The Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

• Level: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 4 servings):
  • Calories: 198
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
  • Sodium: 932 mg

Ingredients

Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy appetizer that will impress every guest. You'll need:

Main: 32 tiger shrimp with shells on (21 to 25 count)

For the Brine:

• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups ice

For the Zesty Cocktail Sauce:

• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup prepared chili sauce
• 4 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

Ready to create plump, perfectly chilled shrimp cocktail? Follow these simple steps for a crowd-pleasing starter that's easy yet elegant.

1. Using scissors or a serrated knife, carefully slit down the back of each shrimp, following the intestinal vein. Remove the vein and rinse under cold water, keeping the shells on.
2. Place cleaned shrimp in a bowl with the brine solution and chill in the refrigerator for 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, blend tomatoes, chili sauce, horseradish, sugar, pepper, and salt in a food processor until smooth. Chill the sauce until serving.
3. Preheat the oven broiler with a baking or broiler pan underneath for 5 minutes. Drain shrimp from brine, rinse again under cold water, pat dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil and a light sprinkle of Old Bay for extra flavor.
4. Arrange on a hot sheet pan and broil immediately. After 2 minutes, flip with tongs. Broil 1 more minute, then transfer to a cold baking sheet and refrigerate to chill quickly.
5. Once chilled, serve shrimp with cocktail sauce in martini glasses for a stunning presentation. Watch your guests dive in!