Shrimp has been one of my favorite foods for as long as I can remember. After moving to Louisiana as a child, I was introduced to the incredible seafood culture that the state is known for, and it didn’t take long for shrimp to become a permanent staple in my diet. One bite of perfectly cooked shrimp and I was hooked!
These days, shrimp is still a regular feature on our dinner table. My husband grew up in the New Orleans area, where seafood is a way of life, and our son inherited the family’s love for both seafood and bold flavors. Whether it’s boiled, grilled, fried, or served chilled, shrimp is always a welcome addition to the menu.
This easy Shrimp Cocktail recipe is one of our favorite ways to enjoy shrimp, especially when we’re looking for a light appetizer or a special weekend treat. Tender, perfectly cooked shrimp are paired with a homemade cocktail sauce that strikes the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and spicy. A touch of horseradish adds a classic kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
Best of all, this elegant appetizer comes together with simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, dinner party, game day spread, or simply treating yourself after a long week, this classic Shrimp Cocktail is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
2 lbs. medium or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Milk, for soaking
2 cups white wine
2 cups water
Cajun seasoning, to taste (about 2 tsp)
1 lemon, sliced
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup chili sauce
4 Tbsp. horseradish (or less if you don’t like it spicy)
1-1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. Worcestershire
1/2 tsp. Tabasco (you can use a different brand of hot sauce, but Tabasco is the best)
Instructions
Place thawed shrimp in a bowl. Cover the shrimp with milk and allow to soak for 30 minutes. Soaking seafood in milk removes the fishy smell and taste. When the time is up, rinse thoroughly.
In a large saucepan, boil the wine, water, lemon slices and cajun seasoning together. Add the shrimp and cook until the shrimp is pink. Drain the shrimp.
In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire and hot sauce, Stir until well combined.
Serve the Shrimp Cocktail in a beautiful bowl or platter. Start the weekend off on a good note with this excellent appetizer! Cheers!
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I never knew about the milk soaking! Game changer!
Completely an eye-opener! Soak it longer than 30 minutes if the fishy smell is very strong.