Dads Famous Shrimp Cocktail Recipes

CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL

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.

CHEF JOHN'S SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Stir water, onion, lemon, garlic, tarragon, seafood seasoning, peppercorns, and bay leaf together in a large pot; bring to a simmer and cook until flavors blend, about 15 minutes.
• Whisk ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt together in a bowl; refrigerate until chilled, at least 15 minutes.
• Bring poaching liquid to a rapid boil. Cook the shrimp in the boiling liquid until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is no longer transparent in the center, about 5 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water and immerse in ice water until cold; drain. Arrange cold shrimp on a platter and serve with chilled sauce.

DAD'S ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BRANDIED SHRIMP

Steps:

• Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and cook, stirring often, until it is fragrant, one to two minutes
• Stir in the shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, oregano, and some salt and pepper and let the mixture simmer until the shrimp are partially cooked through and beginning to curl, about 2 minutes
• Stir in ketchup and simmer until the shrimp are opaque and just cooked through, two more minutes
• Add the brandy and parsley. Stir to combine, remove from heat and serve.