How to Make Shrimp Cocktail

Learn how to make a perfect shrimp cocktail in 15 minutes!

When you make shrimp cocktail it’s the little things that count. This is an easy recipe to master, with just a few ingredients, so every step makes a difference.

This classic appetizer is a favorite for a reason. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s also low in calories (yea!). Add a zesty cocktail sauce to serve alongside these plump shrimp and watch them disappear!

Below you will find tips on:

• The right size and type of shrimp for a shrimp cocktail
• How to perfectly cook shrimp
• How to make a classic, balanced, and zesty seafood cocktail sauce

Ingredients needed

There are 2 parts to this homemade shrimp cocktail recipe – the shrimp (and its poaching liquid) and the zesty shrimp cocktail sauce

Shrimp:

• Shrimp – large raw shrimp with the tails on. Use 16/20’s, 21/25’s, or 26/30’s for best results. See below for more info on sizing. We prefer 21/25’s which are also called Jumbo Shrimp. Smaller shrimp are not recommended.
• Lemons – both for cooking the shrimp, making the cocktail sauce and for garnish
• Bay Leaf – when used in poaching Bay leaves add a subtle herb-like flavor
• Salt and Black Peppercorns – peppercorns are full of flavor but easy to strain out later
• Old Bay Seasoning – or something similar to give the shrimp added flavor
• Parsley – optional garnish. We prefer flat-leaf parsley

Seafood Cocktail Sauce:

See our full post and instructions on making this shrimp cocktail sauce, which couldn’t be easier. Here are the ingredients:

• Ketchup – the base of the sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce – gives great added flavor
• Lemon Juice – adds a bright flavor
• Horseradish and Hot Sauce – Adds the heat and allows you to make this sauce as mild or spicy as you would like

How to Make restaurant-quality Shrimp Cocktail

Make the Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce:

• Prepare the cocktail sauce by whisking all of the ingredients together. Set aside if using right away or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
• If you don’t have time to make your own cocktail sauce be sure to buy a high quality version at the grocery store.

Preparing the Shrimp:

• Remove the shrimp shells but leave the tails on (makes a great handle for dipping!)
• Devein shrimp, if needed, and rinse. (see below for tips on deveining shrimp)

Cooking the Shrimp:

• Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water.
• Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water. (Save the other half for garnish) Add the squeezed lemon half to the water.
• Add Bay leaf, salt, black peppercorns, and Old Bay seasoning. This is called a “court bouillon”.

• Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to infuse the water.
• Prepare a bowl of ice water by filling a medium bowl with 2 cups of ice and filling halfway up with cold water. Be sure to do this before cooking the shrimp.
• Remove the pan from the heat and drop in the cleaned shrimp.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp begin to curl (see time chart below) and they have turned pink. Jumbo shrimp is perfectly cooked in 2 minutes.
• Once cooked, strain the shrimp, or remove them with a slotted spoon, and then quickly add them to the ice bath to cool them and stop the cooking.
• Once cooled strain again and pat the shrimp dry.
• If not serving right away store the cooked shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours

2 Ways to Serve Classic Shrimp Cocktail

• 1. INDIVIDUAL SERVINGS:

Fill a small dish or martini glass with a few Tablespoons of cocktail sauce. Hang 3-5 pieces of prepared shrimp over the edge, then add a sprig of parsley or a wedge of lemon (or both) for garnish. A sprinkling of lemon zest is also pretty.

• 2. PLATTER

Add prepared cocktail sauce to a small bowl and place on a platter. Scatter the prepared shrimp around the bowl of sauce and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and parsley.

What do the numbers on shrimp mean?

• Shrimp sold in the U.S. are labeled with numbers that tell you approximately how many shrimp are in a pound.
• For example, 21/25 means there will be 21-25 pieces per pound.
• Shrimp often has names, but that is not as accurate, so using the number system is best.

How long to poach shrimp

Here’s a timing guide for raw shrimp, but as always, use your eyes to tell you when they are done. Shrimp cook quickly so be sure to have the ice bath ready. These are the 3 best sizes for a classic shrimp cocktail.

• Size 16/20 – poach for 3.5-4 minutes
• Size 21/25 – poach for 2 minutes
• Size 26/30 – poach for 1.5 minutes

NOTE: If using frozen shrimp add approximately 1 minute to the cooking time.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• The shrimp can be poached and chilled 24 hours ahead of serving
• Seafood cocktail sauce can be prepared up to 7 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

YES! Either thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed above, or cook frozen but add about 1 minute to the cooking time.

How to Devein Shrimp

• Hold the shrimp between your thumb and forefinger with the rounded side (back of the shrimp) upward.
• Place the pointed end of a wooden skewer, or tip of a knife, between the second and third segments of the shrimp, about 1/8-inch down from the top.
• Gently push the skewer, or knife tip, through the skin and then lift up to remove the vein.
• Discard and repeat with each shrimp. Rinse the deveined shrimp before using them.

What pairs with Shrimp Cocktail?

• Shrimp cocktail pairs well with nearly any type of salad such as our Arugula Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Strawberry Spinach Salad, or Fresh Citrus Salad
• Serve with a bowl of Honey Roasted Cashews, or Candied Pecans
• Don’t forget a cool classic cocktail: Lemon Drop Martini, Moscow Mule, or French Martini
• Serve alongside Mini Caprese Skewers