Hey there! I’m gonna show you how to create the most amazing shrimp platter that’ll have your guests fighting over the last piece. As someone who’s made countless party platters, I can tell you that a well-done shrimp platter is always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into making one that’s way better than those store-bought versions!
What You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 2 pounds large shrimp (16/20 count)
- Ice for the bath and display
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs (chives or parsley)
For the Sauces:
- Classic cocktail sauce
- Cajun aioli
- Additional sauce options (we’ll cover these!)
For Garnish:
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Picking the Perfect Shrimp
Listen, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret – that “fresh” shrimp at your grocery store? It was probably frozen first! Here’s what to look for:
- Get raw, shell-on shrimp
- Look for wild-caught or sustainably farmed options
- Choose a mix of sizes (21-25, 26-30, and 31-35 count)
- If you can’t find fresh, frozen is totally fine!
2. Prepping Your Shrimp
First things first:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to boil
- Prepare an ice bath in a separate bowl
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink
- Immediately transfer to ice bath
- Peel and devein (if not already done)
3. Making Your Sauces
Classic Cocktail Sauce
Mix together
- Ketchup
- Horseradish
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
Cajun Aioli
Combine
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp old bay or cajun seasoning
4. Creating the Perfect Display
Here’s where we make it look fancy:
-
Prepare the Ice Bed:
- Crush ice in a blender until snow-like
- Create a 1-2 inch layer on your serving platter
-
Arrange the Shrimp:
- Place cooled shrimp on the ice
- Alternate directions for visual appeal
- Keep tails pointing outward
-
Add the Extras
- Place sauce bowls strategically
- Arrange cucumber slices and celery sticks
- Add lemon wedges
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
-
Temperature Control:
- Keep everything super cold
- Your platter should stay good for 3-4 hours on ice
- Refresh ice as needed
-
Make-Ahead Options:
- Cook shrimp up to 2 hours ahead
- Mix sauces up to 5 days before
- Store everything properly chilled
-
Serving Size Guide:
- Plan for 4-5 shrimp per person
- For 8-10 people, use about 2 pounds of shrimp
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should form a ‘C’ shape, not an ‘O’
- Never skip the ice bath – it’s crucial for texture
- Don’t prepare too far in advance – freshness matters!
Fun Variations to Try
-
Seasoning Options:
- Old Bay
- Cajun spice
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic and herb
-
Additional Sauce Ideas:
- Garlic aioli
- Sweet chili sauce
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Mango salsa
Final Thoughts
Making a killer shrimp platter ain’t rocket science, but it does need some love and attention to detail. Trust me, your guests will totally notice the difference between this homemade version and those store-bought platters. And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, why not make two different kinds of shrimp? Mix up the seasonings and really wow your crowd!
Remember, presentation is key, but taste is king. Keep everything fresh, cold, and properly seasoned, and you’ll have a party hit on your hands!
Got any questions about making your shrimp platter? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help you create something amazing!
Happy platter making! ✨
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp: Don’t let your shrimp turn into little rubber bands! If they’re in the water for too long, they’ll lose their juiciness.
- Unbalanced Sauces: A cocktail sauce that’s too tangy or too bland is a bummer. Keep tasting and tweaking!
- Skipping the Ice Bath: After cooking, an ice bath keeps the shrimp from overcooking and helps them stay perfectly chilled.
- For the Shrimp:
- 2 pounds large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on
- 8 cups water
- 2 lemon slices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
- Ice for chilling
- For the Cocktail Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce optional
- Pinch of salt
- For Garnishing and Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water, lemon slices, salt, and bay leaf to a boil.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes or until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp and place them in an ice water bath to stop cooking. Chill for 5 minutes.
- Combine all cocktail sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust horseradish and hot sauce for desired spice level.
- Arrange chilled shrimp on a shrimp serving platter with ice. Place cocktail sauce in the center.
- Add lemon wedges and Fresh herbs to complete the platter.
- Keep shrimp cold on a shrimp cocktail platter with ice for freshness during parties.
- Experiment with optional sauces like Cajun aioli or remoulade to complement your shrimp.
- Prepare the cocktail sauce up to 24 hours in advance for best flavor.
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Frequently Asked Questions about cocktail shrimp platter
For a memorable shrimp cocktail platter presentation, arrange the shrimp on a shrimp serving platter with a bowl of shrimp cocktail sauce in the center for easy dipping. You can add garnishes like lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and cocktail glasses for a festive touch. Shrimp cocktail platter ideas include individual servings or tiered displays to impress your guests.
Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
FAQ
How to arrange shrimp platter?
6. Assemble your platter. Lay down the lettuce, then place the shrimp down, add a block of Feta, then olives and toasted baguette slices. Top with Marinated Onions MAGIC ELIXIRS and place the spicy remoulade sauce in the center. Serve and Enjoy.
What goes with a shrimp platter?
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How to present a shrimp ring?
If the shrimp ring came with cocktail sauce, put it in a nice bowl and set on the plate. Garnish the shrimp with lemon slices and Italian parsley sprigs and serve.