old fashioned shrimp cocktail recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned shrimp cocktail recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite old fashioned shrimp cocktail recipe. This dish has been a staple in my family for years, and it’s always a hit at gatherings and special occasions.

The combination of succulent shrimp, tangy cocktail sauce, and crunchy ice is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. But what I love most about this recipe is the simplicity of its preparation – it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always excited to be the first to taste the finished product. And as an added bonus, this recipe is surprisingly healthy, with the shrimp providing a boost of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

So if you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious, look no further than this old fashioned shrimp cocktail recipe. It’s a classic for a reason!

Old Fashioned Shrimp Cocktail

4.7 from 1854 votes

A classic appetizer featuring perfectly poached shrimp served chilled with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce. The shrimp are cooked in a flavorful court bouillon for extra depth.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
4 cups water
1/2 cup white wine
1 lemon, sliced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon salt

For the Cocktail Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Salt to taste

For Serving

Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine water, white wine, lemon slices, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.
2Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3Add the shrimp to the simmering liquid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
4Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
5Drain the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.
6Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter or in individual glasses, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until chilled.
7In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
8Season with salt to taste.
9Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
10To serve, place the chilled shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce or spoon sauce into individual cups.
11Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Slotted spoon
Mixing bowl
Serving platter or individual glasses

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 2g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 220mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For best results, use fresh or frozen raw shrimp. Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be just firm to the touch. The cocktail sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Shrimp Cocktail Works

One of the best things about this old fashioned shrimp cocktail recipe is its versatility – it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual Tuesday dinner or a special holiday gathering.

And because it’s so easy to make ahead of time, you can prep everything in advance and simply assemble just before serving.

This makes it ideal for potlucks or buffets where everyone needs to serve themselves quickly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Shrimp Cocktail

Q: What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using fresh or frozen large shrimp for this recipe. If you can’t find large shrimp, you can also use smaller ones, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I use pre-made cocktail sauce instead of making my own?

While store-bought cocktail sauce is convenient, I highly recommend making your own from scratch. It’s surprisingly easy and only requires a few ingredients – ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Plus, homemade cocktail sauce has a much deeper flavor profile that complements the shrimp perfectly.

Q: How long do I need to marinate the shrimp before serving?

Marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes will give them plenty of time to absorb all the flavors from the cocktail sauce. However, if you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will still result in deliciously flavored shrimp.

Q: Can I serve this dish as an appetizer or main course?

This old fashioned shrimp cocktail recipe makes an excellent appetizer or main course – it’s up to you! If serving as an appetizer, consider doubling or tripling the recipe to ensure everyone gets enough.

Q: Are there any variations on this classic recipe I can try?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations by adding diced jalapeños for an extra kick or using different types of citrus juice like lime or grapefruit. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

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