Hey there! I’m super excited to share my tried-and-true tips for arranging a show-stopping shrimp platter that’ll have your guests snapping pics before they dig in After years of hosting parties and perfecting my seafood game, I’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t Let me break it down for you!
The Basics: Getting Started with Your Shrimp Game
First Things First: Picking Your Shrimp
Listen up, because this part’s crucial! Here’s what you need to know:
- Size Matters: Go for jumbo or colossal shrimp (16-20 per pound) for that “wow” factor
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Either works! Just make sure to:
- If frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge (never on counter!)
- If fresh: Use within 24 hours of purchase
- Quantity Planning: Plan for about 6-8 shrimp per person for apps, or double it for main course
- Tail-on vs. Tail-off: Keep those tails on! They make perfect handles for dipping
The Step-by-Step Platter Magic
1. Prep Your Shrimp
I like to cook my shrimp using one of these foolproof methods
Quick Boil Method
- Bring salted water to boil
- Drop shrimp in for 1-2 mins
- Ice bath immediately (super important!)
Sauté Method:
- Heat olive oil in pan
- Cook 1-2 mins each side
- Remove when pink and curled
2. The Sauce Situation
Ya gotta have amazing dips! Here are my go-to’s:
- Classic cocktail sauce
- Zesty remoulade
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy sriracha mayo (my personal fave!)
Pro tip: Put sauces in small bowls scattered around the platter for easy access!
3. Creating That Instagram-Worthy Layout
Here’s how I make my platters look bomb:
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Start with the Base:
- Use a wide, flat platter
- Create a bed of crushed ice
- Line with fresh lettuce leaves
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The Main Event:
- Arrange shrimp in circular pattern
- Point tails outward
- Create height in the center
- Layer different levels
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Garnish Game:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs (dill + parsley = perfection!)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
Keep It Fresh & Fabulous
Some quick tips to keep everything perfect:
- Don’t let platter sit out more than 2 hours
- Keep ice bed fresh
- Replenish garnishes as needed
- Store extra shrimp in fridge until needed
My Secret Presentation Tips
Wanna know what takes my platters from good to great? Here’s what I do:
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Color Play:
- Mix red cocktail sauce
- Green herbs
- Pink shrimp
- Yellow lemons
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Height Variation:
- Stack shrimp strategically
- Use tiered platters
- Create mini mountains of ice
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Texture Mix:
- Smooth sauces
- Crisp vegetables
- Tender shrimp
- Crunchy ice
Troubleshooting Common Issues
We’ve all been there! Here’s how to fix common problems:
- Rubbery Shrimp: Don’t overcook! Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink
- Dry Presentation: Keep that ice bed fresh and garnishes moist
- Messy Platter: Provide small forks or picks for easy grabbing
The Final Touch
Remember, presentation is key but taste is king! Make sure everything’s properly chilled and seasoned before serving. I always taste test a shrimp (or three!) before putting the platter out – ya know, for quality control!
Real Talk: Timeline Tips
Here’s my actual timeline when prepping for a party:
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Day Before:
- Buy ingredients
- Make sauces
- Prep garnishes
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Day Of:
- Cook shrimp (2-3 hours before)
- Arrange platter (1 hour before)
- Final garnish (right before serving)
And there you have it, folks! Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll have a shrimp platter that’ll make you the talk of the party. Now go forth and create some seafood magic! ✨
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to help you create your perfect shrimp platter!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
How To Make zippy shrimp remoulade platter
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1 Except for the shrimp and lemon slices, place all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to mix well.
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- Last Step: Dont forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
Ingredients For zippy shrimp remoulade platter
- 2/3 c mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 2 tsp horseradish, grated from jar
- 1/2 tsp tabasco sauce
- 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2-3 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 Tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 lb cooked plain shrimp, with tail on, large to jumbo size
- lemon slices, seeds removed, for garnish
Holiday Entertaining-Home Made shrimp Platter
FAQ
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.
What goes with a shrimp platter?
Side Dishes for Shrimp Pasta Green Salad Potato Salad Pesto Zoodles Greek Salad Macaroni Salad French Fries Au Gratin Potatoes Sweet Potato Fries Tortilla Chips Roasted Asparagus Mashed Potatoes Tortellini Pasta Salad Mexican Street Corn Salad Red Cabbage Slaw Caesar Salad Risotto Jasmine Rice Veggie Kabobs Brussels …
How much shrimp cocktail for 20 people?
For 20 people, you should plan to have about 5-10 pounds of cooked, peeled shrimp, depending on if you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course.
How do you arrange a shrimp platter?
Arrange the shrimp on a bed of crisp lettuce to create an attractive base for your platter. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your arrangement – the more visually appealing your platter looks, the more enticing it will be to your guests. When arranging a shrimp platter, it’s important to use the freshest ingredients available.
How do you serve a shrimp cocktail platter?
Add the bowls of cocktail sauce and cajun aioli to the platter. Scatter celery sticks, cucumber slices and lemon wedges around the blank spaces of the platter. Sprinkle the platter with chopped chives and serve with two cocktail spoon servers for sauces. Serve this shrimp cocktail platter for parties.
What can you add to a shrimp platter?
To add variety to your shrimp platter, consider including a selection of different dips and sauces. Classic cocktail sauce is always a crowd-pleaser, but you can also include options such as garlic aioli, tartar sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
How do you make a shrimp platter visually appealing?
Simple garnishes such as lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or colorful cocktail sauce can add a pop of color and flavor to your shrimp platter. Get creative with your garnishes to add visual interest. How can I make my shrimp platter more visually appealing? To make your shrimp platter more visually appealing, focus on presentation.
How do you eat a shrimp platter?
Arrange the shrimp in a circular pattern, either hanging over the edge of the bowl or flat on the ice. Add lemon slices around the shrimp platter for easy access. (Optional) Sprinkle fresh parsley over the platter for a festive touch. Serve immediately, keeping the platter chilled by replenishing the ice as needed.
How do you display a shrimp cocktail platter?
The presentation of your shrimp cocktail platter is what transforms it into a show-stopping appetizer. Follow these tips for a stunning display: Choose a Platter: Use a large serving dish or chilled metal tray for a polished look. Add Crushed Ice: Spread a layer of ice over the platter to keep the shrimp cold and fresh.