Southern Shrimp Cocktail

Southern Shrimp Cocktail Recipe - Authentic Cuisine from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Southern Shrimp Cocktail is a classic dish that combines succulent shrimp with a tangy and flavorful remoulade sauce. This dish is perfect for serving as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light and refreshing snack.

History

Shrimp cocktail has been a popular dish in the Southern United States for decades. The combination of fresh shrimp and zesty cocktail sauce has been a favorite among seafood lovers for generations.

Ingredients

12 jumbo cooked shrimp
Remoulade sauce (recipe follows)
12 whole pickled okra
12 very thin crispy breadsticks, broken in half
garnish: grape tomato slices

Remoulade sauce

1.5 cup mayonnaise
4 green onions, sliced
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
3 tbsp creole mustard
1.5 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, pressed
1.5 tsp horseradish
1 tsp paprika

How to prepare

Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on, and devein them.
Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of remoulade sauce evenly into each of the 12 serving glasses.
Place 1 shrimp, 1 whole pickled okra, and 2 halves of bread sticks in each glass.
Garnish, if desired.

Remoulade sauce

Stir together all the ingredients, cover, and chill for 1 hour.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with crab meat for a different twist on this classic dish.
Add diced avocado or cucumber for an extra burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use jumbo cooked shrimp for this recipe to ensure that they are large enough to stand out in the cocktail glasses.

- Make sure to devein the shrimp before serving to remove any gritty or sandy texture.

- Chill the remoulade sauce for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Southern Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to peel and devein the shrimp before serving to ensure a smooth texture.

- Chill the remoulade sauce before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cocktail sauce instead of remoulade sauce for a more traditional shrimp cocktail.

- Substitute the pickled okra with pickled green beans or asparagus.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the remoulade sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Southern Shrimp Cocktail in individual cocktail glasses for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Southern Shrimp Cocktail with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Southern Shrimp Cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Southern Shrimp Cocktail contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southern Shrimp Cocktail contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southern Shrimp Cocktail contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southern Shrimp Cocktail contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Southern Shrimp Cocktail is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish, eggs, and mustard.

Summary

Southern Shrimp Cocktail is a delicious and nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for those looking for a light and flavorful appetizer.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a hot summer day in the deep South, and my friend Lillian invited me over for a backyard barbecue. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats and spicy seasonings.

Lillian, a true Southern belle, was known for her culinary prowess and her ability to whip up delicious dishes at a moment's notice. She had a way of making even the simplest of ingredients sing with flavor, and I was always eager to learn from her.

As we sat down at the picnic table, Lillian brought out a platter of chilled shrimp cocktail, nestled in a bed of ice and garnished with fresh lemon wedges. The shrimp were plump and juicy, and the cocktail sauce was a fiery red hue that promised a kick of heat.

I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The sweetness of the shrimp was perfectly complemented by the tangy cocktail sauce, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Lillian smiled knowingly as I asked for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share her secrets with me. She explained that the key to a good Southern shrimp cocktail was in the sauce - a blend of ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of hot sauce for extra heat.

She showed me how to poach the shrimp in a flavorful broth of water, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning until they were just cooked through. Then, she demonstrated how to chill the shrimp in an ice bath to ensure they were cold and firm before serving.

As I watched and learned, I marveled at the simplicity of the recipe and the bold flavors it produced. Lillian's shrimp cocktail was a true Southern classic, and I couldn't wait to recreate it in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made Lillian's Southern shrimp cocktail countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a splash of bourbon for depth of flavor, a pinch of cayenne for extra spice, and a hint of honey for sweetness.

I served the shrimp cocktail at family gatherings, dinner parties, and potlucks, and it became a beloved favorite among my friends and loved ones. They would rave about the dish, begging for the recipe and asking for seconds and thirds.

As I shared the recipe with others, I passed along the story of how I learned to make it from Lillian on that fateful summer day. I told them about the warmth of her hospitality, the beauty of her backyard garden, and the joy of cooking together with a dear friend.

The memories of that day lingered in my heart, and every time I made Lillian's Southern shrimp cocktail, I felt a sense of connection to her and to the deep-rooted culinary traditions of the South.

Now, as I sit at my kitchen table, penning this story for my grandchildren to read, I can't help but smile at the thought of passing down this treasured recipe to the next generation. I hope that they will learn to love and appreciate the flavors of the South as much as I do, and that they will carry on the tradition of cooking with love and sharing good food with others.

And so, dear grandchildren, I leave you with this recipe for Southern shrimp cocktail, along with the story of how I learned to make it. May it bring you joy, comfort, and a taste of the South wherever you go. And remember, the secret ingredient is always love. Enjoy!