Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 lemon, sliced 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the water, lemon slices, bay leaves, and salt to a boil.
2. 2.
   Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
3. 3.
   Remove the shrimp from the pot and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to make the cocktail sauce. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Once the shrimp are cooled, drain them and pat them dry with a paper towel.
6. 6.
   Arrange the shrimp around the rim of a glass or bowl, leaving space in the center for the cocktail sauce.
7. 7.
   Pour the cocktail sauce into the center of the glass or bowl.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley.
9. 9.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove the digestive tract. This can be done by making a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and rinsing it under cold water.
• Horseradish — Adjust the amount of horseradish according to your preference for spiciness. Add more for a stronger kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.
• Lemon — Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Roll the lemon on a hard surface before juicing to extract more juice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the cocktail sauce.
• Serve the shrimp cocktail with a side of lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the shrimp.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika.
• If you prefer a milder cocktail sauce, reduce the amount of horseradish and add a bit more ketchup.
• For a fancy presentation, serve the shrimp cocktail in martini glasses or on a bed of lettuce.

Serving advice

Serve the Classic Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer before a main course. Provide small forks or toothpicks for guests to easily pick up the shrimp. Accompany the dish with lemon wedges and extra cocktail sauce on the side.

Presentation advice

Arrange the shrimp in a circular pattern around the rim of a glass or bowl, with the cocktail sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve on a chilled platter or individual plates for an elegant presentation.