensingtons and O Organic (Von’s supermarket brand) ketchup and preferred O Organic due to it’s smoother texture. Also, keep in mind that different brands of ketchups range in sugar content which may also affect taste.

Prepared horseradish also varies in texture in taste depending on the brand. For this recipe, I used Fresh Ground Horseradish by Silver Spring Foods. It packs more zing than prepared horseradish and both will work for this recipe.

How long does shrimp cocktail last in the fridge?

48 hours is a safe spot. You don’t want to keep the shrimpany longer than that once they’re cooked. Although, I don’t think you’ll have any difficulty in finishing this stuff–it’s damn good.

Did you love this recipe as much as we do? Leave a comment below and share your love for this recipe on Instagram and Pinterest. We love to see you get down in the kitchen. Happy eating!