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Perfect Shrimp Cocktail Tower

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This showstopping shrimp cocktail tower features perfectly cooked, chilled shrimp stacked high with zesty homemade cocktail sauce, fresh herbs, and lemon. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer ideal for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds extra-large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on)
  • 8 cups cold water
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 4–6 cups ice (for chilling)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 additional lemons, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup fresh parsley sprigs
  • Crushed ice (for layering)
  • Optional: lettuce leaves or kale (to line the base)

Instructions

  1. Rinse shrimp under cold water, ensuring they are peeled and deveined with tails on. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add kosher salt and sliced lemon.
  3. Add shrimp to boiling water and stir gently. Cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Immediately transfer shrimp to a bowl filled with ice and cold water. Chill for 5–7 minutes.
  5. Drain shrimp using a colander or slotted spoon. Lay out on paper towels and pat dry.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Line serving platter or tower stand with lettuce leaves or kale. Fill each tier with crushed ice.
  8. Using tongs, arrange shrimp around each tier, tails out. Sprinkle with parsley and arrange lemon wedges between shrimp.
  9. Pour cocktail sauce into a small bowl and place on or beside the tower. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and parsley.
  10. Ensure shrimp are well-chilled before serving. Replace ice if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use wild-caught shrimp and chill both shrimp and sauce separately before assembling. Prep shrimp and sauce up to a day ahead, but assemble the tower just before serving. Use crushed ice for better presentation and to keep shrimp cold. Adjust cocktail sauce spice to taste. For gluten-free, swap Worcestershire for coconut aminos and use gluten-free hot sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp cocktail, party appetizer, seafood tower, easy shrimp recipe, holiday appetizer, gluten-free, low-carb, zesty cocktail sauce

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/perfect-shrimp-cocktail-tower-recipe-for-easy-party-appetizers/