Get ready to spice up your cocktail hour! Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a refreshing appetizer, these 18 classic shrimp cocktail recipes with a spicy kick are sure to impress. From traditional flavors like Cajun and Mexican to innovative combinations like Mango and Pineapple, we’ve got the perfect recipe for every taste bud.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring different cuisines and flavor profiles that will elevate your shrimp cocktail game. With ingredients ranging from sriracha sauce to chipotle peppers, horseradish to lime juice, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave your guests wanting more.
So go ahead, kick it up a notch, and dive into the world of spicy shrimp cocktails!
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Cocktail
Get ready to spice up your cocktail hour with this flavorful twist on the classic shrimp cocktail! This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a bold and spicy Cajun seasoning, perfect for those who like a little heat in their appetizers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (such as Tony’s or Zatarain’s)
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/4 cup cocktail sauce (or store-bought equivalent)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spicy mixture.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, stir in cocktail sauce and lemon juice.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including marinating time)
Classic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with tangy lime juice and spicy peppers, perfect for hot summer days or as an appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
– 6-8 ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, and salt.
2. Stir gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Just before serving, stir in vegetable oil.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None (marinates in refrigerator)
Avocado Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail hour with this creamy and flavorful Avocado Shrimp Cocktail recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you crave something new.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine diced avocado and lime juice. Gently stir until well combined.
2. Add the shrimp, cilantro, and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Toss gently to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing appetizer is ready in no time.
Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Cocktail
Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Get ready to spice up your cocktail hour with this mouth-numbingly delicious appetizer! Succulent shrimp are marinated in a zesty mixture of sriracha, lime juice, and garlic, then served chilled and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together sriracha, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Just before serving, give the shrimp a quick rinse under cold water to remove excess marinade.
4. Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is served chilled.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and refreshing appetizer, perfect for any occasion. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Cocktail recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce and a splash of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
2. Add the shrimp to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and fully cooked.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Zesty Lemon Shrimp Cocktail
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your cocktail hour with this refreshing Zesty Lemon Shrimp Cocktail recipe! Succulent shrimp, marinated in a zesty lemon mixture, are served chilled and perfect for a light and satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Just before serving, remove the shrimp from the marinade and rinse under cold running water.
4. Pat dry with paper towels and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including marinating time)
Chipotle Lime Shrimp Cocktail
Add a twist to the classic shrimp cocktail with this bold and zesty recipe, combining the warmth of chipotle peppers with the brightness of lime. Perfect for a quick and impressive appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, chipotle peppers, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Just before serving, stir in olive oil and black pepper.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None (shrimp only need to marinate)
Tomato Basil Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail hour with this flavorful and refreshing Tomato Basil Shrimp Cocktail. Sweet tomatoes, savory basil, and succulent shrimp come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, tomato, basil, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, fill cocktail glasses with ice. Spoon the shrimp mixture over the ice.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep), 30 minutes (marinating)
Spicy Mango Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and spicy twist on the classic shrimp cocktail. Fresh mango and a hint of heat from chili flakes bring a tropical flavor to this refreshing appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey until well combined.
2. Add the shrimp and toss to coat with the mango-lime mixture.
3. Sprinkle chili flakes over the shrimp and toss again to distribute evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, place a few shrimp on each plate or glass and garnish with diced mango.
Cooking Time: None, as this is an appetizer that requires no cooking!
Cucumber Mint Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail hour with this light and revitalizing appetizer that combines succulent shrimp, cool cucumber, and refreshing mint. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a taste of summer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 large cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
2. Add the shrimp and toss to coat; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Just before serving, combine cucumber slices and chopped mint in a separate bowl.
4. Place the shrimp on a platter or individual plates and top with the cucumber-mint mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Chili Lime Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic shrimp cocktail. The combination of succulent shrimp, spicy chili flakes, and zesty lime juice will leave your guests wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Just before serving, sprinkle chili flakes over the shrimp and toss gently.
4. Arrange the shrimp on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (marinating time not included)
Old Bay Seasoned Shrimp Cocktail
Add a touch of Maryland flair to your shrimp cocktail with this simple recipe that combines succulent shrimp with the iconic Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for a quick and elegant appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined.
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Just before serving, add ice-cold water to the bowl and stir gently to chill the shrimp.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a simple marinade that’s ready in no time.
Spicy Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail hour with this bold and refreshing take on the classic shrimp cocktail. A spicy kick from bloody mary mix adds depth to succulent, chilled shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup bloody mary mix
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together bloody mary mix, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter or individual glasses. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: None (chilling only)
Horseradish Infused Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your shrimp cocktail game with this bold and flavorful recipe, featuring the pungent kick of horseradish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup prepared horseradish
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together horseradish, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the horseradish mixture.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on marinating time)
Citrus Herb Shrimp Cocktail
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing and flavorful shrimp dish. The combination of citrusy goodness, fresh herbs, and succulent shrimp will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup cocktail sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together orange and lemon juice.
2. Add the parsley, dill, salt, and pepper to the bowl and stir until combined.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the citrus-herb mixture.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Just before serving, stir in the cocktail sauce.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Cocktail
Add a touch of tropical heat to your cocktail party with this spicy pineapple shrimp recipe! Fresh and flavorful, it’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup chili-lime juice (such as sriracha)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together chili-lime juice, honey, and lime juice.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Just before serving, stir in pineapple chunks.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (marinating time not included)
Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Cocktail
Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Elevate your cocktail hour with this flavorful and vibrant appetizer that combines succulent shrimp with roasted red peppers, fresh lime juice, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a light and refreshing snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 red bell peppers, roasted and sliced into strips
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss shrimp with salt and pepper; spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast shrimp in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until pink and cooked through.
4. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Add roasted peppers to the bowl and stir to combine.
6. Add cooked shrimp to the bowl; toss gently to coat with the pepper mixture.
7. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Thai Chili Shrimp Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this bold and zesty Thai-inspired shrimp dish. Perfect for a warm evening or as an appetizer for a party, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons chili flakes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together chili flakes, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Just before serving, stir in cilantro. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Fill glasses with ice and add the marinated shrimp.
5. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (marinating time included)
Summary
Get ready to spice up your seafood game with these 18 mouth-watering shrimp cocktail recipes! From classic flavors like Garlic Butter and Zesty Lemon, to bold twists like Spicy Sriracha and Chipotle Lime, there’s something for every palate. With ingredients ranging from cayenne pepper to mango and avocado, these recipes will take you on a flavorful journey around the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a show-stopping appetizer, this collection has got you covered.
