Homemade shrimp cocktail is an easy appetizer for a get-together. Use a few simple ingredients to make your own sauce.
Jump to RecipeShrimp cocktail is something I’ve had at restaurants before as a common appetizer, at least here in the United States. When eating out, though, it can get expensive. Instead, try making this amazing shrimp cocktail recipe at home.
The ingredients are simple and it only takes a few minutes. You’ll want to give it time to cool before serving. It’s an easy appetizer to make, and you can increase the quantities for a larger get-together. If you do this, you’ll need to use a large bowl to mix the cocktail sauce. Of all the shrimp recipes I’ve made, this is easily the most simple.
If your grocery store doesn’t carry Texas hot sauce in particular, you can use any hot sauce. You could also try it with sriracha sauce or chili sauce for a different flavor. I’ve also seen shrimp cocktail served with lemon wedges or lime wedges.
I like to use jumbo shrimp for this recipe. The large shrimp tend to sit on the edge of the bowl and are easier to grab. You’ll want deveined shrimp, too, so they are ready to eat with your own homemade cocktail sauce.
Traditional shrimp cocktail is served with cooked shrimp. If you choose to get raw shrimp, you’ll need to precook the shrimp before making the shrimp cocktail recipe.
Shrimp Cocktail Step by Step
Ingredients
- 12 oz cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tsp horseradish
- 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Texas hot sauce
Preparation
Rinse the shrimp in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine all of the other ingredients.
Taste the shrimp cocktail. If it’s too spicy, add 1 tsp of ketchup. If it is not spicy enough, add 1/4 tsp of horseradish and more hot sauce.
Chill for 1 hour before serving in small glasses or a shot glass with the shrimp on the side.
Shrimp Cocktail Leftovers
Storage: Store any leftover shrimp cocktail in an airtight container. I suggest keeping the shrimp separate from the cocktail sauce.
Reheating: The shrimp cocktail is best served cool. You don’t want it to get to room temperature, especially the shrimp.
Freezing: You can freeze the cocktail sauce, but once the shrimp have thawed they shouldn’t be frozen again.
Recipe
Originally Published On: November 28, 2022
Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients
- 12 oz cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tsp horseradish
- 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Texas hot sauce
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp in cold water and pat dry with paper towels
- In a small bowl, combine all of the other ingredients
- Taste the shrimp cocktail. If it’s too spicy, add 1 tsp of ketchup. If it is not spicy enough, add 1/4 tsp of horseradish and more hot sauce
- Chill for 1 hour before serving in small glasses or a shot glass with the shrimp on the side
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
However old-fashioned it may seem, a shrimp cocktail is a classic. I’m too excited to make this!
I can’t wait to make this! I love shrimp cocktail, but I’ve never tried making my own before.
I love the kick in this cocktail sauce! I can’t wait to try it.
Excellent recipe! I had never made my own sauce before and it was so easy.
Nnnniiiiiccceeeee….this is a nice cocktail. I should try it with some warm tomato sauce!
This is actually something I really want to make for a Christmas appetizer this year. Going to follow your recipe!
I love shrimp cocktail. This is such a great recipe for the holidays. Thanks for sharing.
I love shrimp cocktails. I love having them as starters. I will try this recipe.
This shrimp recipe is so simple yet so delicious and fulfilling. My family loved it so much left them wanting for more.
Lots of protein and antioxidants in a shrimp cocktail. Good to serve when guests are over too.