Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Make Shrimp Cocktail Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cooked Shrimp
Cocktail Sauce
Garnish & Service
Method
Cooked Shrimp
- 1
Prepare poaching liquid
In a large pot, combine 8 cups water, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns and 1 bay leaf. Halve the lemon and add both halves to the pot, squeezing lightly to release some juice.
- 2
Bring to simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Do not let it reach a rolling boil.
- 3
Poach shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering liquid in a single layer. Cook just until the shrimp turn opaque and curl into a loose C — about 2 to 3 minutes depending on size. Overcooking will toughen them.
- 4
Shock in ice bath
Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl filled with 4 cups of ice and a little cold water to stop the cooking. Let them sit in the ice bath for 3 minutes until fully cooled.
- 5
Dry and chill
Drain the shrimp on paper towels, pat dry, then refrigerate uncovered on a tray for at least 15 minutes to chill thoroughly (or cover and chill up to 4 hours). Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Cocktail Sauce
- 6
Combine ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup ketchup, 3 teaspoons prepared horseradish, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce (if using) until smooth.
- 7
Season
Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using). Taste and adjust: add more horseradish for heat, more lemon for brightness, or a pinch more salt if needed.
- 8
Chill
Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead.
Garnish & Service
- 9
Arrange
Fill a serving platter or small individual cocktail glasses with crushed ice or a shallow bed of ice. Place chilled shrimp around the rim or on the ice, tails outward, with a small bowl of cocktail sauce in the center (or spoon sauce into individual glasses).
- 10