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Light & Fresh Shrimp Cocktail Shooters Easy Horseradish Sauce

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Tender poached shrimp paired with a creamy, tangy horseradish sauce served in individual shot glasses. A quick and impressive appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Ice water bath
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup prepared horseradish, drained
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 12–15 small shot glasses or small serving cups (2–3 ounce size)
  • Fresh dill sprigs or microgreens for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ice water bath: Fill a large bowl with ice cubes and cold water. Set near the stove.
  2. Make the poaching liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water, lemon slices, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let bubble gently for 5 minutes.
  3. Poach the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the simmering liquid in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and curled into a loose C-shape.
  4. Shock the shrimp: Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to the ice water bath. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Dry the shrimp: Drain and pat very dry with paper towels. Refrigerate while making the sauce.
  6. Make the horseradish sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine sour cream, prepared horseradish, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Fold in chopped chives.
  7. Chill everything: Cover the sauce and refrigerate with the shrimp for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Assemble the shooters: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of sauce into each shot glass. Top with 2-3 shrimp.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chives or dill over the top, add a lemon wedge to the rim if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t assemble too far in advance to prevent watery sauce. For best results, prep everything separately and assemble right before serving. The sauce thickens and flavors meld after chilling. For a spicier kick, add more horseradish to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp cocktail, horseradish sauce, appetizer, party food, seafood, shooter, easy, quick

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/light-and-fresh-shrimp-cocktail-shooters-easy-horseradish-sauce/