Shrimp Shooters: A Delicious And Fun Appetizer

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer to impress your guests at a holiday party or any get-together, look no further than these delightful Shrimp Shooters.

These individual shrimp cocktails are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them the perfect finger food for any event. 

I first discovered these little wonders at a wedding cocktail hour, and I was immediately captivated by their charm. What’s better than a perfectly sized shrimp served in its own shot glass of cocktail sauce?

Let’s dive into the details of creating these crowd-pleasing Shrimp Shooters.

Ingredients and Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Shrimp Shooters:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Frozen Raw EZ Peel Shrimp with Tails On (jumbo size for maximum flavor)
• 1 jar Cocktail Sauce (I prefer Hoffman House)
• 2 tablespoons Prepared Horseradish Sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 4 drops Hot Sauce (adjust to your taste preference)
• 1/4 Freshly Squeezed Lemon
• 1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder or One Clove Chopped Garlic

Equipment:

• 1 Sauce Pan for boiling shrimp
• 20 Plastic Shot Glasses

Selecting the Shrimp

The key to making these extra delicious is to spend the extra couple of dollars and buy jumbo shrimp. 

The size of the shrimp makes all the difference in the taste and the appearance of your appetizer.

When you buy shrimp there are many different choices. I usually go for Raw Shrimp which says Ez Peel with the Tail On. 

Also, you should definitely buy large or jumbo. On the front of the frozen shrimp, it gives you the count per pound. I’m using 16-20 for this recipe. Your guests are just getting one shrimp so you might as well make it a super yummy bite!

Thawing the Shrimp

Start by thawing the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator, and following the directions on the bag. 

The amount of cocktail sauce in one jar should be enough for approximately 20 shooters. 

Thaw as many shrimp as needed for your guests, ensuring they are fully defrosted before cooking.

Prepping the Shrimp

Once the shrimp is thawed, carefully remove the shell while leaving the tail intact.

The tail not only adds visual appeal but also serves as a convenient handle for dipping the shrimp in the delicious sauce.

The Cocktail Sauce

While you can always use store-bought cocktail sauce, you can elevate the flavors by adding a personal touch.

In a bowl, mix the jar of cocktail sauce with 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 4 drops of hot sauce (adjust to taste), a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder or chopped garlic.

Give it a good stir until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a flavorful and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.

Cooking the Shrimp

When preparing the shrimp you want to only boil it for two minutes but then you leave it in the hot water covered for 5-7 minutes.

It will continue to cook but it won’t curl up from the excessive heat and boiling.

Also if you want add some aromatics and a tsp of salt to the water. I add the lemon ends that I have left over from the garnish, some parsley, a dash of lemon pepper, and a tsp of salt.

After your shrimp is cooked it will be white and pink. It should not look translucent at all.

The Ice Bath

To stop the cooking process and keep the shrimp firm and succulent, transfer them immediately to an ice bath and keep them ice-cold until you’re ready to assemble the shooters.

Garnishing the Shrimp Shooters

For an extra touch of elegance, consider making lemon curls as a garnish. Cut a lemon in half and slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces.

Remove the peel and wrap each slice around a chopstick to create beautiful curls.

Feel free to cut these in half for a smaller garnish.

Alternatively, you can use parsley for a fresh and vibrant look.

Assembling the Shrimp Shooters

Now comes the fun part!

Using disposable shot glasses, fill each one with about one tablespoon of the prepared cocktail sauce.

Top each shot glass with one perfectly cooked shrimp, and don’t forget to garnish with a lemon curl or parsley for that wow factor.

Final Touches

Arrange all your beautiful shooters on a platter and get ready to impress your guests.

You can make these ahead of time for added convenience and simply add the shrimp right before serving.

Your guests will delight in these delectable and adorable Shrimp Shooters, making you the ultimate host or hostess with the mostess! If you have any leftover shrimp make sure to try some shrimp balls!

So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of wine, and bask in the satisfaction of creating such a stunning and tasty appetizer.

Cheers to a successful party!

More Christmas Appetizers

Wonton Sausage Stars

Cranberry Brie Bites

Mini Stuffed Peppers