The Best Shrimp Cocktail Recipes

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.

TRULY THE BEST SHRIMP COCKTAIL RECIPE EVER

Steps:

• In small bowl, mix together the ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, gin, Tabasco, celery salt, and sea salt. Chill until ready to serve. Stir in parsley right before serving.
• Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails attached. You can refer to the video for visual cues on how to do this.
• Place peels into a large pot. Add water, vermouth or wine, 1 tablespoon of the kosher salt, peppercorns, coriander seeds, bay leaves, onion, tarragon, and lemon.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes more, then strain broth through a fine sieve into a fresh pot.
• Bring stock to a boil, then remove from heat. Add shrimp and cover tightly. Leave for 3 to 4 minutes, until just opaque throughout (still off the heat - the shrimp "poach" in the residual heat and remain amazingly tender).
• While the shrimp poach, fill a large bowl with ice water and the remaining tablespoon kosher salt.
• Transfer shrimp to bowl to stop the cooking and chill thoroughly. They will firm up a bit as they cool.

THE SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Using a pair of scissors or a serrated knife, make an incision down the backside of the shrimp, following the intestinal track. Eviscerate shrimp and rinse under cool water leaving shells intact.
• Place cleaned shrimp into a bowl with brine and refrigerate mixture for 20 to 25 minutes. While shrimp are brining, place tomatoes, chili sauce, horseradish, sugar, pepper, and salt in food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate cocktail sauce until ready to serve.
• Place a baking sheet or broiler pan under oven broiler and preheat for 5 minutes. Remove shrimp from brine and drain thoroughly. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and dry on paper towels. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, if desired.
• Place shrimp onto a sizzling sheet pan and return to broiler immediately. After 2 minutes, turn the shrimp with a pair of tongs. Return the shrimp to broiler for 1 minute. Transfer to a cold cookie sheet. Refrigerate immediately.
• Once shrimp have chilled, arrange with cocktail sauce in a martini glass or as desired.

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.