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Classic Chilled Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Zesty Dipping Sauce

A white plate featuring perfectly cooked shrimp cocktail surrounding a small glass bowl of bright red cocktail sauce.
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Make this easy shrimp cocktail appetizer for your next gathering. This recipe features perfectly cooked, chilled shrimp served with a bold, homemade cocktail sauce that you can prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup prepared horseradish (use more for extra kick)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • Ice, for chilling
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
  2. Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for 5 minutes.
  3. Drain the shrimp well and pat them dry. If using tails on, arrange the shrimp on a platter or in individual cocktail cups. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Prepare the homemade cocktail sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and celery salt until fully combined.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed; add more horseradish for heat or lemon juice for tang.
  6. Cover the sauce and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. To serve this elegant party finger food, place the chilled shrimp around a central bowl of the zesty seafood appetizer ideas sauce, or serve the sauce alongside individual shrimp cocktail cups. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, make the cocktail sauce a day ahead. This allows the flavors to deepen.
  • If you want a quick seafood appetizer, you can use pre-cooked, frozen shrimp; just thaw them completely and chill them thoroughly before serving.
  • To create a stunning presentation, arrange the shrimp on a large platter over crushed ice, forming a wreath shape.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/zesty-shrimp-cocktail-amazing-party-trick/