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Of of the Shrimp Cocktails right after serving in the martini glass. Super detail side shot
  • 15 min.
  • 15 min.
  • 1/5

Ingredients:

Shrimp Cocktail:

Optional Decoration:

* You can use any cooked, frozen shrimp that you have available or that you like. I prefer large or extra-large shrimp, but often also use smaller versions. Shrimp needs to be peeled. They can, but don’t have to, have the tail on based on your preference. Options without the tail will be easier to eat, especially while covered with sauce, while the option with the tail will be more stylish. This recipe asks for cooked shrimp, which are typically pink (gray-colored shrimp are raw), and will also state on the packaging that they are cooked. These kinds of shrimp do not need to be further cooked and only need to be defrosted quickly in hot water. You can use raw (gray-colored shrimp) too, but in that *You can use any cooked, frozen shrimp that you have available or that you like. I prefer large or extra-large shrimp, but often also use smaller versions. Shrimp needs to be peeled. They can, but don’t have to, have the tail on ones based on your preference. Options without the tail will be easier to eat, especially while covered with sauce, while the option with the tail will be more stylish. This recipe asks for cooked shrimp, which are typically pink (gray-colored shrimp are raw), and will also state on the packaging that they are cooked. These kinds of shrimp do not need to be further cooked and only need to be defrosted quickly in hot water. You can use raw (gray-colored shrimp) too, but in that case, you need to defrost them in the refrigerator or cold water, then add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, followed by sautéing until done (usually 3-5 minutes) and then cooling. Even though I generally prefer cooking shrimp by sautéing instead of buying already cooked ones, boiled ones are a great option for this cocktail since the cocktail sauce has a very rich flavor that compensates for not seasoning and sautéing the shrimp.case, you need to defrost them in the refrigerator or cold water, then add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, followed by sautéing until done (usually 3-5 minutes) and then cooling. Even though I generally prefer cooking shrimp by sautéing instead of buying already cooked ones, boiled ones are a great option for this cocktail since the cocktail sauce has a very rich flavor that compensates for not seasoning and sautéing the shrimp.

Tools:

Directions:

Shrimp Cocktail - steps-01

1. Shrimp Preparation:

1.1. Place 1 LB of frozen shrimp in a medium mixing bowl and pour steaming water over them until all the shrimp are fully immersed and the water level is about one to two inches above the shrimp.

Note:

If you plan to follow up with optional decoration steps using a few extra shrimp with tails, add them on top of the main pound so they can defrost together and be removed right before pouring the shrimp over the colander in order to prevent a mix-up and also to not forget about them.

Shrimp Cocktail - steps-03Shrimp Cocktail - steps-04

1.2. Cover the bowl with a plate and let it sit on the countertop until the shrimp are fully defrosted, which usually takes 5-10 minutes.

Notes:

  • If not enough water is added, the shrimp will only defrost partially, which will lead to slower defrosting.
  • This can be sped up by replacing the cold water with new hot water. The defrosted shrimp do not need to be cold; they can be warm—the important thing is that they are fully defrosted.

1.3.

When defrosted, pour the shrimp and water through a colander to drain.

Shrimp Cocktail - steps-06Shrimp Cocktail - steps-07

1.4.

Leave the shrimp in the colander to continue draining while you prepare the following sauce.

2. Cocktail Sauce Preparation:

2.1. Place into the second medium mixing bowl:

¾ cup of mayonnaise
½ cup of sour cream
3 TBSP of ketchup
¼ TSP of salt
¼ TSP of ground pepper

Then thoroughly stir with a French whisk until fully combined (usually about 30 seconds to 1 minute).

Shrimp Cocktail - steps-09Shrimp Cocktail - steps-10

2.2.

Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

3. Finalize the Shrimp Cocktail:

3.1.

Add the defrosted shrimp to the cocktail sauce.

Shrimp Cocktail - steps-11

3.2.

Stir with a spatula until all the shrimp are covered with sauce.

Shrimp Cocktail - steps-12

3.3.

For best results, let it settle in the refrigerator for about one hour or overnight.

4. Assemble the Shrimp Cocktail:

4.1.

Divide the cocktail evenly between four glasses or bowls.

4.2.

Optionally, decorate with a few cooked and peeled shrimp, a lemon slice, and parsley.

Shrimp Cocktail-04

Types of Shrimp

May 18, 2024

The humble shrimp, a crustacean delicacy enjoyed across the globe, is far more diverse than many realize. From tiny, sweet morsels to jumbo-sized prawns, the world of shrimp offers a spectrum of flavors, textures, and culinary possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook just starting to explore the wonders of seafood, understanding the different types of shrimp can elevate your dishes and expand your culinary horizons. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide, delving into the characteristics of popular shrimp varieties and how best to utilize them in your kitchen.

Tom the Chef Tom the Chef Founder
About the Author:
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