PrintEasy Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Zesty Sauce
This easy shrimp cocktail recipe delivers an elegant party appetizer ready in minutes. You will serve tender, chilled shrimp with a zesty, homemade cocktail sauce that tastes much better than store-bought.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup prepared horseradish, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
- Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for 5 minutes, then drain well. Toss the chilled shrimp with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Make the homemade cocktail sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and lemon zest until smooth.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the shrimp cocktail: Fill a large serving bowl or individual glasses with crushed or cubed ice. Arrange the chilled shrimp around the rim of the bowl or glass, with the tails facing up.
- Serve immediately with the chilled homemade cocktail sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use freshly grated horseradish if you can find it.
- You can prepare both the shrimp and the sauce up to one day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
- For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions in martini glasses.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp with 2 tbsp sauce
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg