Shrimp cocktail has to have the most delicious shrimp cocktail sauce. This recipe is easy to make, full of delicious flavor, and it’s super fun to serve in martini glasses!

Why this recipe works

While cooking the shrimp is definitely an important step in a good shrimp cocktail, the sauce is the key. Providing a delicious sauce for dipping those plump little shrimps into makes it or breaks it. So while this is called a shrimp cocktail recipe, the star is truly the shrimp cocktail sauce. Let me show you just how easy it is to make the best homemade cocktail sauce recipe you’ll ever eat!

Some recipes say you should use large shrimp for this appetizer. I say use medium because it’s so good, people will want more. Having slightly smaller shrimp means providing more, even if you aren’t. While one large shrimp could weigh as much as two or maybe even three medium shrimp, it’s the same weight but more individual pieces.

Close up photo of the top of a Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

SHRIMP – I always buy shelled, deveined shrimp. I prefer someone else do all that work for me. You’ll need tap water and table salt for cooking the shrimp.

COCKTAIL SAUCE – You’ll need chili sauce, ketchup, horseradish sauce, and lemon juice. I prefer chili sauce over hot sauce because it’s thicker. Some recipes add in Worcestershire sauce as well.

GARNISH – If you’re throwing a party, use leafy lettuce leaves, parsley, and thins strips of lemon rind for garnish. Thin rings of red onions would be pretty too!

How to Make Shrimp Cocktail

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Put cold water and salt in a large 3-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and immediately add shrimp. Cook until the shrimp curl and turn pink, about 3 minutes. Drain, pat dry with paper towels, cover, and refrigerate.
In a medium bowl, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for one hour to let the flavors meld.
To serve, garnish the glass with a small leaf of lettuce. Add 4 tablespoons of sauce into each martini glass and hook shrimp onto the rim of the glass. Garnish sauce with fresh parsley and a thin lemon rind strip.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for shrimp cocktail?

Yes, pre-cooked shrimp can be used for convenience. Just make sure they’re chilled before serving.

Can I make shrimp cocktail ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook and chill the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until serving.

How do I store the leftover cocktail sauce?

You can store the unused sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for a couple weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve shrimp cocktail chilled in a martini glass. You can optionally serve it with a cocktail fork and lemon wedges on the side. Store the prepared appetizers in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

This is one of my all time favorite shrimp recipes! Pair it with my tried and true Bruschetta for your next party and your guests will thank you. For another variation try our Mexican shrimp cocktail.

More Party Appetizer Recipes

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This post was originally published here on December 29, 2020.