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Flavorful Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

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A quick and easy shrimp cocktail featuring poached shrimp served with a creamy, tangy horseradish sauce that’s perfect for entertaining and satisfying cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 4 cups water (for poaching shrimp)
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml, full-fat or light)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3–4 dashes hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • Ice (for ice bath)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the poaching liquid: In a large pot, combine 4 cups water, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, and the juice plus zest of 1 lemon. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  2. Poach the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the simmering liquid in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  3. Shock in ice bath: Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer shrimp to a bowl filled with ice water to stop cooking. Let chill for 5 minutes, then drain well.
  4. Make the creamy horseradish sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Adjust heat or tanginess as desired.
  5. Assemble the shrimp cocktail: Arrange chilled shrimp on a serving platter or individual glasses. Spoon horseradish sauce into a small bowl for dipping or drizzle lightly over shrimp.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over shrimp and sauce. Add lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Use an ice bath immediately after poaching to stop cooking and maintain texture. Adjust horseradish and hot sauce to taste. Substitute Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or allergen-friendly sauce. Keep shrimp and sauce separate if storing leftovers to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp cocktail, horseradish sauce, appetizer, seafood, easy recipe, poached shrimp, party food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/flavorful-shrimp-cocktail-recipe-with-creamy-horseradish-sauce-easy-steps/