Go Back
–+ servings

Shrimp Cocktail 2.0

A revamped classic with perfectly cooked shrimp and a tangy smoked almond cocktail sauce.
The shrimp “cocktail” as we know it originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. Alas, the proud, flavorful shrimp of my youth have been reduced to rubbery sauce shovels sadly sharing sherbet cups with week-old lemon wedges. It’s just not right.
So, I decided to come up with a shrimp cocktail that actually tastes like plump, juicy shrimp with a uniquely tangy accompaniment — there's a secret ingredient in the sauce: smoked almonds. Trust me.
This recipe first appeared in EveryDayCook.
smoked almond shrimp cocktail
ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 4 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Software

For The Shrimp

  • 1/3 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water, at room temperature
  • 8 ounces ice cubes
  • 32 (21- to 25-count) head-on shrimp

For The Cocktail Sauce

  • 1/4 cup smoked almonds
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons Sambal chili paste, or other prepared chili sauce
  • 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Specialized Hardware

  • Food processor

Procedure

  • Combine the salt, sugar, and water in a mixing bowl, stirring to dissolve — yes, you’re making a brine. Add the ice and set aside while prepping the shrimp.
  • Use a pair of kitchen scissors to remove the veins from the shrimp without removing the shell.
  • Put the shrimp in the brine and refrigerate for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the cocktail sauce. Place almonds in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until pieces resemble course meal. Add all the other ingredients, except the salt, and pulse until desired consistency is reached. I like mine a little on the chunky side.
  • Let the sauce sit in the work bowl for 5 minutes, then taste. Add salt as desired. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. It will keep for up to 1 week.
  • Place a half-sheet pan or foil-lined broiler pan about 8 inches under the broiler and heat for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the shrimp from the brine and rinse under cold water. Dry thoroughly on paper towels. Discard the brine and return the dry shrimp to the same bowl. Toss with oil and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning.
  • Arrange the shrimp on the sizzling-hot sheet pan and slide back under the broiler. Set your timer for 2 minutes.
  • Clean out the bowl and stick it in the freezer.
  • Flip the shrimp quickly with tongs and return to the broiler for 1 minute.
  • Transfer the shrimp to the chilled bowl and toss a few times to knock down the heat. Place in the freezer, tossing every few minutes until the shrimp are thoroughly cooled, about 15 minutes.
  • Peel the shrimp and serve alongside the sauce.