Shrimp Cocktail
This Shrimp Cocktail is a classic appetizer! Elegant, flavorful, and easy to prepare with perfectly cooked shrimp and tangy cocktail sauce.
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
- Skillet
- Plate
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- 1 item lemon cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures your shrimp will cook evenly.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add hot sauce if you like a little extra kick. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture for maximum flavor.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking because shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the shrimp is crucial for a classic chilled shrimp cocktail experience.
- Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter around a bowl of cocktail sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp just before eating. This adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich flavors.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid a tough and rubbery texture.
- Always chill the shrimp before serving for the best classic shrimp cocktail experience.
- Use homemade or well-selected cocktail sauce for optimal flavor.
- Peel and devein shrimp for a clean and pleasant eating experience.
- Adjust hot sauce amount to make the dish spicy or mild according to taste.