There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a perfectly chilled shrimp cocktail—but today, we’re elevating the classic with a luscious lemon garlic butter dipping sauce. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp, cooked to tender perfection, served with a buttery citrus-garlic drizzle that takes each bite to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Elegant: Shrimp cocktail always feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep everything in advance, perfect for effortless entertaining.
- Bright, Flavorful Twist: The lemon garlic butter brings a warm, rich contrast to the chilled shrimp.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, a light lunch, or alongside a crisp salad for a full meal.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Large Shrimp: Look for fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp. Wild-caught varieties tend to have the best flavor.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice makes the shrimp bright and zesty.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must for that rich, aromatic depth.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seasoning that enhances the shrimp beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or chives add a fresh finish.
Pro Tip:
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Drain well before cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If the shrimp still have shells, peel and devein them, leaving the tails intact for easy dipping.
- Boil for Perfect Texture: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, a squeeze of lemon, and Old Bay seasoning. Drop the shrimp in and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Chill Immediately: Transfer the shrimp to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process and keep them tender.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a bowl of the warm lemon garlic butter for dipping.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly! The moment they turn pink and curl slightly, remove them from the heat.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a bay leaf and whole peppercorns to the boiling water for even more depth.
- Make-Ahead: You can cook and chill the shrimp a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the butter for a little heat.
- Cocktail Sauce Option: Serve with classic cocktail sauce or a horseradish-mayo mix for variety.
- Pairing Ideas: Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a tangy citrus herb salad.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw and chill them, then serve with the warm lemon garlic butter.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Cooked shrimp will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze cooked shrimp?
A: While shrimp can be frozen, they taste best when enjoyed fresh. If freezing, store them in an airtight bag for up to a month.
Chilled Shrimp Cocktail with Lemon Garlic Butter
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the lemon.
- Drop in shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
- Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and chill.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Arrange shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Serve with the warm lemon garlic butter.
This shrimp cocktail takes little effort but delivers major flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it! Drop a comment below or tag your creations with #TheKitchensAid so I can see how you’re enjoying this dish!