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By Amy · Published: Dec 13, 2016 · Updated: Sep 17, 2020 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy 13 Comments

Easy Shrimp Cocktail

Name: Easy Shrimp Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 cups water; 1 small lemon (thinly sliced); 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic; 2 bay leaves; 5 black peppercorns; 3 to 4 sprigs fresh Italian parsley; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 pound medium to large shrimp (peeled and deveined (tails left on)); Cocktail sauce (for serving)

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I’m on a seafood kick this week but can’t help it… there’s nothing more delicious and beautiful to me than this Easy Shrimp Cocktail!

Front view of a shrimp in a small bowl of cocktail sauce.

If you buy your shrimp already peeled, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes! Shrimp cocktail is perfect for game day, holiday gatherings or any get-together. The best thing is that you can make it ahead of time and show up like a rock star at your next party.

Overhead view of shrimp and a small bowl of cocktail sauce on a white plate.

I used my recipe for easy cocktail sauce that you can throw together in just a couple of minutes. If you’re in a serious hurry just use your favorite bottled cocktail sauce… no biggie!

Front closeup view of shrimp on a white plate with cocktail sauce and a lemon wedge.

The beautiful simplicity of this recipe is simmering a mixture of Italian parsley, lemon slices, minced garlic, black peppercorns, kosher salt and bay leaves for a few minutes. Then add your shrimp and cook until they’re pink for another few minutes. Rinse the shrimp in cold water, refrigerate and you’re done.

Overhead view of a red dutch oven with water, peppercorns, garlic, parsley, lemon and bay leaves.

Front closeup view of shrimp on a white plate.

Enjoy!

A shrimp dipped in a glass bowl of cocktail sauce.

Easy Shrimp Cocktail

A quick, easy and delicious make-ahead appetizer that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Course: Seafood

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy shrimp cocktail, shrimp cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings:

Author: Amy

Ingredients

6 cups water
1 small lemon thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
2 bay leaves
5 black peppercorns
3 to 4 sprigs fresh Italian parsley
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound medium to large shrimp peeled and deveined (tails left on)
Cocktail sauce for serving

Instructions

Pour water in a dutch oven or large saucepan. Add lemon slices, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, parsley and kosher salt. Heat over medium high heat to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
Add shrimp and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked. Remove from heat and place shrimp in a colander. Rinse under cold water.
Refrigerate shrimp until cold and serve with cocktail sauce.