Recipe slightly adapted from and with thanks to Cook's Country via Mel's Kitchen Cafe
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT12M
Total time: PT22M
Rating
5 stars (7 reviews)
Keywords
best shrimp cocktail
Ingredients
Shrimp Ingredients:
2 pounds deveined ((shells removed and tails left on) jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound))
3 tablespoons kosher salt
10 sprigs fresh thyme
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
2 lemons
8 cups ice
Cocktail Sauce Ingredients:
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Categories
Appetizer
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Steps
In a large pot, combine the shrimp, 4 cups cold water, salt, thyme, peppercorns, bay leaves and celery seeds. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the water registers 170 degrees and the shrimp are just barely beginning to turn pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and add 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, along with all of the lemon peels. Cover the pot and let the shrimp mixture rest until the shrimp are completely pink and firm, about 5-7 minutes. While the shrimp finishes cooking, set aside 8 cups of ice next to the pot. When the shrimp are bright pink, stir the ice into the pot and let the shrimp cool completely, about 5 minutes. Remove the cool shrimp from the pot and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Whisk together the cocktail sauce ingredients and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 219 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 381 mg
Sodium: 5080 mg
Sugar: 10 g
Reviews
Sam L. on 2022-12-24 (5 stars): There is no overstating how much better this recipe is than any other shrimp cocktail out there, at home, at a fancy restaurant... anywhere.
It is like a completely different dish in terms of flavor, texture, and aroma.
I like shrimp generally. This takes it to a new level. I'm making it for the 4th time today for Xmas eve and I'm confident the crowd will love it.
Leland Taylor on 2021-12-11 (5 stars): We followed the recipe exactly - the result was better than most restaurants. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe Mary
Sam on 2021-04-30 (5 stars): This was head and shoulders above any shrimp cocktail I've had. So tender and flavorful!
I was skeptical about how much flavor the shrimp would actually absorb, but hot damn. This is the one!
Teresa on 2020-06-25 (5 stars): Simply the BEST shrimp cocktail I've ever made or eaten! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I am complimented every time I serve this and have shared the recipe with several friends! So good!
Craiggy83 on 2019-12-24 (5 stars): This recipe is great. I wanted to show some love since not many people have voted or responded.. Typically I'm using more water like today when I'm doing 4 lbs of shrimp. I tripled the water and doubled most items except the salt, which I only increased by 1 Tbsp. I cooked the larger shrimp I bought with the shell on. Using this lower temperature I am able to easily pull off the skins which is nice. Also, they retain their shape better as opposed to the "C" shape a lot of cooked shrimp take on. If anyone is looking for a great cocktail shrimp recipe this one is worth the extra effort. You won't want to eat the pre-made stuff anymore. I've made several recipes and this is usually my go-to. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica on 2018-11-25 (5 stars): I made this for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it.
Leonard on 2018-09-14 (5 stars): Unbelievable, simple but the very best shrimp ever!
