How to Make the Perfect Shrimp Cocktail Plate
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This elegant shrimp cocktail plate comes together in just 15 minutes using a simple poaching method that keeps shrimp perfectly tender. Served with a bold homemade cocktail sauce, it makes a quick and impressive appetizer or light protein-packed meal.
Why this recipe works
This Shrimp Cocktail Plate recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 160 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium lemon sliced for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make Cocktail Sauce
Stir together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust horseradish for heat level then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 2: Poach the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and just opaque. Do not overcook.
Step 3: Ice Bath Cool
Immediately transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes to stop cooking and keep them tender and firm.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Arrange chilled shrimp around the rim of a serving plate with cocktail sauce in the center and lemon slices on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- prepared horseradish → wasabi paste for a Japanese-inspired twist
- ketchup → chili sauce for a deeper more complex flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling shrimp at a rapid boil instead of a gentle simmer which makes them rubbery
- Skipping the ice bath allowing carryover heat to overcook the shrimp
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 160 calories, 24g protein, 10g carbs, 2g fat, 1g fiber.
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