Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups water
1 lemon, halved
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 bay leaf
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Cocktail Sauce
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish
Lemon wedges
Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
Cook the shrimp
In a large pot, bring water to a gentle boil. Add lemon halves, garlic, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
Chill immediately
Transfer shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once fully cooled, drain and pat dry.
Make the cocktail sauce
In a bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.
Assemble & serve
Arrange shrimp on a platter or around the rim of a cocktail glass. Serve with chilled cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, and optional fresh herbs.
Additional Notes
Tips for Best Flavor
Use fresh shrimp when possible for the sweetest taste
Add extra horseradish for a spicier sauce
A splash of vodka gives the sauce a Bloody Mary-style twist
Meal Prep & Storage
Cook shrimp and prepare sauce up to 1 day in advance
Store shrimp and sauce separately in the refrigerator
Best enjoyed within 2 days for freshness
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 180–220
Protein: 20–24g
Carbs: 6–8g
Fat: 2–4g
