Description
An easy, make-ahead jumbo shrimp cocktail appetizer that is zesty, bold, and impressive. This gluten-free and dairy-free dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for holidays and parties.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) jumbo shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined
- 6–8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 large bay leaf
- 1 lemon (sliced, half juiced)
- 4 cups ice
- ½ cup (120g) ketchup
- 3–4 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Fill a large stockpot with 6-8 cups of water. Add sea salt, peppercorns, bay leaf, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, add the shrimp. Stir gently to separate. Cook for 2-4 minutes until shrimp turn opaque, pink, and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape.
- Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to the ice bath using a slotted spoon. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to cool completely.
- Drain the shrimp well. Arrange on a platter or in individual serving dishes.
- Spoon the chilled cocktail sauce over or around the shrimp. Garnish with lemon wedges and paprika if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
[‘The ice bath is non-negotiable to stop the cooking process and prevent rubbery texture.’, ‘Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary to maintain boiling temperature.’, ‘The cocktail sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead; flavors meld and improve overnight.’, ‘Shrimp should be served cold. Do not reheat.’, ‘Check ketchup and Worcestershire sauce labels to ensure they are gluten-free if needed.’, ‘If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 shrimp per serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 20
Keywords: shrimp cocktail, jumbo shrimp, appetizer, holiday recipes, gluten-free appetizer, easy seafood, make-ahead appetizer, cocktail sauce