Description
Classic Shrimp Cocktail features succulent jumbo shrimp poached to perfection and served chilled with a tangy, flavorful cocktail sauce. This elegant appetizer is perfect for entertaining and brings a refreshing taste of the sea to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Poached Shrimp
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 lemon, halved
- Optional flavor-boosters for poaching liquid: garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, fresh herbs
- 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, tail-on and deveined
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Cocktail Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco), or more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Poaching Liquid: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add kosher salt, lemon halves, and any optional flavor-boosters such as garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, or fresh herbs to infuse flavor.
- Poach the Shrimp: Add the jumbo shrimp to the boiling poaching liquid. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes depending on their size. Do not overcook to maintain a tender texture.
- Chill the Shrimp: Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the poaching liquid and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep them firm and cold.
- Make the Cocktail Sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred heat level.
- Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter with extra lemon wedges. Serve alongside the cocktail sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh jumbo shrimp, tail-on and deveined for best texture and presentation.
- Adjust horseradish and hot sauce in the cocktail sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Keeping the shrimp chilled after poaching enhances their firmness and flavor, making the dish more refreshing.
- Optional flavor-boosters in the poaching liquid add subtle aromatic notes but are not essential.
- Serve immediately after chilling and assembling for best taste.
Keywords: Shrimp Cocktail, Poached Shrimp, Cocktail Sauce, Appetizer, Seafood