Spicy Drunken Shrimp with Zesty Cocktail Sauce
Dive into a flavorful journey with our Spicy Drunken Shrimp, cooked to perfection in a zesty concoction of domestic beer, cider vinegar, and aromatic spices. This dish features succulent large shrimp, infused with the beloved Old Bay Seasoning, and tossed in a bold cocktail sauce that combines the tang of horseradish, Worcestershire, and a kick of Tabasco. Perfect for your next gathering or a special dinner, this recipe celebrates the essence of good food and great company. Enjoy them warm or chilled, alongside the vibrant cocktail sauce for a delightful burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Domestic beer
2 cans (12 ounces each)
Cider vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
Water
2 cups (none)
Old Bay Seasoning
2 tablespoons (none)
Large shrimp
2 lbs (in the shell)
Minced garlic
2 tablespoons (none)
Creole seasoning
2 tablespoons (none)
Brown sauce
2 cups (none)
Prepared horseradish
1 cup (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Lime juice
1/4 (juice)
Lemon juice
1/4 (juice)
Tabasco sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large, high-sided pot, combine the domestic beer, cider vinegar, and water. Stir in the Old Bay Seasoning. Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
2
Once boiling, add the shrimp to the pot. Cover tightly and boil for 2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn bright pink and the flesh appears just opaque.
3
Carefully drain the shrimp in a colander and immediately cover them with ice to halt the cooking process while keeping them chilled.
4
Transfer the cooled shrimp into a mixing bowl. Add minced garlic and Creole seasoning, tossing gently to ensure the shrimp are well coated. You can serve them warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sauce, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce until mixed thoroughly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6
Serve the spicy shrimp alongside the zesty cocktail sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Drunken Shrimp?
Spicy Drunken Shrimp is a flavorful seafood dish where large shrimp are boiled in a mixture of beer, cider vinegar, and Old Bay seasoning, then served with a zesty, horseradish-based cocktail sauce.
What type of beer should I use for the boil?
The recipe recommends using two 12-ounce cans of domestic beer to provide a subtle malty base for the cooking liquid.
How long do the shrimp need to cook?
The shrimp should be boiled for exactly 2 minutes or until they turn bright pink and the flesh is just opaque.
Why is cider vinegar used in the recipe?
Cider vinegar adds a bright tanginess to the boiling liquid that complements the seafood and the spices.
Do I need to peel the shrimp before boiling?
No, the recipe specifies using large shrimp in the shell to help protect the meat and keep it succulent during the boil.
What is the purpose of the ice bath?
Immediately covering the drained shrimp with ice stops the cooking process, ensuring they don't become rubbery and remain perfectly tender.
Should Spicy Drunken Shrimp be served hot or cold?
They can be served either warm or chilled, depending on your personal preference or the occasion.
What are the main ingredients in the zesty cocktail sauce?
The sauce is a blend of brown sauce, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce.
How much Old Bay Seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning to be stirred into the boiling liquid.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a significant kick due to the combination of Old Bay, Creole seasoning, horseradish, and Tabasco sauce.
Can I adjust the spice level of the cocktail sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Tabasco and horseradish to suit your specific heat tolerance.
What is Creole seasoning used for?
After cooking and cooling, the shrimp are tossed in Creole seasoning and minced garlic to add a final layer of bold flavor.
How much horseradish is in the cocktail sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of prepared horseradish, giving the sauce a very sharp and zesty profile.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are completely thawed before adding them to the boiling pot.
What size shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large shrimp are recommended as they hold up well during the boiling process and provide a satisfying bite.
How much water is needed for the boil?
You will need 2 cups of water to combine with the beer and vinegar for the cooking base.
What is the 'brown sauce' mentioned in the ingredients?
Brown sauce refers to a savory, slightly sweet condiment that serves as the base for this specific cocktail sauce variation.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, non-alcoholic beer can be used as a substitute if you prefer to avoid alcohol while maintaining the flavor profile.
How many people does this recipe serve?
With 2 lbs of large shrimp, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people as an appetizer.
Can I make the cocktail sauce in advance?
Yes, making the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors of the horseradish, citrus, and spices to meld together.
How much minced garlic is added to the shrimp?
The shrimp are tossed with 2 tablespoons of minced garlic after the cooling process.
Does the recipe use fresh citrus?
Yes, it uses both fresh lime juice and fresh lemon juice for a vibrant, acidic balance.
What makes this a 'quick meal'?
The actual cooking time for the shrimp is only 2 minutes, and the sauce requires simple whisking, making it very fast to prepare.
Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
Worcestershire sauce adds essential umami and depth to the cocktail sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
Can I substitute the cider vinegar with white vinegar?
Yes, white vinegar can be used, though it will have a slightly sharper, less fruity profile than cider vinegar.
How do I know the shrimp are done?
They are finished when they curl slightly, turn bright pink on the outside, and the flesh is no longer translucent.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the specific brands of beer, Worcestershire, and Creole seasoning used; always check labels if dietary restrictions are a concern.
Can I grill these shrimp instead of boiling?
While this specific recipe is designed for a 'drunken' boil, you could use the same seasonings for grilling, though the texture will differ.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days.
What is the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve the shrimp on a chilled platter with the cocktail sauce in a central bowl for easy dipping.