Quick Shrimp Cocktail Shooters

Planning appetizers for a party can feel overwhelming, especially when you want something that looks fancy but won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen all night. Between coordinating the timing of different dishes and making sure everything stays fresh, it’s easy to get stressed about the whole thing.

That’s where these shrimp cocktail shooters come in handy: they’re quick to put together, can be prepped ahead of time, and always get people excited when they see them. Plus, they’re a fun twist on the classic shrimp cocktail that everyone already knows and loves.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For shrimp cocktail shooters, you’ll want to use large or jumbo shrimp (usually labeled as 16/20 or 21/25 per pound) since they make the best presentation and are easier to eat. While fresh shrimp is great if you can get it, most “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter has actually been previously frozen, so don’t hesitate to grab frozen shrimp – just thaw them overnight in the fridge. Look for shrimp that are already deveined to save prep time, but avoid pre-cooked shrimp since they tend to be rubbery and less flavorful. When cooking your shrimp, remember that they only need 2-3 minutes in boiling water – they’re done as soon as they turn pink and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape.

Options for Substitutions

This classic appetizer can be tweaked in several ways while still keeping its fancy feel:

• Large shrimp: While large shrimp are ideal, medium shrimp will work too. In a pinch, you can even use thawed frozen shrimp – just make sure to pat them really dry before using.
• Romaine lettuce: Feel free to swap romaine with butter lettuce, iceberg, or even a small piece of radicchio for a different look. You could also use micro greens or skip the lettuce entirely.
• Parfait glasses: No parfait glasses? Try shot glasses, small mason jars, or even sturdy plastic cups for a more casual party setting.
• Ketchup: For the cocktail sauce, you can use chili sauce instead of ketchup for a spicier kick. Just remember the texture should stay thick enough to cling to the shrimp.
• Horseradish: Fresh horseradish is best, but prepared horseradish works well too. If you’re not a fan, try using a smaller amount and adding a bit more hot sauce instead.
• Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce or coconut aminos can work as alternatives, though use a bit less as they’re usually saltier.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when preparing shrimp cocktail shooters is overcooking the shrimp – they should only take 2-3 minutes in boiling water until they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape (if they curl into a tight “O”, they’re overcooked and will be rubbery).

For the cocktail sauce, a common error is adding all the horseradish at once – instead, start with half the amount and taste as you go, since different brands vary in strength and you can always add more but can’t take it away.

When assembling the shooters, avoid the mistake of overcrowding by keeping portions small – each glass should have just enough sauce to complement the shrimp without drowning it, and the lettuce should be cut small enough to fit easily in the glass while still providing a fresh crunch.

Remember to chill your glasses and all components thoroughly before assembly, as room temperature shrimp cocktail can be unappetizing and potentially unsafe to serve.

What to Serve With Shrimp Cocktail Shooters?

Since shrimp cocktail shooters are perfect as an appetizer or party snack, you’ll want to pair them with other finger foods that keep the casual, festive vibe going. These little bites go great with bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or a cheese and crackers platter for a nice mix of flavors. If you’re serving these at a party, try setting up a DIY garnish station with extra lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and different hot sauce options so guests can customize their shooters. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or some bubbly prosecco makes these seafood bites even more special.

Storage Instructions

Keep Chilled: These shrimp cocktail shooters are best served right away, but you can keep the assembled shooters in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the lettuce from wilting and the shrimp from drying out.

Prep Ahead: Want to get a head start? Make the cocktail sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The shrimp can be cooked and cleaned a day ahead – just keep them in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Leftover Sauce: Got extra cocktail sauce? No problem! Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great for impromptu appetizers or as a zesty dip for other seafood dishes.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 24-28 g
• Fat: 2-4 g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 g

Ingredients

• For shooters:
• 12 large shrimp, cooked and cleaned (tail left on)
• 12 leaves of romaine lettuce
• 1 teaspoon lemon peel (zest from one lemon)
• Juice from one lemon
• Cocktail sauce (recipe provided)
• 12 small parfait glasses
• For cocktail sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons horseradish (add more if desired)
• 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of hot sauce (e.g., tabasco)

Step 1: Prepare the Cocktail Sauce

Add all the cocktail sauce ingredients to a bowl.

Mix the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.

Once mixed, cover and refrigerate the cocktail sauce until you are ready to assemble the shrimp shooters.

Chilling the sauce will enhance the flavors and keep it fresh.

Step 2: Assemble the Shrimp Shooters

Begin the assembly by placing a small romaine leaf into each mini parfait glass.

This will serve as a fresh and crunchy base for the shrimp shooter.

Add a generous spoonful of the chilled cocktail sauce over the romaine leaf in each glass.

Position a shrimp on top of the cocktail sauce for a visually appealing presentation.

Step 3: Add Lemon and Chill

Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over each shrimp to enhance the flavors and add a touch of brightness.

Sprinkle a small amount of lemon zest on top for added citrus aroma and flavor.

Once assembled, refrigerate the shrimp shooters until you are ready to serve.

Keeping them chilled will ensure they remain fresh and delicious when serving.