Chilled Shrimp with Zesty Cocktail Sauce (Print Version)

Tender poached shrimp with zesty homemade cocktail sauce

# What You'll Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
02 - 1 lemon, sliced
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1 tsp black peppercorns

→ Cocktail Sauce

05 - ½ cup ketchup
06 - 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
07 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - ½ tsp hot sauce
10 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish

11 - Lemon wedges
12 - Fresh parsley

# How-To Steps:

01 - Fill a large pot with water and add lemon slices, salt, and peppercorns. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain tender texture.
03 - Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Let them chill for at least 10 minutes.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Drain the chilled shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange on a serving platter over a bed of crushed ice or fresh lettuce leaves.
06 - Serve immediately with the prepared cocktail sauce on the side, accompanied by lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes but looks like you spent hours preparing
  • The homemade cocktail sauce puts store-bought versions to absolute shame
02 -
  • Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Pull them the moment they turn pink.
  • The ice bath is not optional. Without it, residual heat keeps cooking the shrimp.
03 -
  • Buy frozen shrimp if fresh isnt available. Theyre often frozen right after being caught and can be just as good quality.
  • Let guests customize their sauce heat level by serving extra horseradish on the side.
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