Shrimp Cocktail

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Shrimp Cocktail is a classic, elegant appetizer that’s light, refreshing, and always a hit at parties, holiday gatherings, or brunches. Juicy, tender shrimp are quickly cooked and served chilled with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce for the perfect make-ahead crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
lemon (sliced)
bay leaf (optional)
black peppercorns (optional)
kosher salt
ice (for chilling)
prepared horseradish
ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
fresh lemon juice
hot sauce (optional)

directions

Fill a large pot with water and add lemon slices, bay leaf, peppercorns, and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil.

Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.

Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to an ice bath to stop cooking and chill completely. Drain well.

In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce if using. Adjust to taste.

Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter around a bowl of cocktail sauce. Serve with extra lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking and chilling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the cocktail sauce.
Use pre-cooked shrimp for an even quicker version—just thaw and chill.
Serve in individual cups for a fun party presentation.

storage/reheating

Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep the cocktail sauce covered and chilled.
Serve shrimp cold—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw them completely before cooking.

How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?
Boil just until pink and opaque—shrimp cook very quickly.

Is homemade cocktail sauce better?
Yes! It’s fresher, spicier, and easy to adjust to your taste.

What size shrimp is best?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for dipping.

Can I make shrimp cocktail ahead of time?
Absolutely—cook and chill the shrimp up to a day in advance.

Conclusion

Easy Shrimp Cocktail is a timeless appetizer that’s simple, elegant, and always impressive. With tender shrimp and a punchy homemade sauce, it’s the perfect starter for any occasion, big or small.

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