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The Secret to Perfect Shrimp Cocktail

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp shelled & deveined (save the shells)
  • 1 garlic clove smashed
  • Handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/2 cup of ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce
  • Freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • Lemon wedges to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Add the shrimp shells, garlic, parsley, peppercorns, and 3 cups of water to a medium pot. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shrimp, and cover tightly with the lid. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice cubes and water. Drain the shrimp, and add them to the bowl of ice water. Remove after the shrimp have cooled a bit, about 1 minute (this helps stop the cooking process). Store the shrimp in a covered container in the fridge until chilled completely, at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • To make the cocktail sauce, add the ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon to a small bowl. Stir until well mixed.
  • To serve, spoon the cocktail sauce into a small bowl. Place the bowl in the center of a platter. Arrange the shrimp around the cocktail sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges.