Why Make This Recipe
These Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist are great. They are easy to make and look fancy. The bright citrus taste goes well with the shrimp and sauce. You can make them before your guests arrive, so you can relax. They are healthy and low in carbs. You can change them to your liking. Everyone loves them, so they are perfect for any party.
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist
Making these shooters is simple. You cook the shrimp if they are raw. Then you mix the sauce ingredients. Finally, you put the sauce and shrimp into small glasses. Add a garnish and chill them.
Ingredients of : Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Citrus Cocktail Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (adjust to your spice liking)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Pinch of finely grated orange zest
- Pinch of finely grated lemon zest
- Freshly chopped chives or parsley for garnish
- For Assembly:
- Small shooter glasses or mini martini glasses
- Lemon and orange wedges for garnish
Directions of : Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- If you use raw shrimp, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells good. Add shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink. Let them cool down completely.
- If you use pre-cooked shrimp, just pat them dry and chill them.
- Whip Up the Citrus Cocktail Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if you use it).
- Stir in the grated orange zest and lemon zest. Mix well until all parts are combined.
- Taste and add more seasoning if needed. If you want more tang, add more citrus juice. If you like it spicier, add more horseradish or hot sauce.
- Assemble Your Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist:
- Put about 1-2 tablespoons of the citrus cocktail sauce into the bottom of each shooter glass.
- Place 2-3 shrimp on the rim of the glass. You can also put the shrimp right into the sauce.
- Garnish each shooter with a small sprig of fresh chives or parsley, and a small lemon or orange wedge on the rim.
- Chill and Serve:
- Put the assembled Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and makes them cold for serving.
How to Serve Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist
Serve these shooters with other light snacks like bruschetta or cheese platters. They are great for brunch or parties. Because they are individual servings, guests can easily grab and eat them without a plate or forks.
How to Store Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist
You can make the cocktail sauce a day before and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. You can also cook and chill the shrimp ahead of time. For the best taste and look, assemble the shooters no more than 2-3 hours before serving. Keep them in the fridge.
Tips to Make Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist
- Good Shrimp: Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and shrimp beforehand.
- Keep Cold: Make sure the shrimp and sauce are very cold before you put them together.
- Look Nice: A pretty garnish makes them look even better.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook shrimp until just pink, so they don’t get tough.
- Balance Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the horseradish and citrus as you like.
- Garnishes Ready: Have your herbs and fruit wedges ready before you start assembling.
Variation
- More Spice: Add red pepper flakes to the shrimp or more hot sauce to the cocktail sauce.
- Different Herbs: Try fresh dill or cilantro instead of chives for a new flavor.
- Smoky Taste: A little liquid smoke in the cocktail sauce can add a nice touch.
- Sweet Touch: Add a small piece of diced mango or pineapple at the bottom of the shooter.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the cocktail sauce up to two days before and keep it in the fridge. Cooked shrimp can also be chilled a day early. For the best freshness, put the Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist together no more than 2-3 hours before you serve them. Keep them in the fridge until ready.
Q2: What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
A2: For the best Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist, use large or jumbo shrimp (21/25 count per pound). You can use raw or pre-cooked shrimp. If using raw, remember to cook them.
Q3: What if I don’t have shooter glasses?
A3: No problem! While shooter glasses look nice for these Shrimp Cocktail Shooters with Citrus Twist, you can use small ramekins, mini martini glasses, or even small teacups. Use whatever small containers you have.
Zesty Garlic Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
Equipment
- Pan
- Medium bowl
- Small shooter glasses
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Citrus Cocktail Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp hot sauce
- finely grated orange zest Pinch of
- finely grated lemon zest Pinch of
- Freshly chopped chives for garnish
For Assembly
- shooter glasses Small
- Lemon wedges for garnish
- Orange wedges for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
- If using raw shrimp, cook in a pan with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until pink, then cool completely. If using pre-cooked shrimp, pat dry and chill.
Whip Up the Citrus Cocktail Sauce
- Combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, orange zest, and lemon zest in a medium bowl, mixing well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble Your Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of citrus cocktail sauce into each shooter glass, then place 2-3 shrimp on the rim or directly into the sauce.
Garnish and Chill
- Garnish each shooter with fresh chives and a lemon or orange wedge. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and ensure cold serving.