California Style Shrimp Cocktail Recipes

SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Put the water, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, lemon, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer, set a cover on top slightly ajar, and cook for 10 to 30 minutes.
• Drop the shrimp into the liquid and turn off the heat. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they curl and turn pink, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large ones. Drain and cool to room temperature. Peel the shrimp and remove the vein along the curve of the shrimp, if desired. Refrigerate if not serving right away. If refrigerated, bring the shrimp to room temperature 20 minutes before serving.
• To serve put the cocktail sauce in a medium bowl and surround with the shrimp, or loop the shrimp over the edge of an individual cocktail glass and top with the sauce. Garnish with the lemon and serve.
• Optional Tip: To de-vein the shrimp before cooking, hold a shrimp between the thumb and forefinger with the rounded side of the shrimp upward. Place the pointed end of a wooden skewer at the junction of the second and third segments of the shrimp shell, about 1/8-inch down from the top. Gently push the skewer through the shell and then lift up to remove the vein.
• Combine the ketchup, lemon zest and juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Add hot sauce, if desired. Mix well, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Yield: 1 1/2 cups

SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, combine the first 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add shrimp. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until shrimp turn pink, 4-5 minutes. , Drain shrimp and immediately rinse in cold water. Refrigerate until cold, 2-3 hours. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until serving. , Arrange shrimp on a serving platter; serve with sauce. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

CALIFORNIA-STYLE SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• In a large sauce pan, over med/high heat, boil shrimp in approximately 6 cups of water. The shrimp will cook fast. It is really important not to over cook the shrimp because it will taste rubbery. As soon as the shrimp turns pink, remove it from the heat. Remove the shrimp from the broth and set aside. I like to stop the cooking by transfering the shrimp to cold water. Reserve a minimum of 4 cups of the broth.
• In a large bowl, mix together diced roma tomatoes and chopped green onion, red onion, jalapenos, and minced cilantro. Using your hand, thoroughly mix and squeeze together the produce.
• Once the produce has been mixed, add the cucumber, avocado, and the juice of 2 lemons.
• Add the shrimp, ketchup, and broth. Mix well.
• Add salt and tobasco to taste. Serve cold with corn tostada shells or chips. We like to just eat it on its own as well.
• I seldom used measurements when I make this recipe. The measurements listed are basically how I eyeball it. The ingredients may be adjusted to taste if needed.

OLD VEGAS STYLE SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Thaw and rinse shrimp. Pat dry with paper towel and sprinkle with a little salt.
• Place shrimp in glass bowl or parfait glass and pour desired amount of cocktail sauce on it. Serve with a lemon wedge or two.
• Enjoy!