Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Sauce
Impress your guests with perfectly poached shrimp and a zesty homemade cocktail sauce. This is a classic appetizer, elevated.
Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Sauce
Impress your guests with perfectly poached shrimp and a zesty homemade cocktail sauce. This is a classic appetizer, elevated.
The Key Move
Poach the shrimp gently at a low simmer to ensure they remain tender and succulent.
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The Setup
- Large Pot
- Medium Bowl
- Ice Bath
The Mise en Place
5 of 8Your prep station before cooking begins
The Protein (0/1)
Sauce (0/7)
Shrimp are rubbery.
You overcooked the shrimp. Reduce the cooking time and ensure the water is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
Sauce is too spicy.
Reduce the amount of hot sauce or horseradish. You can also add a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.
The Method
PREPARE
Fill a large pot with water and add salt (¼ tsp). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
POACH
Time-sensitiveGently add the shrimp to the simmering water. Poach for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Do not overcook the shrimp or they will become rubbery. • Shrimp are pink and opaque • Shrimp are firm to the touch
TRANSFER
Immediately transfer the poached shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
CHILL
Prep aheadLet the shrimp chill in the ice bath for at least 15 minutes.
DRAIN
Prep aheadDrain the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.
MAKE
Prep aheadIn a medium bowl, combine the ketchup (1 cup), horseradish, lemon juice (¼ cups), Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp), hot sauce (1 tsp), salt (¼ tsp), and pepper.
CHILL
Prep aheadCover and chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Aromatic and tangy
SERVE
Serve the chilled shrimp with the homemade cocktail sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.
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