Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

A shrimp cocktail recipe is something you should always have for elegant gatherings. Make sure to buy fresh large shrimp for this appetizer recipe. I like to boil the shrimp in the shell and then clean them. Doing this ensures that the shrimp come out with a perfect shape and texture. You can tell when shrimp are done when they turn a nice salmon color and start floating. Below is one idea on how to serve them for an appetizer. Just fill a glass or plastic shot glass with a little cocktail sauce and place shrimp right down into the glass. Create an ice bed in a large bowl and nestle the shot glasses down into the ice so they stay cold. Enjoy this cool and classy shrimp appetizer.

Shrimp Cocktail

Large shrimp with shell on

water

salt

garlic powder

2 to 3 bay leaves

Cocktail sauce

Buy enough shrimp for your guests to have about 3 or 4 each. Fill large pot with water and turn heat to high. Season the water generously with salt, garlic powder, and bay leaves. When water comes to a rolling boil add the shrimp. Move them around so they do not stick together or to the bottom of pot. As soon as the shrimps are a nice pink color and begin to float a little bit (about 1 to 4 min.) remove them and place in a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process.

Once the shrimps are cool enough peel off each shell and remove legs. Leave the tail for a dipping handle. Run a sharp knife down the back of each shrimp and remove the veins by running them under cold water.

Pat the shrimps dry with a paper towel and chill. Serve with cocktail sauce.