Easy Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer Recipe Using Shrimp From Aldi

How to Make Homemade Shrimp Cocktail: Easy Poached Recipe With Option To Only Use Seasonings

Shrimp cocktail is a timeless appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual dinners. While it’s easy to buy pre-made shrimp cocktail from the store, making it at home is surprisingly simple, and the results are far more flavorful. I found an easy way to make a shrimp cocktail appetizer using shrimp from Aldi! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a delicious homemade shrimp cocktail that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. You can even make this with garlic powder instead of cloves if you do not have them.

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Why Make Shrimp Cocktail at Home?

Homemade shrimp cocktail has a freshness and flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. You get to control the quality of the shrimp, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and choose a healthy cocktail sauce. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in advance, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.

What kind of shrimp to buy?

In this recipe I use a 12 oz bag of shrimp from Aldi and that is the most common kind I buy. It is frozen and I leave it in the fridge overnight to thaw it out. What you want to look for is large or jumbo shrimp that is raw, deveined, shell and tail on easy peel. This type of shrimp will yield the best flavor and is very fresh. Remove the shell before cooking and leave the tails on.

Whether buying fresh or frozen

Look for large or jumbo shrimp when you’re purchasing it.

For the best and freshest flavor make sure to get shrimp that is raw and deveined with the shell and tail on. Easy peel is also a plus!

Ingredients for Shrimp Cocktail

For the Shrimp:

• 12oz to 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on for presentation)
• 2 garlic cloves or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper or 7 peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf or 1/2 teaspoon thyme if you do not have any bay leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Cocktail Sauce I like to use

Aldi usually has cocktail sauce and it’s good but typically I like to find one without high fructose corn syrup. I’ve found one I like at Trader Joe’s and the 365 Whole Foods Organic brand has a great one and neither have high fructose corn syrup in them.

If You’d Like to Make Homemade Cocktail Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• A few dashes of hot sauce (like Tabasco), to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Poaching the Shrimp:

1. Thaw Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or for a few minutes under running water.
2. Prepare Shrimp:Remove shells from shrimp but leave tails on. Rinse the shrimp under clean water if desired.
3. Boil the Water: Fill a medium pot with approximately 1 to 3 quarts of water depending on how many shrimp you’re cooking. Bring water to a boil. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaf and lemon (if using) and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the boiling water and turn off the heat. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn light pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
5. Chill the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the water, drain and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Making the Cocktail Sauce:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir until well blended.
2. Season to Taste: Adjust the horseradish, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to your preference. Refrigerate until serving.

Assembling the Shrimp Cocktail:

1. Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter or in individual serving glasses.
2. Serve with the cocktail sauce on the side or in small dipping bowls.
3. Squeeze lemon over the shrimp if you’d like.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Cocktail:

• Choose The Right Shrimp: Look for large, extra large or jumbo shrimp that is raw, deveined, shell and tail on that is easy peel.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the shrimp and sauce up to a day in advance for easy assembly before your event.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Homemade shrimp cocktail is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating the holidays, or simply craving a classic dish, this recipe is sure to deliver. Try it out and enjoy the unbeatable flavor of homemade shrimp cocktail! And if you’re making this for a party and looking for a great punch as well this is my go-to favorite linked here.

Easy Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer Recipe Using Shrimp From Aldi

Homemade shrimp cocktail has a freshness and flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. You get to control the quality of the shrimp, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and choose a healthy cocktail sauce. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in advance, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

CourseAppetizer

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz to 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined (leave tails on for presentation)
• 2 garlic cloves or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper or 7 peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf or 1/2 teaspoon thyme if you do not have any bay leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon optional

Cocktail Sauce Option

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish adjust to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• A few dashes of hot sauce like Tabasco, to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Thaw Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or for a few minutes under running water.
• Prepare Shrimp: Remove shells from shrimp but leave tails on. Rinse the shrimp under clean water if desired.
• Boil the Water: Fill a medium pot with approximately 1 to 3 quarts of water depending on how many shrimp you’re cooking. Bring water to a boil. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaf and lemon (if using) and let simmer for 15 minutes.
• Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the boiling water and turn off the heat. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn light pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
• Chill the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the water, drain and refrigerate until ready to serve.

If Making Cocktail Sauce

• Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir until well blended.
• Season to Taste: Adjust the horseradish, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to your preference. Refrigerate until serving.

Notes

Tips for the Best Shrimp Cocktail:

• Choose The Right Shrimp: Look for large, extra large or jumbo shrimp that is raw, deveined, shell and tail on that is easy peel.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the shrimp and sauce up to a day in advance for easy assembly before your event.

Keywordappetizer, Christmas food, Holiday Food, shrimp cocktail