Chilled jumbo shrimp with zesty cocktail sauce
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6
1 lb shrimp
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Chilled jumbo shrimp with zesty cocktail sauce
★4.5(15)
Perfectly poached jumbo shrimp served chilled with a bold, horseradish-spiked cocktail sauce. The most elegant appetizer with minimal effort.
10m
Prep Time
5m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Shrimp cocktail is the gold standard of appetizers—elegant, impressive, and deceptively simple. The key is perfectly cooking the shrimp so they are tender, not rubbery.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 lemon, juiced (plus wedges for serving)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil with bay leaf, Old Bay, and half the lemon juice. Prepare an ice bath.
- 2
Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes until pink and just curled. Immediately transfer to the ice bath.
- 3
Mix ketchup, horseradish, remaining lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce for the cocktail sauce.
- 4
Drain and pat shrimp dry. Arrange on a platter of crushed ice.
- 5
Serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
HorseradishWasabi paste
Japanese-inspired heat
KetchupChili sauce
Slightly spicier, chunkier base
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Buy shell-on shrimp and peel them yourself for better flavor.
Adjust the horseradish to your heat preference.
Poach the shrimp a day ahead—they keep perfectly chilled.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked shrimp for up to 2 days. Keep cocktail sauce up to 1 week.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (160mg) · 6 servings
Calories120
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein18g
Carbohydrates1g
Fat8g
Fiber480mg
Sugar0g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, thaw them fully under cold running water before cooking.
- How do I know when shrimp are done?
- They turn pink, curl into a C shape, and feel firm. Avoid overcooking into a tight O shape.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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