How to Make Shrimp Cocktail
This recipe will show you how to make shrimp cocktail, a timeless and elegant dish with perfectly boiled or poached shrimp that take center stage in a classic presentation that never fails to impress. The dish is paired with a zesty cocktail sauce, creating a refreshing balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp Peeled and deveined. I keep the tails on.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- ice
Instructions
- Fill a wide saucepan or pot with enough liquid to fully submerge the shrimp. Add Old Bay, salt, and pepper. This is optional, but will add additional flavor to the shrimp.
- Place the pot on medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. The liquid should be hot but not boiling. As a reference, you should stick to around 160 to 180 degrees. You don't want it to reach boiling because you risk overcooked shrimp.
- Add the raw shrimp to the pot. Ensure that the shrimp are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Let the shrimp cook for 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the shrimp. Be mindful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- While the shrimp cooks fill a large bowl (large enough to hold the shrimp) with ice and water to create an ice bath.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the poached shrimp from the pot and transfer them to the ice bath. This will cool the shrimp and stop the cooking process so they aren't overcooked.
- Allow the shrimp to cool before serving.
Notes
If you want to air fry the shrimp, air fry at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes.
The seasoned water won't add a ton of flavor to the shrimp. You can also toss the shrimp in spices after they have been cooked. The dish is traditionally served with a well-seasoned cocktail sauce to compensate for this.
Nutrition
Serving: 4ozCalories: 81kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 15gFat: 1g
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