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Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Tangy Sauce

A plate of perfectly cooked shrimp surrounding a small glass bowl of bright red, chunky dipping sauce for shrimp cocktail.
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Make this classic shrimp cocktail appetizer using plump, chilled shrimp and a zesty, homemade cocktail sauce. It is a simple, elegant dish perfect for parties or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for poaching)
  • 1 bay leaf (for poaching)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for poaching water)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup prepared horseradish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • Ice, for chilling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, lemon wedges, and bay leaf. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
  2. Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool completely, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
  3. Prepare the cocktail sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, prepared horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, if using. Mix until smooth.
  4. Chill both the shrimp and the cocktail sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  5. Assemble the shrimp cocktail: Arrange the chilled shrimp around the rim of a large glass bowl or platter. Place a smaller bowl of the homemade cocktail sauce in the center.
  6. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For an elegant presentation, consider arranging the shrimp in a wreath shape around a central bowl of sauce.
  • You can prepare the cocktail sauce up to three days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer a Mexican style, substitute the cocktail sauce with a tomato-based sauce featuring lime juice, avocado, and cilantro (Coctel de Camarones).

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/shrimp-cocktail-classic-homemade-sauce-recipe/