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Easy Classic Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with 5-Minute Zesty Sauce

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A quick and easy shrimp cocktail featuring perfectly boiled shrimp paired with a tangy, spicy homemade zesty sauce that comes together in just five minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • Water (enough to cover shrimp in pot)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) salt
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) hot sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450 g) of large shrimp under cold water. If frozen, thaw completely by placing in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the shrimp (about 4 quarts / 3.8 liters). Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) salt and the juice of 1 lemon. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, add shrimp to the water. Stir gently to separate. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Avoid overcooking.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and keep them tender. Let chill for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) hot sauce, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well until smooth and tangy.
  6. Taste and adjust the sauce by adding more horseradish, hot sauce, or lemon juice as desired.
  7. Arrange shrimp on a chilled platter or glass bowl with ice. Place the zesty sauce in the center for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture; shrimp should curl into a loose “C” shape. Plunge shrimp into ice water immediately after boiling to stop cooking and keep them tender. Sauce tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Can substitute horseradish with wasabi or adjust hot sauce to taste. For grilling variation, brush shrimp with olive oil and lemon juice and grill 2-3 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp cocktail, easy shrimp recipe, appetizer, zesty sauce, quick shrimp cocktail, classic shrimp cocktail

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-classic-shrimp-cocktail-recipe-with-5-minute-zesty-sauce/