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Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Zesty Homemade Cocktail Sauce

A white platter featuring perfectly cooked shrimp surrounding a glass bowl of deep red shrimp cocktail sauce.
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Make this easy shrimp cocktail for a quick and elegant appetizer. Tender, chilled shrimp served with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce is a crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (cooked)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup prepared horseradish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. If using raw shrimp, cook them until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side in boiling water. Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the homemade cocktail sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, prepared horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and celery salt until fully combined.
  3. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You want a good balance of tang and spice.
  4. Cover the cocktail sauce and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is the best shrimp cocktail sauce you will make.
  5. To serve, arrange the chilled shrimp around the rim of a large glass bowl or individual serving glasses, with the tails facing up.
  6. Place the chilled cocktail sauce in the center of the bowl or in small dipping cups alongside the shrimp.
  7. Garnish the platter with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges. This easy shrimp appetizer is ready in minutes.

Notes

  • You can prepare the cocktail sauce up to three days ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
  • For an impressive presentation, arrange the shrimp in a circle on a platter to create a shrimp cocktail wreath.
  • If you want a quick seafood starter, use pre-cooked, chilled shrimp from the grocery store.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/shrimp-cocktail-recipe-homemade-sauce/