New England Style Shrimp Cocktail - Chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce
Shrimp Cocktail is a classic appetizer that presents chilled, cooked shrimp accompanied by a zesty cocktail sauce. This dish typically uses succulent large shrimp that are poached in a blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, which are then cooled in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The shrimp are elegantly arranged on a serving platter around a bowl of cocktail sauce which usually contains ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice for tang. Shrimp Cocktail can serve as a refreshing starter for a wide array of meals and is particularly popular for holiday gatherings, wedding receptions, and other celebratory occasions. Description by ChatGPT.
Chef Frank of Proto Cooks invites you to a nostalgic culinary journey back to his childhood with a delectable shrimp cocktail recipe. Whether it was dining out at Beefsteak Charlie's or enjoying family gatherings, shrimp cocktail was a special treat for him, and now, he wishes to share that joy with you. Bright, zesty, and brimming with classic flavors, this shrimp cocktail will be a hit at any gathering or a luxurious night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of 16/20 count shrimp (large shrimp)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (Chef Frank recommends Golds for its heat)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or mushroom ketchup as a vegetarian alternative)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water for boiling shrimp
Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes defrosting seafood if needed)
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Equipment: Large pot, colander, mixing bowl, cocktail glasses for serving.
Instructions
1. Begin by defrosting your shrimp, if needed. Place them in a colander and run cold water over them until defrosted. Do not use hot water, as this can affect the texture of the shrimp.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the bay leaves and a generous pinch of salt.
3. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
4. Immediately remove the shrimp from the boiling water and place them in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and chill the shrimp.
5. While the shrimp are cooling, prepare your cocktail sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and the juice of one fresh lemon. Whisk together until well blended. Taste and adjust spices as desired.
6. Peel the shrimp and devein if necessary, leaving the tails intact for easy dipping.
7. Arrange the shrimp around the rim of your chosen cocktail glasses. Spoon some cocktail sauce into the center of each glass.
8. Serve chilled as an elegant appetizer or part of your meal spread.
Cooking Tips:
- Always opt for fresh citrus juice over bottled versions to ensure the best flavor.
- When selecting horseradish, choose one that fits your heat preference. The spicier, the closer it gets to that piquant wasabi kick.
- Fresh, frozen shrimp are preferable to "refreshed" or thawed shrimp at the supermarket to avoid any loss of quality.
Remember, the joys of cooking often stem from the memories and experiences shared with loved ones. This shrimp cocktail is more than just a dish—it's a tribute to family, fun, and the flavors that mark our lives.
Enjoy preparing this classic shrimp cocktail, and don't forget to visit Chef Frank at Proto Cooks for more culinary inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/@ProtoCookswithChefFrank
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