Description
This quick shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering, big or small. It’s incredibly simple to assemble, delivering a burst of tangy, zesty flavor with the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked shrimp.
Ingredients
• 1 cup ketchup ((homemade or store-bought))
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1 1/2 lbs large, cooked, tail-on shrimp* (, rinsed with cold water)
Instructions
Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until fully mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more horseradish for spice or ketchup for a milder flavor. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to several days. Serve chilled with the shrimp.
Notes
Chill is Key: Always serve your shrimp cocktail well-chilled. The shrimp should feel cool to the touch, and the sauce benefits from chilling as well, allowing the flavors to marry.
Don’t Overcook (if cooking your own): If you happen to be cooking your own shrimp from raw, be very careful not to overcook them. Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long. Cook until they just turn pink and opaque.
Presentation Matters: Serving the shrimp with the tails on creates an attractive presentation. You can arrange them in a fanned pattern or a neat pile around a central bowl of sauce.
Sauce Consistency: If you find your sauce is a little too thick, you can stir in a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A