Hey seafood lovers! I’ve been on a mission to find the absolute best store-bought shrimp cocktail, and lemme tell you – not all platters are created equal! After countless taste tests and probably too many cocktail sauce-stained shirts, I’m here to share the juicy details about where you can snag the perfect shrimp cocktail platter.
Best Places to Buy Shrimp Cocktail (TL;DR)
- Costco – Best overall ($15/pound+)
- Walmart (Sam’s Choice) – Best budget option (Under $10)
- Other stores tested: Kroger, Target (Good & Gather), Sun Harvest
Why Costco’s Kirkland Signature Shrimp Cocktail Rules Supreme
Listen up fam – if you’ve got a Costco membership. this is your golden ticket to shrimp cocktail heaven! Here’s why we’re obsessed
- Fresh, not frozen shrimp (major win!)
- Over a pound of thicc, juicy shrimp
- Super reasonable price point at $15
- Includes generous cocktail sauce portion
- Comes with actual lemon slices (fancy!)
- Perfect for salad toppers if you have leftovers
The only tiny downside? You’ll need to arrange the shrimp yourself if you want that perfect circular presentation. But honestly, who cares when they taste this good?
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Walmart’s Sam’s Choice
Don’t have a Costco card? No worries! Walmart’s got your back with their Sam’s Choice platter
- Amazing value – 38 shrimp for under $10!
- Pre-arranged in that classic circular pattern
- Smaller shrimp but still firm and tasty
- Plenty of zingy cocktail sauce
- Great horseradish kick without too much heat
Tips for Serving Store-Bought Shrimp Cocktail
- Thaw properly if frozen (don’t rush it!)
- Keep chilled until serving time
- Add extra lemon wedges for fancy vibes
- Consider doubling up on cocktail sauce
- Pro tip: pair with a martini for dinner (we won’t judge!)
Why Trust My Recommendations?
I’ve literally eaten my way through every major grocery store’s shrimp cocktail offering. This ain’t just random internet advice – it’s based on real taste-testing and comparison shopping. Plus, who doesn’t love a good shrimp cocktail story?
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the absolute best shrimp cocktail platter, head to Costco Their Kirkland Signature option is basically restaurant quality at grocery store prices But if Costco isn’t an option, Walmart’s Sam’s Choice is a solid runner-up that won’t break the bank.
Quick Price Comparison Table
| Store | Brand | Price Range | Quality Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | Kirkland | $15+ | 10/10 |
| Walmart | Sam’s Choice | Under $10 | 8/10 |
Final Thoughts
Listen, sometimes you just need a quick and easy appetizer that looks fancy but requires zero effort. Store-bought shrimp cocktail is perfect for those moments when you wanna impress without the stress. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to a fancy TV dinner (been there!), these options got you covered.
Remember, while there are lots of brands out there, stick with our top picks for the best experience. Trust me, your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some leftover shrimp calling my name…
#seafood #appetizers #groceryshopping #shrimp #entertaining
How To Boil Shrimp for Shrimp Cocktail
Boiling the shrimp with seasoning and aromatics makes this shrimp cocktail flavorful.
Be sure to use a large enough pot, and make sure there’s plenty of water in it. Allowing the crustaceans to move around when boiling will help them cook quickly and evenly.
Seasoning for Shrimp Cocktail
The tangy, spicy shrimp cocktail sauce was a house recipe. Instead of just boiling the shrimp in plain water, the spices in their recipe really made the big difference between bland shrimp that serves as a carrier for the cocktail sauce and a shrimp cocktail with layers upon layers of flavors in every bite.
Yeah, $18 was still expensive for shrimp cocktail. So, thank goodness I made buddy-buddy friends with Kevin, the food and beverage director at the resort, and he snuck me the recipe, including how to make the cocktail sauce.
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Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
FAQ
Where is shrimp cocktail sauce in the grocery store?
Go to the seafood section of your local grocery store, and you may just encounter Waterfront Bistro cocktail sauce.
What is another name for a shrimp cocktail?
This recipe has many colloquial names including campechana, cocktail de camerones, or mexican shrimp cocktail, and many versions include additional seafood such as fresh oysters, grilled octopus, fish, and crab meat.
Can you buy frozen shrimp for shrimp cocktail?
I believe the best shrimp for shrimp cocktails are: Frozen: The “fresh” shrimp at the vast majority of seafood counters are really just frozen shrimp that has been defrosted at the store. To maximize freshness cut out the middleman and just buy frozen shrimp.
Does Costco have shrimp cocktail platters?
Shrimp Cocktail Platter ($40)Feb 2, 2024