Shrimp cocktail is a quintessential appetizer that’s so easy to make and is ready in minutes. You'll never buy ore-made shrimp cocktail again!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time3 minutesmins
Total Time13 minutesmins
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Keyword: shrimp cocktail, shrimp cocktail recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 42kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
2quartswater
1lemonquartered
1or 2 bay leaves
10 to 15whole black peppercorns
1tablespoonsaltor to taste (1 tablespoon salt to 1 pound of shrimp cooked in 2 quarts of water is a good ratio)
one pound of 12-15 count raw shrimpdeveined and peeled with tails left on (16-20 count okay)
ice bath
cocktail saucefor serving (storebought or homemade, see blog post for recipe links)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water (about 2 quarts for 1 pound shrimp) and add the lemon, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
Allow water to boil for 5 to 10 minutes (while you’re cleaning the shrimp) to allow the flavors to develop.
Add the shrimp to the water (no need to remove lemon, bay leaves, or peppercorns) and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until done. Pull shrimp when they’ve firmed up and just turned pink. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery, tough, and not good.
Add shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking and allow to remain in icebath for about 5 minutes, or until chilled.
Serve immediately with cocktail sauce or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before serving.