Imagine impressing your guests with a mouthwatering shrimp cocktail that looks and tastes like it came straight from a five-star restaurant - without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy shrimp cocktail recipe is your ticket to culinary stardom, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer that will have everyone asking for your secret. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a quick seafood treat, this foolproof method guarantees perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp every single time!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by ensuring they are completely peeled and deveined, with tails optionally left on for presentation.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and prevents steaming.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution by gently tossing in a mixing bowl.
- Choose your cooking method: - Roasting: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer, not overcrowding. - Poaching: Fill a medium saucepan with water or broth, bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cooking techniques: - Roasting: Bake for 6-8 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, with slight golden edges. - Poaching: Gently cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they become pink and curl slightly.
- Immediately remove shrimp from heat to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp for brightness and additional flavor.
- Chill shrimp in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes if serving cold, or serve immediately if preferred warm.
- Arrange chilled or warm shrimp on a serving platter, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve with cocktail sauce on the side for dipping, allowing guests to customize their experience.
Tips
- • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture • Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve beautiful browning • Don't overcrowd the pan or baking sheet to ensure even cooking • Watch cooking time carefully - shrimp cook quickly and can become tough • Use a timer and remove shrimp immediately when they turn pink • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika • Chill shrimp thoroughly for a classic cold cocktail presentation • Homemade cocktail sauce can elevate this dish from good to extraordinary • Fresh parsley isn't just for garnish - it adds a bright, fresh flavor • Experiment with roasting or poaching to find your preferred cooking method
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 170mg
