Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is a quick and easy appetizer, perfect to serve at a party. Succulent pieces of seafood paired with a tasty dipping sauce.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 pounds shrimp (16/20 count)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 12 cups cold water (divided)
• 4 cups ice
• 2 pieces lemon peel (2" long)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 5 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 4 teaspoons creamy horseradish
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• lemon wedges (for garnish )

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Defrost the Shrimp - If using frozen shrimp, defrost in the refrigerator overnight, about 24 hours. For quick defrosting, place them in a colander and run cold water over them until they are no longer icy, about 10 minutes.
2. 2Peel and Devein - Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell. Remove the shell but leave the tail on. Use a paring knife to cut a shallow line down the back and remove the dark digestive tract. In a colander, wash and then drain.
3. 3Poach the Shrimp - In a large pot or Dutch oven, add 8 cups of water, salt, lemon peel, and bay leaves. Heat over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the salt. Heat until the surface is just beginning to move but not bubbling. The temperature should be about 180°F (82ºC), about 10 minutes.Add the shrimp to the pot, stir, and cook until opaque, loosely curled, and the thickest part reaches 140ºF (60ºC), about 2 ½ to 3 ½ minutes.
4. 4Add Shrimp to the Ice Bath - In a large bowl, add 4 cups of cold water and 4 cups of ice. Immediately transfer the shrimp to the ice water bath. Chill until cool, about 5 minutes. Drain using a colander.
5. 5Make the Cocktail Sauce - In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, water, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Transfer to a bowl for serving.
6. 6To Serve - Place the cooked shrimp on top of a bowl of ice or a serving platter (no ice if eaten immediately). Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with a bowl of cocktail sauce.