Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Large shrimp poached in a lemony court bouillon, chilled on ice and served with a zesty homemade horseradish cocktail sauce. Serves 6.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeKetoLow-carbHigh-protein

Contains: fish, shellfish, soy. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 15 min
  • Cook 10 min
  • Chill 30 min
  • Total 55 min
  • Yield 6 servings
  • Level Easy

Updated

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Chilled jumbo shrimp around a glass of cocktail sauce on crushed ice with lemon

Shrimp cocktail is the steakhouse appetizer. Poaching the shrimp in a seasoned, lemony broth and then chilling them in ice water gives tender, flavorful shrimp, far better than pre-cooked rings.

The homemade cocktail sauce comes together in a minute; adjust the horseradish to taste.

Instructions

  1. Make the broth. Bring the water, lemon, salt, bay leaf and peppercorns to a boil and simmer 5 minutes.
  2. Poach. Turn off the heat, add the shrimp and let stand 3 to 4 minutes, until pink and opaque.
  3. Chill. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water, then peel, leaving the tails on, and chill at least 30 minutes.
  4. Make the sauce. Stir the cocktail sauce ingredients together.
  5. Serve. Arrange the shrimp on ice around a bowl of sauce with lemon wedges.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

170Calories
10 gCarbohydrates
<1 gFiber
10 gNet carbs
31 gProtein
<1 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

KetoLow-carbHigh-proteinGluten-freeDairy-free

Tips

  • Cooking shrimp in their shells keeps them juicy.
  • Poach up to a day ahead and keep chilled.

Storage and leftovers

Make ahead

Poach up to a day ahead and keep chilled. Keep shrimp cocktail on ice while serving and refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days.

Questions about this recipe

How long do you poach shrimp for shrimp cocktail?
3 to 4 minutes off the heat for jumbo shrimp, until pink and opaque.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes; thaw them first in the refrigerator or in cold water.

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