Best 4 How To Boil Shrimp For Shrimp Cocktail Recipes

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Shrimp cocktail is a classic seafood appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with boiled shrimp that are chilled and then served with a tangy cocktail sauce. This succulent dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

This article provides three different recipes for shrimp cocktail, each with its own unique flavor profile. The first recipe is a classic shrimp cocktail with a traditional cocktail sauce made with ketchup, mayonnaise, horseradish, and lemon juice. The second recipe is a spicy shrimp cocktail with a zesty cocktail sauce made with Sriracha, lime juice, and cilantro. The third recipe is a creamy shrimp cocktail with a rich and creamy cocktail sauce made with avocado, sour cream, and dill.

All three recipes are simple to follow and can be made in under 30 minutes. They are perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or as part of a larger seafood feast. With its bright flavors and elegant presentation, shrimp cocktail is sure to impress your guests.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Shrimp Cocktail image

During the '60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It's the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. -Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield about 6 dozen (1-1/4 cups sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 quarts water
1 small onion, sliced
1/2 medium lemon, sliced
2 sprigs fresh parsley
1 tablespoon salt
5 whole peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3 pounds uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
SAUCE:
1 cup chili sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash cayenne pepper
Lemon wedges, optional

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, combine the first 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add shrimp. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until shrimp turn pink, 4-5 minutes. , Drain shrimp and immediately rinse in cold water. Refrigerate until cold, 2-3 hours. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until serving. , Arrange shrimp on a serving platter; serve with sauce. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 59 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 555mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 9g protein.

CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Classic Shrimp Cocktail image

One of Martha's favorite entertaining strategies is to serve a pared-down-but still special feeling-menu. Her classic shrimp cocktail is a perfect example: it's an easy but elegant starter that shines because it calls for the very best ingredients-including a quick homemade cocktail sauce. When preparing this spread, use high-quality, sustainably sourced shrimp, and plan on about three to six shrimp per guest.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count), peel on
2 large carrots, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into thirds
1 stalk celery with leaves, cut into thirds
4 sprigs thyme
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 lemons
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 to 3 tablespoons fresh horseradish or prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco (optional)

Steps:

  • Shrimp: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with ice (to later cool down shrimp). In a large stockpot combine 12 cups water, carrot, celery, thyme, 1 tablespoon salt, and peppercorns. Cut one lemon in half; squeeze half the juice into the water and add the rind. Cut remaining 1 1/2 lemons into small wedges for serving; set aside.
  • Bring water to a boil. Add shrimp, cover; remove from heat. Let stand until shrimp are bright pink and curled; 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to prepared tray of ice to cool completely. Once cool, shrimp can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.
  • Cocktail Sauce: Meanwhile, whisk together all ingredients until combined. (Cocktail sauce can be made ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week.)
  • To Serve: Peel shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired. Using a paring knife, make a shallow cut along backs of shrimp to remove vein. Arrange shrimp neatly on a platter, shingling them slightly to make a pattern, and serve chilled with cocktail sauce and reserved lemon wedges on the side.

PERFECT BOILED SHRIMP AND COCKTAIL SAUCE



Perfect Boiled Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce image

Make and share this Perfect Boiled Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by JackieOhNo

Categories     Very Low Carbs

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 quarts water
1 bay leaf
1 lemon, quartered
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 lb shrimp
1/2 cup chili sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Heat water, bay leaf, lemon and black peppercorns to boiling in large pot. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, shell and devein shrimp. Add shrimp and cook just until pink and slightly firm to the touch, about 3 minutes. Drain immediately and cool under cold running water.
  • To make cocktail sauce, combine chili sauce, lime juice, horseradish, hot red pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in bowl.

SHRIMP COCKTAIL



Shrimp Cocktail image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 38m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

10 cups cold water
2 medium carrots, quartered
2 stalks celery, quartered
1 large onion, quartered
1 head garlic, halved
1 lemon, halved
1/2 bunch parsley
5 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 pound medium or large shrimp, in the shell, rinsed
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Cocktail Sauce, recipe follows
Lemon wedges
1 cup ketchup
1 lemon, zest finely grated and juiced
4 teaspoons prepared horseradish, or to taste, drained
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce, to taste

Steps:

  • Put the water, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, lemon, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer, set a cover on top slightly ajar, and cook for 10 to 30 minutes.
  • Drop the shrimp into the liquid and turn off the heat. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they curl and turn pink, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large ones. Drain and cool to room temperature. Peel the shrimp and remove the vein along the curve of the shrimp, if desired. Refrigerate if not serving right away. If refrigerated, bring the shrimp to room temperature 20 minutes before serving.
  • To serve put the cocktail sauce in a medium bowl and surround with the shrimp, or loop the shrimp over the edge of an individual cocktail glass and top with the sauce. Garnish with the lemon and serve.
  • Optional Tip: To de-vein the shrimp before cooking, hold a shrimp between the thumb and forefinger with the rounded side of the shrimp upward. Place the pointed end of a wooden skewer at the junction of the second and third segments of the shrimp shell, about 1/8-inch down from the top. Gently push the skewer through the shell and then lift up to remove the vein.
  • Combine the ketchup, lemon zest and juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Add hot sauce, if desired. Mix well, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Tips:

  • Choose the right shrimp: For shrimp cocktail, use large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) with the heads removed and the shells intact.
  • Prepare the shrimp: Devein the shrimp by making a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and removing the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water.
  • Use a large pot: Use a large pot that can hold the shrimp in a single layer. This will ensure that the shrimp cook evenly.
  • Bring the water to a boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water.
  • Add the shrimp: Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp. Stir gently to ensure that the shrimp are evenly distributed.
  • Cook the shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp, as this will make them tough.
  • Drain the shrimp: Drain the shrimp in a colander and rinse them under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked.
  • Chill the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl of ice water to chill them. This will help them to retain their flavor and texture.
  • Serve the shrimp: Serve the shrimp cocktail with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or remoulade.

Conclusion:

Boiling shrimp for shrimp cocktail is a simple and easy process that can be done in just a few minutes. By following these tips, you can ensure that your shrimp are cooked perfectly and that they have the best flavor and texture.

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