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    Home » Recipes » Seafood

    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

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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!
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Seafood
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: easy shrimp cocktail, shrimp cocktail
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4
    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
    • ¾ 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 ½ 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 1336mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 3mg

    If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheBlondCook or tag #theblondcook!
    Easy Shrimp Cocktail | theblondcook.com

    HUNGRY FOR MORE?

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      Shrimp Tacos
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      Old Bay Steamed Shrimp
    « Buttery Garlic Steamed Clams
    Caramel Apple Hot Toddy »

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Christina says

      December 08, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      Amy @ The Blond Cook Followed your cooking instructions because I had all the ingredients on hand. But instead of rinsing the shrimp under cold water after cooking it’s better to put them in zip lock bag so you don’t lose the cooking flavors. They were delicious and a hit!

      Reply
    2. Paul says

      November 22, 2018 at 11:48 am

      Great receipt . So much better than store bought. They are even flavorful without the cocktail sauce

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        November 23, 2018 at 10:15 am

        Thanks so much, Paul! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Becca says

      March 22, 2018 at 6:19 pm

      Can I use frozen shrimp?

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        March 23, 2018 at 8:10 am

        Hi Becca, I would thaw them first if using frozen. Hope you enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Christine says

      March 18, 2018 at 10:10 am

      I’ve never left a review in my life but felt the need to comment on this one! This recipe is simple and amazing! I hosted Christmas dinner for the first time at my house and wanted to do something different for an appetizer. The flavor on the shrimp was amazing and my guests razed about it! Highly recommend it!

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        March 18, 2018 at 10:36 am

        Thanks so much, Christine! So glad everyone enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jane says

      December 25, 2017 at 10:24 am

      Party Fare for Christmas Eve! With four pounds of shrimp, I adjusted the measurements accordingly and cooked the shrimp in two batches. Two and one-half minutes for my jumbo shrimp was plenty. Our guests raved about the delicious flavor. They were gone in fifteen minutes!

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        December 26, 2017 at 9:19 am

        So glad everyone enjoyed it, Jane! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Julia says

      September 28, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Love it, looks very delicious! I could eat that right now! You always do a great job taking your photographs, perfect shots! 🙂

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        September 29, 2017 at 8:38 am

        Thanks so very much, Julia! 🙂 I hope you enjoy this if you make it. Have a wonderful weekend!

        Reply
    7. Freya Osborne says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:56 pm

      One of the great recipe with shrimp I have found on the web. Really looks deliciuos. I need to try this at home today.

      Thanks for sharing an awesome recipe.

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        March 15, 2017 at 6:45 am

        Thanks so much, Freya… hope you enjoy! 🙂

        Reply

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    Hey, I'm Amy Brinkley! Welcome to my online kitchen. I love cooking simple, family-friendly recipes with everyday ingredients.

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