Zesty Broiled Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Experience the perfect blend of succulent shrimp and spicy cocktail sauce in this revamped recipe! Drawing inspiration from Alton Brown's renowned brining technique, this dish promises moist, flavor-packed shrimp in every bite. A delightful brine, infused with aromatic spices, ensures the shrimp are tender and flavorful. Paired with a zesty cocktail sauce made from scratch, this dish is perfect for any gathering or a satisfying appetizer. Enjoy these shrimp warm and juicy straight from the oven, or let them chill to soak in every bit of flavor.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
shell-on large shrimp
1.5 lbs (deveined)
kosher salt
1/4 cup (for brine)
sugar
1/4 cup (for brine)
water
1 cup (for brine)
ice
2 cups (for brine)
lemon slice
1 (optional)
lemon zest
from 1 lemon (optional)
black peppercorns
to taste (optional)
crushed garlic
or garlic salt (optional, no more than a couple tbsp)
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste (optional)
fresh parsley
to taste (optional)
dried coriander
1 tablespoon (optional)
diced tomatoes
14.5 oz can (drained)
prepared chili sauce
1/2 cup (none)
prepared horseradish
4 tablespoons (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for cocktail sauce)
fresh black pepper
3 grinds (for cocktail sauce)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (for cocktail sauce)
hot sauce
to taste (optional)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for coating shrimp)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine kosher salt, sugar, and water to form the brine. Stir thoroughly until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
2
Add ice to the brine to ensure it is cold, and then place the shrimp into the bowl. Optionally, add lemon slices, lemon zest, black peppercorns, crushed garlic or garlic salt, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and coriander to enhance the brine.
3
Refrigerate the brine with shrimp for exactly 20 to 25 minutes — do not exceed this time to prevent over-salting.
4
While the shrimp are brining, prepare the cocktail sauce. In a food processor, blend together the drained diced tomatoes, chili sauce, horseradish, sugar, fresh black pepper, and kosher salt until smooth. Refrigerate the cocktail sauce until serving time.
5
Preheat the broiler and cover a baking sheet with foil. Allow the sheet to heat under the broiler for about 5 minutes.
6
Remove the shrimp from the brine and drain thoroughly. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess brine, and pat dry with paper towels.
7
Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl. Lightly coat with olive oil (using a mister for even coverage) and sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning if desired.
8
Arrange the shrimp on the preheated sheet pan under the broiler. After 2 minutes, inspect the shrimp; they should begin to turn pink and slightly separate at the deveining cut.
9
Using tongs, turn the shrimp over and broil for an additional minute. They should be fully pink and opaque.
10
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a cool bowl or cookie sheet and refrigerate immediately if serving chilled.
11
Serve the shrimp with the prepared cocktail sauce. These shrimp can also be enjoyed warm right out of the oven!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this Zesty Broiled Shrimp recipe?
This recipe draws inspiration from Alton Brown's renowned brining technique to ensure moist and flavor-packed shrimp.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How long should the shrimp be brined?
The shrimp should be brined for exactly 20 to 25 minutes. Do not exceed this time to prevent the shrimp from becoming over-salted.
What are the primary ingredients for the shrimp brine?
The brine consists of kosher salt, sugar, water, and ice.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of shell-on large shrimp that have been deveined.
How do I make the homemade cocktail sauce?
In a food processor, blend drained diced tomatoes, chili sauce, horseradish, sugar, fresh black pepper, and kosher salt until smooth.
Can I customize the flavor of the brine?
Yes, you can optionally add lemon slices, lemon zest, black peppercorns, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or coriander.
How should I prepare the baking sheet for broiling?
Cover a baking sheet with foil and allow it to heat under the broiler for about 5 minutes before adding the shrimp.
Should the shrimp be rinsed after brining?
Yes, after brining, drain the shrimp and rinse them under cold water to remove excess brine, then pat dry.
What temperature should the shrimp be cooked at?
The shrimp should be cooked using the broiler setting on your oven.
How do I know when the broiled shrimp are done?
The shrimp are done when they are fully pink, opaque, and have slightly separated at the deveining cut.
How long is the total broiling time?
Broil the shrimp for 2 minutes on one side, then turn them over and broil for 1 additional minute.
Can these shrimp be served cold?
Yes, transfer the cooked shrimp to a cool bowl or cookie sheet and refrigerate immediately if you wish to serve them chilled.
Is there a recommended seasoning for the shrimp before broiling?
You can lightly coat the shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle with a dash of Old Bay Seasoning if desired.
What is the secret to getting an even oil coating on the shrimp?
Using an oil mister allows for even coverage when coating the shrimp with olive oil.
How many ingredients are in the cocktail sauce?
The sauce uses 6 main ingredients: diced tomatoes, chili sauce, horseradish, sugar, black pepper, and kosher salt, plus optional hot sauce.
What should I do with the diced tomatoes for the sauce?
You must use a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes and ensure they are thoroughly drained before blending.
Can I make the cocktail sauce in advance?
Yes, you should prepare the cocktail sauce while the shrimp are brining and refrigerate it until serving time.
What equipment do I need for the cocktail sauce?
A food processor is required to blend the ingredients until smooth.
What is the purpose of adding ice to the brine?
Adding ice ensures the brine is cold before the shrimp are added, which is essential for the brining process.
Should I peel the shrimp before brining?
The recipe specifies shell-on shrimp, which helps keep them succulent during the high-heat broiling process.
What is the purpose of preheating the baking sheet?
Preheating the sheet pan ensures the shrimp start cooking immediately upon contact, helping them sear and stay tender.
Can I add heat to the cocktail sauce?
Yes, you can add hot sauce to taste to give the cocktail sauce an extra spicy kick.
Is the sugar in the brine necessary?
Yes, the combination of salt and sugar in the brine helps to flavor and retain moisture in the shrimp.
How many grams of shrimp are used?
The recipe uses 1.5 lbs of shrimp, which is approximately 680 grams.
What tags describe this dish?
This dish is tagged as shrimp, cocktail sauce, appetizer, seafood, brine, broiled, zesty, and quick.
How much horseradish is in the cocktail sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of prepared horseradish.
Can I use garlic salt instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use either crushed garlic or garlic salt in the brine, but use no more than a couple of tablespoons.
Should I use a specific type of salt?
The recipe specifically recommends kosher salt for both the brine and the cocktail sauce.
Can I serve the shrimp immediately after broiling?
Yes, these shrimp can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven!