Vegas Shrimp Cocktail: A Classic Brunch Delight
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
This delightful Vegas Shrimp Cocktail is a nostalgic recipe that harks back to my first culinary experience in junior high school’s home economics class. Not only does it serve as a perfect appetizer, but it also stands out as a refreshing dish suitable for brunch, luncheons, or elegant dinner parties. The simplicity of this shrimp cocktail, paired with its zesty and vibrant dipping sauce, makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Furthermore, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled, making it ideal for entertaining larger gatherings. Serve this delicious dish alongside my homemade Parmesan Crackers for a truly unforgettable experience.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/4 pounds | Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined |
| 6 – 8 tablespoons | Chili sauce |
| 2 tablespoons | Lemon juice |
| 1 1/2 tablespoons | Horseradish |
| 1 tablespoon | Worcestershire sauce |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Salt |
| 4 slices | Lemon, for garnish |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1/4 onion | Finely grated onion, for garnish |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 187.9 |
| Total Fat | 2.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 216 mg |
| Sodium | 613.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 3.8 g |
| Protein | 29.8 g |
Instructions
Preparation of the Shrimp:
- Begin your culinary adventure by bringing a large saucepan filled with water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. The bubbling water is essential for the perfect cooking of the shrimp.
- Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully drop the peeled and deveined medium shrimp into the pot. Allow the shrimp to cook for approximately 25 seconds, or until they turn a vibrant pink and are barely cooked through. The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to avoid overcooking, so watch them closely.
- Using a slotted spoon, promptly remove the shrimp from the boiling water and plunge them into a bowl filled with ice water. This immediate cooling process halts the cooking, ensuring that the shrimp retain their tender and juicy texture.
- After the shrimp have cooled completely, drain them well, cover, and place them in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the sauce.
Crafting the Zesty Sauce:
5. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce—chili sauce, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and finely grated onion—except for the lemon slices and the fresh parsley. This mixture will provide a delightful tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully.
6. Once all the sauce ingredients are thoroughly combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate to chill while the shrimp continue to cool. Allowing the flavors to meld together enhances the overall taste of your shrimp cocktail.
Assembling the Shrimp Cocktail:
7. To serve, elegantly place cocktail glasses on dessert plates at each person’s seat. This not only adds a sophisticated touch to your presentation but also makes it easy for guests to enjoy their shrimp cocktail.
8. Above each dessert plate, place a shrimp fork or any small fork for the convenience of your guests.
9. Divide the chilled shrimp evenly and place them in the cocktail glasses, creating a visually appealing display.
10. Next, take a large lemon slice and carefully tuck it along the inside of each glass, allowing it to peek out invitingly. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of citrus aroma.
11. For a touch of greenery and freshness, stick a sprig of chopped parsley behind the lemon slice or nestle it next to it in the glass.
12. Generously add approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the zesty sauce over the shrimp in each glass, allowing the sauce to cascade over the shrimp beautifully.
13. For the finishing touch, garnish each glass with a sprinkling of finely grated onion, adding an extra layer of flavor and visual interest.
14. Finally, serve two homemade Parmesan Crackers on the dessert plate alongside the shrimp cocktail for a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the dish.
Enjoying Your Vegas Shrimp Cocktail
As you gather around the table to share this exquisite Vegas Shrimp Cocktail with your family and friends, revel in the joy of creating a dish that not only showcases your culinary skills but also brings back fond memories. Whether it’s a casual brunch, a festive luncheon, or a sophisticated dinner party, this shrimp cocktail will undoubtedly be a hit, allowing everyone to indulge in the fresh and zesty flavors while enjoying each other’s company. Cheers to good food, great friends, and cherished moments at the dining table!
