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A serving of Classic Shrimp Cocktail with homemade sauce in elegant glasses on ice.

Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Sauce

This classic shrimp cocktail features perfectly cooked large shrimp and a zesty homemade sauce, ideal for a refreshing appetizer. It's simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled & deveined (33–38 count)
  • 1 tsp Sea salt
  • ½ tsp Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 cups Water
  • large Lemon, sliced
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • ½ tsp Whole black peppercorns
Homemade Sauce
  • ½ cup Ketchup (good-quality)
  • 2 Tbsp Prepared horseradish (coarse)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp Hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
  • ¼ tsp Smoked paprika
  • Salt Pinch
Garnish
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 4 Lemon wedges
  • Ice (crushed) - As needed

Equipment

  • Colander
  • Paper towels
  • Large pot

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Thaw frozen shrimp under cold running water for 5–7 minutes, then pat dry. Season the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
  2. Combine 4 cups of water, sliced lemon, 1 bay leaf, and ½ teaspoon of whole black peppercorns in a large pot to create a fragrant broth.

Notes

Serve immediately for best taste. For extra flavor, chill the cooked shrimp in the broth before serving.