If you’re craving a timeless appetizer that’s as elegant as it is easy, Shrimp Cocktail is the answer. Plump, tender shrimp are poached to perfection and served alongside a zesty, from-scratch cocktail sauce that’s just the right balance of bright, tangy, and spicy. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or simply satisfying a seafood craving at home, this Shrimp Cocktail recipe is a showstopper that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Shrimp Cocktail comes together with a handful of accessible but essential ingredients. Each component plays an important role in developing vibrant flavors, juicy textures, or that gorgeous finishing touch that makes it irresistible.

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): Choose the freshest shrimp you can find for sweet flavor and the perfect snappy bite.
1 lemon (halved): Adds citrusy zing to elevate the shrimp’s natural sweetness and brighten the cocktail sauce.
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: This classic blend infuses the poaching liquid with a gentle, savory heat and a hit of nostalgia.
1 bay leaf: A little earthy depth goes a long way in making the shrimp aromatic.
1 teaspoon black peppercorns: For subtle floral heat in the poaching broth.
1 cup ketchup: The tangy backbone of the cocktail sauce that ties everything together.
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish: Delivers that bold, nose-tingling kick everyone expects in a Shrimp Cocktail dip.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Accentuates the sauce with more citrus brightness and balances the sweetness of ketchup.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Lends a little savory umami and depth to the cocktail sauce.
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): Add a splash if you like a little extra heat lingering in your dip.
Fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges for serving (optional): Sprinkle a few leaves and squeeze some extra lemon for a finishing flourish.

How to Make Shrimp Cocktail

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Poaching Liquid

Start by filling a large pot with about 4 cups of water. Squeeze the juice from both lemon halves right into the pot, tossing in the spent peels as well. Add the Old Bay seasoning, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boiling point, then reduce it to a simmer for five minutes, letting all those flavors meld and perfume the kitchen with anticipation.

Step 2: Poach the Shrimp

Once your poaching liquid is ready, add your prepared shrimp. Let them cook for just 2 to 3 minutes—watch closely! The moment they turn pink and opaque, they’re perfect. Overcooking is a shrimp cocktail’s worst enemy, so quick timing is key for that juicy bite.

Step 3: Chill the Shrimp

Quickly transfer your cooked shrimp into a bowl of ice water. This ice bath instantly halts the cooking process and locks in their tender, springy texture. Let them chill for a few minutes, then drain and gently pat them dry. Pop them into the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your Shrimp Cocktail platter.

Step 4: Make the Cocktail Sauce

While the shrimp cool, whip up the cocktail sauce. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, prepared horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if you crave an extra punch. Give it a good stir—taste and adjust the horseradish or lemon until it’s perfect for you. If time allows, chill the sauce for 30 minutes so the flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the chilled shrimp attractively on a platter, curling them around a bowl of the zippy cocktail sauce. For ultimate flair, garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges. Hand your guests a pile of napkins and revel in your Shrimp Cocktail masterpiece, which is bound to disappear in minutes!

How to Serve Shrimp Cocktail

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of presentation—generous sprigs of fresh parsley and bright lemon wedges make your Shrimp Cocktail look as festive as it tastes. A few cracks of black pepper or a sprinkle of Old Bay over the shrimp can add a dash of color and flavor right before serving.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Cocktail fits right in on an appetizer spread, but if you want to turn it into more of a meal, add a crisp green salad, sliced avocado, or a basket of crunchy baguette slices. These sides bring fresh, light flavors that let the shrimp and cocktail sauce shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, serve Shrimp Cocktail in individual glasses, like martini glasses or small mason jars, with the sauce at the bottom and shrimp hanging dramatically over the rim. Or nestle them into lettuce cups for easy, party-ready grab-and-go bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Shrimp Cocktail (rare, but it happens!), store the shrimp and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This preserves the texture and keeps everything fresh for up to two days.

Freezing

While cooked shrimp can be frozen, the texture does soften once thawed. Spread cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. For best results, enjoy freshly made shrimp, but this trick works if you need to prep well in advance.

Reheating

Shrimp Cocktail is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t typically necessary or recommended. If you’re repurposing leftovers for another recipe, briefly warm the shrimp in a skillet or toss them into a hot dish for just a minute so they don’t turn rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Cocktail?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work beautifully in a pinch. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water, then proceed with the recipe. Look for shrimp labeled “peeled and deveined, tails on” to save prep time.

How far ahead can I make Shrimp Cocktail?

You can poach and chill the shrimp as well as mix the cocktail sauce up to a day in advance. In fact, letting the sauce chill for several hours deepens its flavor. Keep everything covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to devein shrimp?

Use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the shrimp’s back, then lift out the dark vein with the tip of the knife or rinse it away under cold water. This ensures a clean flavor and smooth texture in every bite of your Shrimp Cocktail.

Can I make it spicier?

Of course! Add extra horseradish or your favorite hot sauce, or even a dash of cayenne, to adjust the cocktail sauce’s intensity exactly to your liking. Personalizing Shrimp Cocktail is half the fun!

Is Shrimp Cocktail gluten-free?

Yes! This Shrimp Cocktail recipe contains no wheat products, making it naturally gluten-free and perfect for a crowd with dietary considerations. Always double-check your Worcestershire sauce and other condiments for hidden gluten to be safe.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Cocktail is one of those classic dishes that feels special, but is wonderfully simple and rewarding to make at home. Trust me, once you’ve tasted shrimp that’s poached and sauced just right, you’ll want to whip this up for every gathering and maybe just for yourself too. Give it a try—your guests (or your tastebuds) will thank you!

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Shrimp Cocktail is a classic seafood appetizer featuring tender, flavorful shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for yourself.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
1 lemon (halved)
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon black peppercorns

For the Cocktail Sauce:

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

For Serving:

Fresh parsley
Extra lemon wedges

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Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: In a large pot, combine water, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
Chill the Shrimp: Transfer cooked shrimp to ice water to stop cooking. Drain, pat dry, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make the Cocktail Sauce: Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a bowl.
Assemble: Arrange shrimp on a platter, serve with cocktail sauce. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.