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Best Shrimp Cocktail

Best shrimp cocktail
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5 from 2 reviews

Here’s the best shrimp cocktail you’ll find! This tender shrimp and zesty homemade cocktail sauce will have everyone begging for the recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

For the shrimp

  • 1 pound large 16 to 20 count shrimp (we prefer tail-on and deveined)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 lemon
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

For the “famous” shrimp cocktail sauce

  • 1/2 cup organic ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, or more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Thaw the shrimp (place it in the refrigerator over night, or day of place it in a strainer and allow a steady stream of cold water to defrost it for about 15 minutes).
  2. Bring 12 cups of water to boil with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and lemon juice from the 1/2 lemon.
  3. Prepare a bowl of ice water.
  4. Add the shrimp and cook about 2 minutes (more or less time depending on size of shrimp), until bright pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place it directly into the ice water bath to stop the cooking.
  5. Meanwhile, stir together the Shrimp Cocktail Sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust horseradish to your preference.
  6. Remove the shells from the shrimp, leaving the shell of the tail on. Discard the shells.
  7. Pat the shrimp dry, and sprinkle it with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and few squirts from lemon wedges.
  8. Serve on a platter over ice with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce. Leftover shrimp keeps up to 3 days refrigerated.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/shrimp-cocktail/