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Classic Christmas Shrimp Cocktail Platter

This Classic Christmas Shrimp Cocktail Platter is a festive and light starter that features tender shrimp poached in a flavorful broth, served with a zesty cocktail sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Starter
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the poaching liquid
  • 1 whole lemon, sliced into thin wheels
  • 2 tbsp whole black peppercorns
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine Can be replaced with extra water or seafood stock.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 lb large shrimp, shell and tails on (about 16-20 count) Look for fresh, clean-smelling shrimp.
  • 4 cups water, plus ice for cooling
For the cocktail sauce
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
  • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish Can be replaced with freshly grated horseradish.
For serving
  • as needed lemon wedges For garnish.
  • as needed fresh parsley For garnish.
  • as needed crushed ice For the platter.

Method
 

Build the Flavorful Poaching Liquid
  1. In a wide, shallow pan, combine the water, lemon wheels, peppercorns, bay leaves, white wine, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it infuse for 5 minutes.
Poach the Shrimp Just Until Pink
  1. Add the shrimp to the simmering liquid and poach for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and feel just firm.
Cool the Shrimp Quickly
  1. Drain the shrimp and move them into a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes, then drain them well.
Peel, Devein, and Chill
  1. Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Devein each shrimp and cover them, refrigerating for at least 1 hour before serving.
Make the Cocktail Sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, cracked black pepper, lemon juice, and horseradish. Adjust the horseradish for spice and refrigerate until serving.
Assemble the Platter and Serve
  1. Arrange the shrimp around a bowl of sauce on a platter lined with crushed ice. Add lemon wedges and fresh parsley, serving immediately or keeping cold until guests are ready to eat.

Notes

This shrimp cocktail platter is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Serve within 2 days, and the sauce lasts up to 1 week in the refrigerator.