5 from 27 votes
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Cocktail features jumbo tail-on shrimp poached in a lemon-infused salted water with optional aromatics, served chilled with a tangy cocktail sauce made from ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. The shrimp offer a firm, pink texture from quick poaching, balanced by a bright, spicy dipping sauce. This dish is a classic cold appetizer.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Chill Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
118 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 lemon halved
- Optional: flavor-boosters for poaching liquid, such as garlic, ginger, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and fresh herbs.
- 2 pounds Shrimp tail-on and deveined, jumbo
- lemon extra wedges for serving
For the cocktail sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish prepared
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce or more to taste, like Tabasco
Instructions
- Poach the shrimp. Fill a large pot with water and salt. Squeeze the juice of one lemon and add the lemon halves into the water. Optional: add aromatics to the poaching liquid (see ideas above). Bring the poaching liquid to a boil, then turn the heat down to simmer. Add the shrimp and let them poach for 2 ½ to 3 minutes, or until they're pink and firm.
- Drain and chill the shrimp. Drain the shrimp in a colander, let cool for a few minutes, then place in the fridge to cool completely.
- Make the cocktail sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Serve on a platter. Serve the shrimp over ice on a large platter, along with the cocktail sauce and extra lemon wedges.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Avoid cooling shrimp in an ice water bath after poaching to retain the flavor absorbed from the poaching liquid.
- Chill the shrimp in the refrigerator after draining to fully cool them before serving.
- Increase cocktail sauce quantity when serving shrimp in individual glasses to fill the vessels properly.
Nutrition Information
Calories
118kcal
(6%)
Carbohydrates
11g
(4%)
Protein
16g
(32%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2g
(1%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Trans Fat
0.01g
(1%)
Cholesterol
143mg
(48%)
Sodium
1539mg
(64%)
Potassium
255mg
(5%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
363IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
10mg
(11%)
Calcium
73mg
(7%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 118
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 118kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 143mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1539mg | 64% |
| Potassium | 255mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 363IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 73mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.