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Homemade Shrimp Cocktail

This shrimp cocktail features large, briny shrimp paired with a vibrant, homemade sauce made from scratch. The process involves boiling peeled shrimp until just tender, then chilling them to retain their firm texture. The sauce combines fresh lemon juice, horseradish, ketchup, and seasonings for a tangy, spicy dip that completes the dish's bright, elegant appeal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp wild-caught, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • 1/2 cup ketchup good quality, smooth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish start with less, add more if desired
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami
  • 1 dash hot sauce Tabasco or similar
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper adjust seasonings as needed

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Small bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with about 4 liters of water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. While the water heats, peel and devein the large shrimp, leaving the tails on for an elegant presentation. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry.
  3. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the shrimp using a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat slightly to keep a gentle boil.
  4. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes, watching for them to turn opaque and pink, indicating they’re just done. They should be firm but tender.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked shrimp into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and keep their firm texture. Let them chill for about 5 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare the cocktail sauce by combining ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and vibrant.
  7. Drain the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange them attractively on a serving platter with lemon wedges if desired.
  8. Serve the chilled shrimp alongside the fresh cocktail sauce in a bowl, allowing everyone to dip and enjoy the bright, spicy flavors.

Notes

Use the freshest shrimp possible for best flavor. Adjust horseradish and hot sauce to suit your spice preference. You can prepare the shrimp a day ahead and keep refrigerated, but assemble and serve the dish fresh for optimal texture and flavor.