The Best Shrimp Cocktail

Looking for a classic appetizer that’s both simple and elegant? This shrimp cocktail is the perfect crowd-pleaser! With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a delicious snack, this easy-to-make shrimp cocktail will have everyone coming back for more!

The Best Shrimp Cocktail
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The Best Shrimp Cocktail

Recipe by Park Slope Cooks

To get ahead, you can poach and peel the shrimp the day before, then keep chilled.

Ingredients

  • ⅛ cup Diamond Crystal Kosher salt

  • ⅛ cup sugar

  • 1 lemon

  • 0.5 lb shell on jump or large shrimp, deveined

Directions

  • Scoop 8 cups of ice into a large bowl; set aside. Combine salt, sugar, and 3 cups of water in a large saucepan. Cut the lemon in half, squeeze each half into the pot; toss in the lemon shells. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar, then remove the pot from the heat. Add the shrimp and poach, uncovered, 3½ minutes.
  • Immediately add the reserved ice to the saucepan to rapidly chill the liquid and stop the cooking. Let shrimp sit in ice bath 10 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and peel. Pat dry again. Cover and chill until ready to serve.