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Shrimp Cocktail with Zesty Horseradish sauce

Shrimp Cocktail with Zesty Horseradish Sauce

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large pot Essential for boiling the shrimp. If you don’t have a stockpot, a deep saucepan works too.
  • Slotted spoon Helps remove the shrimp quickly from the boiling water into an ice bath.
  • Mixing bowl For combining the sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk To blend the horseradish sauce until smooth.
  • Serving platter or cocktail glasses For a more festive touch, use clear cocktail glasses with a lettuce leaf as a base to serve the shrimp individually.
  • Ice bath setup A large bowl filled with ice and water to immediately stop the cooking process and keep the shrimp perfectly tender.

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp

  • 1 ½ lbs large shrimp 16–20 count, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups cold water
  • Ice bath for chilling

For the Zesty Horseradish Sauce

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce such as Tabasco
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Poaching Liquid

  1. In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water with kosher salt, halved lemon, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. This aromatic poaching liquid subtly infuses the shrimp with flavor as they cook.

Cook the Shrimp

  1. Add the cleaned shrimp to the boiling water and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until they turn pink and firm—this takes just about 2–3 minutes, depending on their size. Do not overcook or they’ll become rubbery.

Chill Immediately

  1. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them sit in the ice bath for 5–7 minutes until completely chilled. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Make the Zesty Horseradish Sauce

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning or heat level as needed. Chill for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serve with Style

  1. Arrange the shrimp on a chilled platter, or serve in individual cocktail glasses with a dollop of sauce at the bottom or on the side. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a festive touch. This presentation adds a touch of sophistication, making it ideal for your Christmas dinner appetizers spread.