Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCharlestonShrimp Cocktail Recipe

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Inspired by Charleston
Time30m
Serves4

Chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shrimp

Cocktail Sauce

Method

Shrimp Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Cooking Liquid

    In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, the juice of the lemon, and 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Cook the Shrimp

    Once the water is boiling, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

  3. 3

    Chill the Shrimp

    Remove the shrimp from the pot and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for about 5-10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Drain and Serve

    Once chilled, drain the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange them on a serving platter.

Cocktail Sauce Preparation

  1. 5

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of horseradish, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce.

  2. 6

    Season the Sauce

    Mix well and taste the sauce. Add salt to taste, adjusting the spiciness with more horseradish or Tabasco if desired.

  3. 7

    Serve

    Transfer the cocktail sauce to a small serving bowl and place it alongside the chilled shrimp on the platter.

More from Charleston