Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that consists of chilled, cooked shrimp served with a flavorful cocktail sauce. It’s a popular dish at parties, weddings, and seafood restaurants. Here’s a simple recipe for making shrimp cocktail:Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Ice, for chilling
For the Cocktail Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add lemon slices, bay leaf, and salt to the boiling water.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Drain the shrimp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the shrimp again.
- Make the Cocktail Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon juice.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter or individual cocktail glasses.
- Place a small bowl of the cocktail sauce in the center for dipping.
- Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the shrimp cocktail immediately, and encourage guests to dip the shrimp into the cocktail sauce before taking a bite.
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Some people like to add a touch of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or cilantro, for additional flavor and presentation.
