While it may seem old-fashioned, shrimp cocktail has remained a party app staple for a reason. You might be tempted to buy store-bought, but trust us—making it homemade makes all the difference. Ready in under an hour, this
shrimp appetizer is so easy to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute appetizer for any party you want to add some fancy flare to. With our homemade sauce and perfectly prepared shrimp, this is the app that will take your holiday dinner from good to great—here’s how to perfect it:
All about the shrimp:
If you’ve ever wondered: is shrimp cocktail served raw? The answer is no—the shrimp is boiled until pink and cooked through, then chilled before serving. If you’re looking to switch up the classic preparation, check out our roasted shrimp cocktail recipe.
Our recipe is written for raw, thawed shrimp, but you can absolutely use frozen shrimp here—just place the frozen shrimp directly in the pot, and keep in mind that the time it takes to come to a boil and cook through will likely be a bit longer than the instructions below.
Although our recipe comes with an extra-flavorful sauce, we didn’t skimp on the seasoning for our shrimp either. Technically, the shrimp is seasoned twice here: once when the shrimp is boiled, and a second time when it hits the sauce right before you bite into it.
How to make the best shrimp cocktail sauce:
One of the best parts of a shrimp cocktail has to be the sauce, that’s why it’s worth making it homemade. With ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce and celery salt, this condiment packs a flavorful punch perfect for dunking your party app in.
Serving ideas:
Your options are truly limitless. Pair with our bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms if you’re planning an extra-fancy party, or with classic Southern potato salad and fried okra for a casual BBQ vibe. Looking for a special date night? Start your steak dinner off right by serving this classy app first.
Have you made this recipe? Let us know how you liked it in the comments below!
While it may seem old-fashioned, shrimp cocktail has remained a party app staple for a reason. You might be tempted to buy store-bought, but trust us—making it homemade makes all the difference. Ready in under an hour, this
shrimp appetizer is so easy to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute appetizer for any party you want to add some fancy flare to. With our homemade sauce and perfectly prepared shrimp, this is the app that will take your holiday dinner from good to great—here’s how to perfect it:
All about the shrimp:
If you’ve ever wondered: is shrimp cocktail served raw? The answer is no—the shrimp is boiled until pink and cooked through, then chilled before serving. If you’re looking to switch up the classic preparation, check out our roasted shrimp cocktail recipe.
Our recipe is written for raw, thawed shrimp, but you can absolutely use frozen shrimp here—just place the frozen shrimp directly in the pot, and keep in mind that the time it takes to come to a boil and cook through will likely be a bit longer than the instructions below.
Although our recipe comes with an extra-flavorful sauce, we didn’t skimp on the seasoning for our shrimp either. Technically, the shrimp is seasoned twice here: once when the shrimp is boiled, and a second time when it hits the sauce right before you bite into it.
How to make the best shrimp cocktail sauce:
One of the best parts of a shrimp cocktail has to be the sauce, that’s why it’s worth making it homemade. With ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce and celery salt, this condiment packs a flavorful punch perfect for dunking your party app in.
Serving ideas:
Your options are truly limitless. Pair with our bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms if you’re planning an extra-fancy party, or with classic Southern potato salad and fried okra for a casual BBQ vibe. Looking for a special date night? Start your steak dinner off right by serving this classy app first.
Have you made this recipe? Let us know how you liked it in the comments below!
Directions
-
- Step 1
Fill a large bowl halfway with ice and add water to cover; set aside. Cut one lemon into wedges.
- Step 2In large pot combine 6 cups water, salt, sugar, onion, and 5 sprigs parsley. Halve and juice remaining lemon and add to pot. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and add shrimp to pot.
- Step 3Let sit until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from the pot with a slotted spoon (or spider) into the bowl of ice.
- Step 4Make the cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until fully combined.
- Step 5Serve shrimp with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and garnish with parsley.
- Step 1
