Zesty Chilled Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
This zesty * chilled shrimp cocktail sauce, inspired by Southern flavors, is perfect for dipping or gazpacho. Easy, make-ahead & packed with flavor! Get the recipe now. ... Shellfish Dishes
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever had a hankering for something tangy and refreshing? this chilled shrimp cocktail sauce recipe hits the spot. it's a flavor explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory, guaranteed to make your taste buds sing.
Brief Overview
This southern-inspired delight takes the classic shrimp cocktail to a whole new level. it's super easy, only takes about 30 minutes (mostly chilling time, mind you!), and makes enough for 8 people.
Think backyard bbq or a posh picnic.
Main Benefits
The best part? this sauce is packed with vitamin c and lycopene from the tomatoes. perfect for serving at your next summer bash.
What makes this recipe special is the unique blend of sweetness and spice – it's far from your average seafood cocktail sauce.
Ingredients You'll Need
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. this easy shrimp cocktail sauce recipe is all about bold flavors. the base is 46 oz of tomato juice, the heart of our bloody mary shrimp cocktail sauce ! then you'll need ketchup (⅔ of a small bottle).
Don't skimp on the good stuff.
Then we have the zingy bits: 2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce, a generous 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice, and a couple of drops of tabasco.
For sweetness, 1 tbsp of granulated sugar. veggies-wise, a finely chopped ½ cup of green bell pepper and 2 tbsp of onion.
Seasoning is key, so add 1 tsp of salt and ½ tsp of garlic salt. finally, 1 can of cooked shrimp, make sure they are well-drained!
From Pantry to Plate: Let's Make Some Magic
I remember once, I was making this for a party. I totally forgot the Worcestershire sauce. It was a disaster! Don't be like me. Seriously, don't skip the Worcestershire sauce.
This homemade shrimp cocktail sauce truly shines when made ahead. you can whip up a batch the day before. the flavours blend beautifully, creating a richer, more complex taste.
So, if you're looking for a make ahead cocktail sauce this recipe is for you. if you want to bring a touch of southern charm to your table, give this southern style cocktail sauce a whirl!
Zesty Chilled Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Get Ready to Sauce!
Alright, let's talk ingredients for the best cocktail sauce recipe you'll ever make. honestly, it's so easy, you'll be kicking yourself for buying the store-bought stuff.
I used to buy it all the time! never again.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific!
- 46 oz (1360 ml) tomato juice. Look for a good quality one, not too watery.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce. That umami bomb is key.
- 1 can (around 4 oz / 115g) cooked shrimp. Make sure they are thoroughly drained.
- ⅔ of a small bottle (around 8 oz / 230g) ketchup.
- 1 tbsp (12g) granulated sugar. Just a touch!
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is always the best .
- ½ cup (50g) green bell pepper, finely chopped.
- 1 tsp (6g) salt.
- ½ tsp (3g) garlic salt.
- 2 tbsp (30g) onion, finely chopped.
- 2 drops Tabasco sauce. Or more if you're brave and making a spicy cocktail sauce for shrimp !
Think of it like a Chilled seafood cocktail sauce but with a bit more oomph, a little something-something that sets it apart.
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up
The Worcestershire and Tabasco are your heroes here. They bring the depth and the heat. If you are planning a homemade shrimp cocktail sauce , don't skip them! You can sub lime juice for the lemon if you're feeling funky!
Worcestershire sauce adds that essential umami element. tabasco brings the fire, but start small! remember that you are making a chilled shrimp cocktail sauce and don't want to burn your mouth.
You can use any hot sauce that you prefer, just taste and adjust. if you don't have garlic salt, use regular salt and a pinch of garlic powder.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You really don't need much.
- A large mixing bowl.
- A whisk or spoon.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A cutting board.
- A knife. Easy peasy.
Basically, if you have a bowl and something to stir with, you are good to go. You could even use a fork if you're desperate!
Now, let's move on to making this chilled shrimp cocktail sauce ! i want you to learn how to make a make ahead cocktail sauce that will have you dreaming about seafood cocktail sauce for days to come.
Zesty Chilled Shrimp Cocktail Sauce: A Southern-Inspired Delight
Ever find yourself craving a shrimp cocktail sauce recipe that's both classic and unique? Honestly, I was too! Let's dive into a super easy shrimp cocktail sauce , that'll become your go-to.
Prep Like a Pro
Mise en place is key, right? Chop that green bell pepper and onion finely . Squeeze that lemon! Drain the shrimp really well, otherwise your sauce will get watery. You know?
Step-by-Step for Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
- Whisk tomato juice, ketchup, Worcestershire, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and garlic salt. Make sure it all combines!
- Stir in the chopped green pepper and onion. Then, add Tabasco. Adjust to your liking .
- Gently fold in the drained shrimp.
- Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes .
Pro Tips for the Best Cocktail Sauce Recipe
Always use fresh lemon juice! it makes a huge difference. this is perfect make ahead cocktail sauce , you can make this the day before for a better flavor! avoid watery sauce.
Drain, drain, drain the shrimp! add extra tabasco for some spicy cocktail sauce for shrimp . taste it before serving. the final product should be a perfect seafood cocktail sauce .
Don't skip the chilled seafood appetizers !. have fun, make it your own. southern cooking is about the love you put in it.
Like a bloody mary shrimp cocktail sauce , yum!. enjoy.
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you've got the Zesty Chilled shrimp cocktail sauce recipe. Now, let's talk about making it your own. Honestly, that's the best part of cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)
Think beyond just dipping. i love to serve this in little martini glasses. makes it feel super fancy. a bit of chopped parsley on top? chef's kiss! want something casual? serve it with tortilla chips.
Hello spicy salsa! i've also used it as a topping for grilled fish. so good! some lemon wedges are perfect.
Maybe a cheeky bloody mary shrimp cocktail sauce version? garnish with celery stalk and olive
Storage Tips: Keep it Cool, Baby!
Refrigerate any leftover homemade shrimp cocktail sauce in an airtight container. it'll be good for up to three days. freezing isn't recommended.
The texture changes and nobody wants watery seafood cocktail sauce .
Variations: Spice It Up or Dial It Down
Want a spicy cocktail sauce for shrimp ? add a pinch of cayenne pepper. boom! for a sweeter version, add a touch more sugar.
Got dietary needs? skip the shrimp and you have a chilled seafood appetizers !
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Each serving of this easy shrimp cocktail sauce is low in fat and has a good amount of vitamin c.
Of course, sodium can be high, especially from the ketchup. it is the best cocktail sauce recipe for health. i always find myself thinking of this southern style cocktail sauce as a healthy, delicious and exciting way to add more healthy nutrients to my life, and that's the idea behind it, right?
Honestly, the shrimp cocktail sauce recipe is super easy to customize. don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe and let your creativity fly.
This is a great make ahead cocktail sauce - it’s delicious and easy. enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Zesty Chilled Shrimp Cocktail Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making this chilled shrimp cocktail sauce a day ahead is a cracking idea. The flavors really meld and deepen overnight, so it'll be even more delicious. Just store it covered in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving – like a good cup of tea, it gets better with time!
My chilled shrimp cocktail sauce is a bit bland. What can I do to pep it up?
No worries, we've all been there! First, give it a good taste. A squeeze of extra fresh lemon juice will add brightness. If it needs more of a kick, add a few more drops of Tabasco (go easy – you can always add more, but you can't take it away!). A pinch of cayenne pepper also works wonders. If it's still lacking, consider a tiny pinch more sugar to balance the acidity, especially if your tomatoes are very tart.
How long does chilled shrimp cocktail sauce last in the fridge?
This chilled shrimp cocktail sauce is best consumed within 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After that, the shrimp may start to lose its texture and the flavors might not be as vibrant. Basically, treat it like you would leftover takeaway – delicious while fresh!
I don't have fresh lemons. Can I use bottled lemon juice for the chilled shrimp cocktail sauce?
While fresh lemon juice is always preferable for the brightest flavor (think of it as the difference between a freshly brewed cuppa and instant coffee), bottled lemon juice can certainly work in a pinch! Just be aware that bottled lemon juice can sometimes have a slightly more acidic or metallic taste, so you might need to adjust the other seasonings slightly to balance it out. Taste as you go!
I'm not a fan of shrimp. What else can I use this chilled shrimp cocktail sauce for?
This zesty sauce is incredibly versatile! You can use it as a dipping sauce for oysters or grilled fish. Or, for a vegetarian option, omit the shrimp entirely and enjoy it as a chilled soup or gazpacho – add some finely diced cucumber or avocado for a heartier texture. It's also delicious with tortilla chips as a spicy salsa alternative, or even as a flavourful addition to a Bloody Mary (if you're feeling adventurous!).
Can I make this a sugar-free chilled shrimp cocktail sauce?
You can definitely reduce or eliminate the added sugar! The ketchup already contains sugar, so taste the sauce before adding any extra. If you want to cut out added sugar completely, use a sugar-free ketchup and replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, adjusting to taste. Just remember that sugar contributes to the overall balance of flavors, so you might need to tweak other ingredients, like lemon juice or salt, to compensate.
