Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Lime and chile-brined prawns with a traditional cocktail sauce
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Ingredients
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Prawns
Cocktail Sauce
To Serve
Method
Prawns
- 1
Prepare brine
In a large pot or bowl, combine 4 cups water, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Add cilantro stems, halved chile, and 1 teaspoon peppercorns. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve.
- 2
Brine prawns
Place the cleaned prawns into the brine so they are fully submerged. Refrigerate and brine for 15–20 minutes (do not exceed 30 minutes for delicate prawns). This quick lime-and-chile brine seasons and firms the prawns without cooking them.
- 3
Prepare an ice bath
While prawns brine, fill a large bowl with 2 cups ice and 2 cups water to make an ice bath. Chill serving bowl(s) with crushed ice if desired.
- 4
Shock prawns
Remove prawns from brine and immediately transfer to the prepared ice bath to cool and stop any residual chemical change from the brine. Let rest 5 minutes until fully chilled.
- 5
Dry and chill
Drain prawns well on a wire rack or paper towels, pat dry, arrange on a tray and refrigerate on ice or in the fridge until serving. Keep tails on for presentation.
Cocktail Sauce
- 6
In a medium bowl combine 1 cup ketchup, 3 teaspoons prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or acidity — add more horseradish for bite or more lime for brightness. Season with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro if using. Chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
To Serve
- 7
Assemble
Fill a serving platter or individual glasses with crushed ice. Spoon cocktail sauce into a small bowl or divide among individual cups and place on the ice. Arrange chilled prawns around the sauce with tails out for easy picking. Garnish with citrus wedges and cilantro leaves. Serve immediately so prawns remain cold.
- 8
Optional finishing
For extra zip, sprinkle a few drops of fresh lime juice over prawns and a light dusting of smoked paprika just before serving.