Easy Shrimp Cocktail Platter (Perfect for Holiday Parties!)
This chilled shrimp cocktail platter is my go-to holiday appetizer. It’s classic, fresh, and takes about five minutes to assemble — just pile up the shrimp, add lemon wedges, and slide a bowl of cocktail sauce in the corner. Simple, festive, and always the first thing to disappear at a party!
Ingredients
- 1–2 lbs raw large or jumbo shrimp, peeled + deveined (tails on)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay
- 1 lemon, halved
- Ice (for chilling)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, Old Bay, and squeeze both lemon halves into the water.
- Add the shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes until they turn bright pink and curl slightly.
- Immediately transfer shrimp into an ice bath (bowl of ice + water) to stop the cooking and keep them crisp.
- Once chilled, pat dry and assemble on your platter.
Tips & Variations
- Horseradish: Add a spoonful to your cocktail sauce for extra bite, or serve it on the side so guests can decide their heat level.
- Old Bay or seafood seasoning: Sprinkle a little over the cooked shrimp for a savory, party-worthy upgrade.
- Extra lemon slices: Add generous wedges all around the platter — it brightens the flavor and looks festive!
