Perfect Shrimp Cocktail

Name: Perfect Shrimp Cocktail
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6-7 Shrimp each, 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: weigh your fresh peeled, extra large raw shrimp (or thawed, 26-30/lb); 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon dill weed or 1/4 teaspoon dill seed; 7 cloves; 3 ounces Heinz Chili Sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons hot horseradish (more if you like it spicier); juice of half a lemon; 1/2 teaspoon wasabi (optional)

Recipe by Timothy F.

Where did Shrimp Cocktail come from? I have read that it was invented in Boston, circa 1941 as a What can we get drunk people to eat contest sort of thing. The Cocktail sauce is dated back even earlier, as an accoutrement for oysters. You can buy you shrimp already cooked, but why? This method for cooking it is absolutely foolproof, and delicious Food Porn. I share with you a family keepsake of homemade cocktail sauce (well, almost).

READY IN: 2hrs 15mins

SERVES: 4

YIELD: 6-7 Shrimp each

UNITS: US

INGREDIENTS

Nutrition

For the Shrimp
weigh your fresh peeled, extra large raw shrimp (or thawed, 26-30/lb)
1

bay leaf
1

teaspoon mustard seeds
¹⁄₂

teaspoon red pepper flakes
¹⁄₄

teaspoon onion powder
¹⁄₄

teaspoon garlic powder
¹⁄₄

teaspoon dill weed or 1/4 teaspoon dill seed
7

cloves
For the Sauce
3

ounces Heinz Chili Sauce
2

tablespoons ketchup
2

tablespoons hot horseradish (more if you like it spicier)
juice of half a lemon
¹⁄₂

teaspoon wasabi (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Add to a large enough pot double the weight of water you observed when weighing shrimp.
Add all the dry ingredients and place pot on heat. Bring to a boil for 1 minute.
Add shrimp, place lid on pan and immediately remove from heat. Allow shrimp to steep in the "tea" for 12 minutes.
Strain and chill shrimp for 1 hour, removing any large spices and herbs.
Mix sauce ingredients together until smooth.
Place sauce in cocktail glasses and arrange shrimp around the rim, serve.