Learn how to make a classic, luxurious shrimp cocktail and what drink to pair with it
Planning a Super Bowl party with friends or watching the game alone, with your better half, your family, or perhaps your neighbour? Then I have a great suggestion how to elevate your evening with delicious party food.
When the game kicks off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 11th, it will be the Super Bowl’s first-time taking place in Nevada.
Which calls for some ‘Nevada-style’ food to keep you nourished during the approximate four hours the game will be on.
Which poses the question, what exactly is the signature food of Nevada or Las Vegas respectively?
Well, turns out the state does not have its own signature dish. Which is not that much surprising considering large parts of Nevada are covered by dessert and the state does not grow a lot of produce. Apparently, the most popular local food is a mixture of Italian, Spanish/Mexican and typical American BBQ.
It appears however that one very popular appetizer/starter/party snack or however you want to call it, has its origins in Las Vegas. The shrimp cocktail is said to have been invented in the Sin City in the 1950s. The dish is traditionally served in a Martini glass with the shrimp decorated around the rim. Though especially when you are planning to serve at a party, whether that is the Super Bowl or any other occasion, there is no reason to get creative in the style of serving.
The classic shrimp cocktail remains a party staple and is easy to prepare.
In fact, you could choose to prepare the shrimp at home, which is still easy enough also takes a little bit of time. But if you have a good fishmonger nearby, there is no reason why you should buy already pre-cooked shrimp.
This will save you time and all you need to do is preparing the cocktail sauce for the shrimp cocktail.
How to make the perfect shrimp cocktail sauce
Talking about the perfect shrimp cocktail sauce, the most classic would likely be the one served with the original Las Vegas shrimp cocktail. This cocktail sauce is made of ketchup and horseradish.
As with every recipe, there are many more ways to serve a dish.
Looking to Europe, the classic shrimp cocktail often turns into a prawn cocktail made with the smaller sized prawns. Which is not the only difference. The prawn cocktail is typically served with a European-style cocktail sauce, which especially in the UK is often called Marie Rose Sauce (I have no idea why). This cocktail sauce uses largely the same ingredients as its North American counterpart. With one important difference: the main base of this sauce is mayonnaise which gives it a smoother texture.
If you plan to serve shrimp cocktail at a party, why not go the extra way and prepare both cocktail sauces? They both work whether you choose to have shrimps or prawns for your cocktail.
What to drink with shrimp cocktail
The chilled, succulent shrimp with its delicate and sweet flavour topped with a slightly spicy cocktail sauce calls for a wine that can complement the sweet shrimp flavour but also stand up to the acidity and boldness of the sauce.
Though there are a couple of white wines that would work well, including German Riesling, this dish calls for a Champagne or alternatively a sparkling wine made according to the classic (champagne) method.
Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail with two types of cocktail sauce
There is nothing wrong using pre-cooked shrimp freshly bought from your fishmonger. But if you want to prepare the whole dish at home, here is an easy recipe to prepare the shrimp and two styles of cocktail sauces.
You need as many shrimps as you wish to prepare. Use fresh raw Jumbo shrimp for the recipe. As a rule of thumb, for a classic shrimp cocktail served as starter you will need 2-3 shrimp per person. If you serve as party food, be a bit more generous. 3-4 per person are likely the right amount.
Preparing the shrimp
Add water, a pinch of salt, and the juice of one lemon. Bring water to boil, then turn down the heat to simmer.
Add the shrimp and let simmer for about three minutes. They will be ready when they have turned a light pink.
Drain the shrimp, then set aside to let cool. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
That’s it. It’s easy enough!
Classic Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe
150 ml ketchup
150 ml mild chili sauce
2 tablespoons horseradish
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ tablespoon Tabasco
Combine all ingredients. If you like your cocktail sauce spicy, increase the amount of horseradish, and Tabasco to taste.
Cover and refrigerate for few hours or overnight.
Serve the sauce well chilled.
Marie Rose Cocktail Sauce Recipe
150 ml mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ tablespoon Tabasco
Combine all ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for few hours or overnight.
Serve well chilled.
Shrimp cocktail is a timeless classic perfect for any occasion. If you want to serve as party food for this year’s Super Bowl, prepare the shrimp cocktail the day before.
Carrots and Tigers 