Description
An elegant yet simple appetizer featuring plump jumbo shrimp poached with lemon and Old Bay, served with a bright, tangy, and spicy homemade cocktail sauce that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds jumbo shrimp (U-10 or U-15 count), peeled and deveined
- 4 cups water
- 1 lemon (1/2 squeezed for juice, 1/2 sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 bag ice
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3–4 tablespoons prepared horseradish (drained)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Thaw frozen shrimp by submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water for 20-30 minutes, then pat dry.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water. Add squeezed lemon halves, lemon slices, and Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape.
- Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl with ice and cold water.
- Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to the ice bath using a slotted spoon. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until completely cold.
- Drain shrimp thoroughly in a colander.
- Serve shrimp arranged on a platter or in cocktail glasses with the chilled sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley if desired.
Notes
Do not skip the ice bath; it stops the cooking process immediately to prevent rubbery texture. Ensure shrimp are well-drained to avoid diluting the sauce. The cocktail sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Do not freeze cooked shrimp as they become mushy upon thawing. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 shrimp per servi
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: shrimp cocktail, jumbo shrimp, homemade cocktail sauce, appetizer, summer recipes, seafood, party food, gluten-free, dairy-free