Save to Pinterest Experience succulent shrimp poached to perfection and served chilled with a zesty blend of horseradish, ketchup, and fresh lemon. This appetizer offers a harmonious balance of flavors enhanced by the bright acidity of lemon slices and a hint of spice from optional hot sauce. Garnished with fresh herbs, it’s an elegant choice for special dinners or romantic evenings. Quick to prepare, it promises fresh seafood taste and vibrant sauce simplicity in under 20 minutes.
The kitchen was quiet except for the gentle bubble of water coming to a boil. I had decided to surprise someone with a romantic dinner, keeping everything simple but intentional. Sometimes the most elegant dishes are the ones that require barely any cooking at all, just perfect ingredients and attention to detail.
I remember setting up small candlelit bowls, the shrimp curled perfectly with their tails pointing up like little flags. The sauce had just the right kick, bright from lemon and bold from horseradish. Something about the ritual of dipping, the cold shrimp against the spicy sauce, makes conversation flow easier somehow.
Ingredients
- 12 large raw shrimp: Tails on makes them easier to dip and looks elegant on the plate
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Salting the poaching water is the only seasoning the shrimp need
- 1 lemon: Slices go in the water, wedges for serving, juice for the sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup: The base of your cocktail sauce, choose a brand you like plain
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish: This is what makes the sauce sing, dont be shy with it
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens everything and cuts through the richness
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds that deep savory note you cant quite put your finger on
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce: Optional, but I always add it for that background warmth
- Fresh parsley or dill: Makes everything look finished and intentional
Instructions
- Poach the shrimp:
- Bring water to boil with salt and lemon slices, then cook shrimp just until they turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes
- Chill quickly:
- Transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking and keep them perfectly tender
- Make the sauce:
- Whisk everything together and taste, adjusting horseradish or hot sauce until it hits that perfect sweet and spicy balance
- Arrange and serve:
- Let guests help themselves to shrimp and sauce, with extra lemon wedges on the side
Save to Pinterest That night became one of those meals where the food was almost secondary to the moment. We sat at the small table, dipping shrimp and talking, and I realized sometimes the simplest dishes create the best memories.
Making It Extra Special
Chill your serving glasses or plates in the freezer for ten minutes before plating. Little touches like edible flowers or a small bowl of radishes on the side make everything feel intentional and cared for.
Perfect Poaching Every Time
The water should be at a gentle rolling boil, not a violent one. If you cook shrimp in too aggressive water, they toughen up instantly. A calm boil gives you tender, sweet shrimp every single time.
Sauce Variations
Once you master the basic sauce, try adding a teaspoon of finely minced shallot or a drop of good olive oil. Some people love a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. The classic version is hard to beat, but small tweaks can make it your own.
- Make extra sauce, it keeps for weeks in the refrigerator
- Taste your horseradish first, some brands are much stronger than others
- Room temperature shrimp taste better than ice cold ones, let them sit for 5 minutes before serving
Save to Pinterest Sometimes the most romantic gestures are the simplest ones, executed with care and attention.
