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Mini Shrimp Cocktail Cups with Zesty Sauce and Lemon Wedges

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These Mini Shrimp Cocktail Cups are a delightful twist on a classic dish, featuring succulent shrimp and a homemade spicy cocktail sauce. Perfect for gatherings, they are visually stunning and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 small cups or shot glasses (for serving)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons horseradish (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco, adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 lemons, cut into wedges
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until all shrimp are evenly coated. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they curl slightly and no longer look translucent.
  3. While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the cocktail sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This should take about 5 minutes.
  4. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes. This prevents the cups from getting too warm when assembled.
  5. Now, it’s time to assemble your mini shrimp cocktail cups! Place 2-3 shrimp in each small cup or shot glass. You can arrange them standing up for a more elegant presentation.
  6. Top each cup with a generous dollop of the spicy cocktail sauce. Add a lemon wedge on the rim of each cup for garnish and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. This should take about 5 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately, or place in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving to chill. If you do this, just keep an eye on the presentation to ensure everything looks fresh and appealing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Be mindful of cooking time: overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture. For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. Consider using a food processor to quickly chop the parsley or cilantro if you're making a large batch.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/mini-shrimp-cocktail-cups-with-zesty-sauce-and-lemon-wedges/