Shrimp cocktail is a classic seafood appetiser that features chilled, tender shrimp served with a tangy and flavorful cocktail sauce. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly popular at parties, holiday meals, and summer gatherings. The dish is often served in a glass with a slice of lemon or on a platter over crushed ice.
The key to a fantastic shrimp cocktail lies in cooking the shrimp just right—firm but juicy—and using a sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and sour flavours. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for when you want something quick yet impressive.
This shrimp cocktail recipe always impresses guests with its bright flavour and presentation. Preparing the shrimp with a quick boil and shocking them in ice water keeps the texture just right. The cocktail sauce, made with ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and hot sauce, delivers a perfect kick.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
This shrimp cocktail is incredibly fresh and bursting with flavour. The shrimp are juicy, perfectly cooked, and served chilled. It’s the kind of appetiser that wakes up your taste buds and leaves you wanting more.
The homemade cocktail sauce takes things up a notch. It’s tangy, spicy, and bold—precisely what you need to balance the sweetness of the shrimp. You’ll crave that flavour combo after just one bite.
You’ll love how easy and fast this recipe is. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-style starter. It’s perfect for parties, holidays, or even a light, refreshing snack.
This shrimp cocktail is also low-carb and high in protein. It fits many diets and still tastes fantastic. You can enjoy it guilt-free and feel good about what you’re eating.
Pre-preparation of Shrimp Cocktail
Here’s a quick story. The first time I made shrimp cocktail at home, I dumped frozen shrimp straight into boiling water, no prep—big mistake. The flavour was off, the texture rubbery. That’s when I learned — shrimp need gentle love and some smart prep.
Here’s what you should do before cooking:
- Use raw, deveined shrimp (with tail on) – The tail acts like a mini handle for dipping. I recommend a 21/25 count (medium-large).
- Thaw if frozen – Place shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare an ice bath – Fill a bowl with ice and water to stop the cooking instantly and keep the shrimp firm and juicy.
- Clean and trim – Remove any remaining shell, rinse gently, and pat dry.
- Flavor the water – Add salt, lemon slices, peppercorns, and garlic to your boiling water. This infuses a subtle flavour into the shrimp while they cook.
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for both shrimp and the zesty cocktail sauce.
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb raw shrimp (21/25 size, peeled and deveined, tail on)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 garlic cloves (smashed)
- 4 cups water
- Ice (for ice bath)
For the cocktail sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish (more for spice lovers!)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Direcctions
Step-by-step shrimp cocktail magic:
- Boil water: In a large pot, add water, salt, lemon, peppercorns, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp and simmer for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl.
- Ice bath time: Quickly remove the shrimp and plunge them into the ice bath. Let them chill for 5 minutes.
- Make cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce—season with salt and pepper. Chill in the fridge.
- Serve: Pat shrimp dry, arrange in small glasses or on a platter, and serve with cocktail sauce on the side.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is more than just a tasty appetiser — it’s also packed with nutrients and health perks. If you’re looking to enjoy something flavorful and nourishing, this dish delivers both. Below, we’ll break down the nutrition and health benefits of shrimp cocktail using simple, clear bullet points for easy understanding.
Nutrition Benefits:
- High in Lean Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of low-fat, high-quality protein. Just 3 ounces can give you around 18 grams of protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
- Low in Calories: A typical shrimp cocktail serving has under 100 calories, making it perfect for weight management without sacrificing flavour.
- Rich in Selenium: Shrimp contains selenium, an essential antioxidant mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health.
- Source of Vitamin B12: Helps keep your nerves and blood cells healthy. Shrimp provides more than 20% of your daily B12 needs per serving.
- Contains Iodine: Iodine supports a healthy metabolism and proper thyroid function. Shrimp is naturally high in this nutrient.
- Good Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These heart-healthy fats help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and may lower the risk of heart disease.
- Zinc and Iron: Both minerals help support the immune system and carry oxygen in your blood.
- Low in Carbohydrates: Shrimp cocktail is an excellent option for low-carb and keto diets, especially with sugar-free cocktail sauce.
Health Benefits:
- Supports Weight Loss: Low in fat and calories but high in protein, shrimp cocktail keeps you full longer and may help reduce cravings.
- Boosts Heart Health: The omega-3s in shrimp support heart function and help reduce the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
- Promotes Brain Function: Nutrients like B12 and omega-3s play a key role in memory, focus, and overall brain health.
- Helps Fight Inflammation: Selenium and astaxanthin (a natural antioxidant in shrimp) help reduce inflammation and protect your cells.
- Strengthens Immune System: With minerals like zinc and selenium, shrimp cocktail helps your body fight off illness and recover faster.
- Improves Bone Strength: The mix of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in shrimp helps maintain strong, healthy bones.
- Aids Thyroid Function: Iodine and selenium from shrimp support hormone balance and keep your metabolism steady.
- May Support Skin Health: Astaxanthin also protects skin from ageing by fighting free radicals and boosting collagen levels.
Shrimp Cocktail Variation
There are many ways to enjoy shrimp cocktail. You can use grilled shrimp instead of boiled for a smoky flavour. Swap the traditional sauce with avocado salsa, mango chutney, or even garlic aioli for a twist. Try serving it in small glasses layered with lettuce, shrimp, and sauce for a fancy look.
Another fun variation is the Mexican-style shrimp cocktail, known as “coctel de camarones.” It includes diced shrimp, tomato juice, lime, cucumber, onions, cilantro, and avocado. This version is often eaten with crackers or tortilla chips and has a refreshing, zesty taste that’s perfect for summer.
How to Serve Shrimp Cocktail
Serve shrimp cocktail in a chilled glass or bowl. Hang the shrimp along the rim and place the sauce in the centre. Add a lemon wedge for garnish. Use a bed of ice underneath to keep the shrimp cold and safe to eat during warm weather gatherings.
If serving at a large party, arrange the shrimp on a platter over crushed ice. Place the cocktail sauce in a small dipping bowl. Provide cocktail forks or toothpicks to help guests pick up the shrimp easily. Always keep seafood chilled to maintain freshness and flavour.
Storage Options
Shrimp cocktail is best when served fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and sauce in separate airtight containers. Always chill within two hours of cooking to avoid spoilage.
Do not freeze already cooked shrimp cocktail, as the texture may become rubbery. If you must prepare ahead, freeze the shrimp before cooking. Thaw, boil, and chill when ready. Keep everything cold until serving to ensure food safety and taste.
FAQs About Shrimp Cocktail
Is shrimp cocktail served hot or cold?
Shrimp cocktail is always served cold. This keeps the shrimp fresh and the flavour bold.
What kind of shrimp is best for shrimp cocktail?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for shrimp cocktail. They are easier to dip and taste better chilled.
Can I make shrimp cocktail ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and chill the shrimp a day before serving. Just keep them cold and covered in the fridge.
Is shrimp cocktail healthy?
Shrimp cocktail is low in calories and high in protein. Just watch the sauce—some versions have added sugar or sodium.