Ingredients :
1 lb shrimp with shell
Shrimp broth
1-1/4 cup ketchup
Dash Valentina
Dash Worcester sauce
1 lime
Small onion
2 tomatoes
1 Serrano, seeds removed if you don’t want it too spicy.
Cilantro
1 can tomato sauce
Half a cucumber, remove seeds
Salt
2 avocados
Directions :
Remove shells from shrimp and boil with a little salt.
When shrimp is done remove and place the shells in the same water and let that boil.
Remove shells and discard
Add the shrimp broth to a bowl and add 1-1/4 cup ketchup, 1 can tomato sauce, dash of Valentina, dash of Worcester sauce, and lime.
Mix and add more of whatever you think it needs to get that consistency it needs not too thick or watery.
Then just dice up cucumbers, tomato, onion, Serrano,and cilantro, avocado, and shrimp. Add to broth. Mix and taste.
Here are some variations and tips to customize and elevate your Shrimp Cocktail:
Variations:
Spicy Shrimp Cocktail:
Add a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco) or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cocktail sauce for an extra kick of heat.
You can also add horseradish for a bold, spicy flavor.
Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail:
Combine the cooked shrimp with a tomato-based sauce made with ketchup, lime juice, cilantro, diced onions, and jalapeños.
Add diced avocado and cucumber for extra freshness.
Cajun Shrimp Cocktail:
Season the shrimp with Cajun or Creole seasoning before boiling or steaming.
This adds a nice smoky, spicy flavor to the shrimp, giving it a Southern twist.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Cocktail:
Instead of boiling the shrimp, sauté them in garlic butter for a rich, savory flavor.
Serve with a side of cocktail sauce or a garlic aioli.
Grilled Shrimp Cocktail:
Grill the shrimp for a smoky, charred flavor. Brush them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling, and serve with a zesty cocktail sauce or chimichurri.
Herb-Infused Shrimp Cocktail:
Infuse the boiling water with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or bay leaves to give the shrimp a subtle herbaceous flavor.
Asian-Inspired Shrimp Cocktail:
Serve the shrimp with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and a touch of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
Avocado Shrimp Cocktail:
Serve the shrimp in hollowed-out avocado halves or on top of avocado slices, pairing the rich creaminess of the avocado with the fresh taste of the shrimp and cocktail sauce.
Citrus Shrimp Cocktail:
Add lemon, lime, or orange zest to the boiling water or to the cocktail sauce for a refreshing citrusy flavor that complements the shrimp.
Tips:
Use Fresh Shrimp:
Fresh, large shrimp (such as jumbo or extra-large) are ideal for shrimp cocktail.
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Boil with Flavor:
Season the boiling water with salt, lemon slices, and a bay leaf to infuse the shrimp with light, fresh flavors.
You can also add peppercorns or garlic to the water for an extra aromatic touch.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:
Shrimp cook very quickly. Boil them for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque.
Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
Chill Shrimp Immediately:
After boiling, transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them quickly.
This helps preserve their firm texture and makes them perfect for serving cold.
Serve with a Tangy Cocktail Sauce:
A classic cocktail sauce is made with ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Adjust the spiciness to taste by adding more or less horseradish or hot sauce.
Presentation Matters:
Serve the shrimp on a chilled platter or in a glass with the tails hanging over the edge.
Surround them with lemon wedges and a small bowl of cocktail sauce for a classic presentation.
Make Ahead:
Shrimp cocktail can be made ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and refrigerate them until ready to serve.
Store the cocktail sauce in the fridge as well and combine everything right before serving.
Serve with Variety of Dips:
Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce, aioli, tartar sauce, or a creamy herb dip to give your guests multiple flavor options.
These variations and tips will help you create a flavorful and versatile shrimp cocktail, perfect for any occasion!
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for Shrimp Cocktail, based on a standard serving size (about 4 ounces of shrimp and 2 tablespoons of cocktail sauce):
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 120-150 kcal
Protein: 20-24 grams
Fat: 1-2 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 7-10 grams (from the cocktail sauce)
Fiber: 0-1 gram
Sugars: 5-8 grams (mainly from ketchup in cocktail sauce)
Cholesterol: 150-200 mg (shrimp are naturally high in cholesterol)
Sodium: 600-900 mg (depends on how much cocktail sauce is used)
Potassium: 200-300 mg
Vitamin A: 4-6% of Daily Value
Vitamin C: 6-10% of Daily Value
Iron: 8-10% of Daily Value
Calcium: 6-8% of Daily Value
Key Nutritional Considerations:
Low in Calories: Shrimp are naturally low in calories and fat, making shrimp cocktail a lean, protein-rich appetizer.
High in Protein: With 20-24 grams of protein per serving, shrimp cocktail is an excellent source of high-quality protein.
Cholesterol: While shrimp contain a higher amount of cholesterol, studies suggest that dietary cholesterol doesn’t affect blood cholesterol levels as much as previously thought.
However, those watching their cholesterol should be mindful of portion size.
Sodium: Cocktail sauce can be high in sodium due to the ketchup and added seasonings, so you can make a homemade, low-sodium version if needed.
Carbs and Sugar: Most of the carbohydrates and sugars come from the cocktail sauce, so opt for a homemade or reduced-sugar sauce to control the amount.
Overall, shrimp cocktail is a nutritious and light dish that provides a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals, with low fat and calories.
Just keep an eye on the sodium and sugar content from the sauce!