The unique presentation of our Shrimp Cocktail Platter Recipe features shrimp elegantly arranged around a bowl of ice with cocktail sauce at the center. This Party Appetizer setup not only adds visual appeal but also keeps the shrimp perfectly chilled and easily accessible for guests.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
A shrimp cocktail platter is a classic appetizer, traditionally served flat on a platter with a bowl of cocktail sauce. Perfect for holiday entertaining, this recipe arrangement offers a visually stunning alternative to the classic setup.
Why We Love Shrimp Cocktail Platter:
- Elegant Presentation: A circular design around a bowl of ice creates a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Practicality: Keeps shrimp cold longer, perfect for extended gatherings.
- Easy to Serve: Guests can grab shrimp and dip with ease.
- Customizable: Can be adapted to fit either a bowl or a traditional flat platter.
If you like this Christmas Recipe, you may also love our Seafood Tower.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Jumbo shrimp: Opt for frozen, cooked shrimp to save time. They should be peeled and deveined with tails on for presentation.
- Cocktail sauce: A bold, zesty blend of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and sometimes Worcestershire sauce.
- Lemon slices: Thinly sliced for garnish and added brightness.
- Crushed ice: Keeps the shrimp chilled throughout the event.
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color.
Instructions
How to Make an Elegant Shrimp Cocktail Platter
STEP ONE: Prepare the Shrimp
Thaw the frozen shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Cocktail Sauce
In a small bowl, mix ketchup and horseradish until well combined. Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
STEP THREE: Assemble the Circular Platter
Fill a large serving bowl with crushed ice. Place a smaller bowl of cocktail sauce in the center. Arrange shrimp around the edge of the bowl in a circular pattern, tails out for easy grabbing. Add lemon slices on top of the platter for garnish.
STEP FOUR: Alternative Traditional Setup
For a more classic presentation, use a flat platter instead. Spread the shrimp flat on a bed of ice with the cocktail sauce bowl placed in the center. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley.
Substitutions & Variations
- Shrimp: Use prawns for a slightly larger, meatier option.
- Cocktail Sauce: Substitute store-bought cocktail sauce for ketchup and horseradish.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Flavor: Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp for extra flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Refreezing thawed shrimp may alter the texture.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
Keep shrimp, sauce, and serving bowl refrigerated until assembling.
Replace ice as needed to keep the platter cold.
Use the circular bowl setup for elegance or the flat platter for a classic look.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover lemon slices to flavor water or tea.
- Stir cocktail sauce into marinades for seafood or chicken.
- Repurpose shrimp in this Easy Old Bay Shrimp Salad on a Bed of Greens.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Pair with sparkling wine or a classic cocktail like a Bloody Mary.
- Serve alongside a charcuterie board or a cheese platter.
- Serve with seafood-based dishes like lobster tail or salmon.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Crab cocktail platter
- Lobster tail with dipping sauce
- Chilled seafood salad
- Crispy Rice Sushi Stack Recipe with Spicy Shrimp
- Firecracker Shrimp (Shrimp in a Blanket)
Related
More Christmas recipes you will love:
FAQ
A shrimp cocktail platter typically focuses on chilled shrimp served with a bold cocktail sauce, arranged either flat or in a circular presentation around a bowl of ice. This setup not only keeps the shrimp cold but also makes the dish visually appealing and easy to serve.
You can prepare the shrimp and cocktail sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble the platter with ice and garnishes just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.
Yes. While traditional cocktail sauce includes ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and sometimes Worcestershire sauce, you can customize it by adding hot sauce for spice or honey for sweetness.
📖 Recipe
Shrimp Cocktail Platter Recipe: Tips for the Perfect Party Appetizer
Equipment
- Large serving bowl or platter
- Small bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 22-25 frozen cooked jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- crushed ice enough to fill a large serving bowl or platter
- 1 large lemon sliced into thin rounds
- Optional: Fresh parsley sprigs for garnish
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning to lightly dust the shrimp
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen cooked shrimp according to the package instructions. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Optional: Sprinkle lightly with Old Bay seasoning for additional flavor.
- In a small serving bowl, mix the cocktail sauce with 1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish. Stir well to combine.
- Fill a large, shallow serving bowl or platter with crushed ice. Place the cocktail sauce bowl in the center of the ice.
- Arrange the shrimp in a circular pattern, either hanging over the edge of the bowl or flat on the ice.
- Add lemon slices around the shrimp platter for easy access.
- (Optional) Sprinkle fresh parsley over the platter for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately, keeping the platter chilled by replenishing the ice as needed.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Notes
- Shrimp: Use prawns for a slightly larger, meatier option.
- Cocktail Sauce: Substitute store-bought cocktail sauce for ketchup and horseradish.
Nutrition
This Shrimp Cocktail Platter is a timeless appetizer that’s as elegant as it is easy to prepare. With its bold cocktail sauce, zesty horseradish kick, and refreshing lemon garnish, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your next gathering.
Don't forget to check out the other Christmas recipes on our blog!
Comments
No Comments