Savor the timeless taste of our Classic Elegance: Shrimp Cocktail, a dish that epitomizes sophistication and simplicity. This appetizer features succulent, chilled shrimp served with a zesty, tangy cocktail sauce. It's a perfect starter for any dinner party, offering a refreshing and elegant way to begin a meal.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Yields 6 servings
- Serving Size: 5 shrimps with sauce
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Ingredients
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 30
- Lemon, halved - 1
- Bay leaves - 2
- For the Cocktail Sauce:
- Ketchup - 1 cup
- Prepared horseradish - 2 tablespoons
- Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Hot sauce (optional) - to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped - for garnish
- Lemon slices - for garnish
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Fill a large pot with water, add the lemon halves and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque.
- Drain the shrimp and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain and refrigerate the shrimp for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Cocktail Sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well.
- To serve, arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter with the cocktail sauce in the center.
- Garnish the platter with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- For an extra kick, adjust the horseradish and hot sauce to your liking.
- Serve the shrimp cocktail in individual glasses for an elegant presentation.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or champagne for a complete experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking.
How long can I store the shrimp cocktail?
Keep in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for the best quality.
Can I make the cocktail sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated.
Your Classic Elegance: Shrimp Cocktail is ready to dazzle your guests with its sublime flavor and presentation. This dish is a celebration of simplicity and elegance, sure to set the tone for a memorable dining experience. Enjoy the refreshing taste of the sea and the zesty cocktail sauce, and let each bite take you on a delightful culinary journey!