Shrimp Cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s refreshing, tangy, and bursting with flavor. This version incorporates a spicy kick with Valentina sauce and a rich, savory depth from Worcestershire sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp with shell
- Shrimp broth
- 1 1/4 cup ketchup
- Dash of Valentina sauce
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lime
- 1 small onion
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 Serrano pepper, seeds removed if you don’t want it too spicy
- Cilantro
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cucumber, seeds removed
- Salt to taste
- 2 avocados
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Remove the shells from the shrimp and set the shrimp aside.
- Boil the shrimp shells in water with a little salt to make shrimp broth. Once done, remove and discard the shells.
- Make the Base:
- Add the shrimp broth to a large bowl.
- Mix in 1 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 can of tomato sauce, a dash of Valentina sauce, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and the juice of 1 lime.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more ketchup or broth as needed. The mixture should not be too thick or watery.
- Chop the Vegetables:
- Dice the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, Serrano pepper (remove seeds if less spice is desired), and cilantro.
- Cube the avocados.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the diced vegetables, avocado, and shrimp to the broth mixture.
- Mix well and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional lime juice, Valentina, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.
- Serve:
- Chill the shrimp cocktail in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- For an even more flavorful broth, you can add a few slices of onion and a bay leaf while boiling the shrimp shells.
- Make sure the shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can add more or less Serrano pepper depending on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in chilled cocktail glasses or small bowls.
- Accompany with tortilla chips, saltine crackers, or crusty bread.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
FAQs:
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just make sure to rinse them and adjust the broth as you won’t have the shrimp shells to create it.
2. How long can I store shrimp cocktail?
Store shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but it will still taste good.
3. Can I make shrimp cocktail in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cocktail up to a day in advance. Just add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh.
Servings:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people as an appetizer.
Time of Preparation and Cooking:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy this refreshing and spicy Shrimp Cocktail, perfect for summer gatherings or any festive occasion!
Recipe Card
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s refreshing, tangy, and bursting with flavor. This version incorporates a spicy kick with Valentina sauce and a rich, savory depth from Worcestershire sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- – 1 lb shrimp with shell
- – Shrimp broth
- – 1 1/4 cup ketchup
- – Dash of Valentina sauce
- – Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- – 1 lime
- – 1 small onion
- – 2 tomatoes
- – 1 Serrano pepper seeds removed if you don’t want it too spicy
- – Cilantro
- – 1 can tomato sauce
- – 1/2 cucumber seeds removed
- – Salt to taste
- – 2 avocados
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
- – Remove the shells from the shrimp and set the shrimp aside.
- – Boil the shrimp shells in water with a little salt to make shrimp broth. Once done, remove and discard the shells.
Make the Base:
- – Add the shrimp broth to a large bowl.
- – Mix in 1 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 can of tomato sauce, a dash of Valentina sauce, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and the juice of 1 lime.
- – Adjust the consistency by adding more ketchup or broth as needed. The mixture should not be too thick or watery.
Chop the Vegetables:
- – Dice the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, Serrano pepper (remove seeds if less spice is desired), and cilantro.
- – Cube the avocados.
Combine Ingredients:
- – Add the diced vegetables, avocado, and shrimp to the broth mixture.
- – Mix well and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional lime juice, Valentina, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.
Serve:
- – Chill the shrimp cocktail in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- – Serve cold, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.