Oh, let me tell you about Shrimp Cocktail Cups! These little delights are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I had them at a friend’s party—it was love at first bite! The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty cocktail sauce served in cute little cups just makes everything feel a bit more special. They’re so fresh and vibrant, and you can whip them up in no time! Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner or just having a casual get-together, these Shrimp Cocktail Cups are sure to impress your guests. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a staple on your appetizer list!

Ingredients List

To make these delightful Shrimp Cocktail Cups, you’ll need some simple yet fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh shrimp are key for that sweet, briny flavor. Don’t skimp on quality; they make all the difference!
1 cup cocktail sauce: This zesty sauce is the star of the show! You can use store-bought or whip up your own for a personal touch.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the flavors beautifully.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley: This adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to the cups.
1 avocado (diced): Creamy avocado complements the shrimp perfectly and adds a lovely texture.
12 small cups or shot glasses: These are perfect for serving each portion and make a fun presentation!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to impress your friends and family with this refreshing appetizer!

How to Prepare Shrimp Cocktail Cups

Making Shrimp Cocktail Cups is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have an impressive appetizer ready in no time.

Boil the shrimp: Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a lovely pink color. Be careful not to overcook them—nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
Cool the shrimp: After they’re cooked, drain the shrimp and immediately cool them down under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them nice and tender.
Mix the sauce: In a bowl, mix your cocktail sauce with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This simple addition brightens up the flavors and gives it that extra zing!
Assemble the cups: Now for the fun part! Take your small cups or shot glasses and start layering. First, add a generous spoonful of diced avocado to the bottom of each cup. Then, pile in the shrimp, making sure they’re nestled nicely.
Finish it off: Top each cup with a dollop of the zesty cocktail sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Voila!
Serving: You can serve them immediately for that fresh taste, or chill them in the fridge until you’re ready to wow your guests.

Trust me, once you see how easy this is, you’ll want to make these Shrimp Cocktail Cups for every occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Easy assembly: Just layer the ingredients in cups—no complicated cooking techniques required.
Fresh flavors: The combination of shrimp, avocado, and zesty cocktail sauce is simply irresistible!
Gluten-free option: This appetizer is perfect for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Visually appealing: The colorful presentation in individual cups makes them a showstopper on any table!

Tips for Success

To make your Shrimp Cocktail Cups truly shine, here are some handy tips I swear by. First, always choose the freshest shrimp you can find—trust me, it makes a world of difference! If you’re near a seafood market, that’s the place to go. Next, don’t hesitate to adjust the cocktail sauce to your liking. If you love a bit more heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some horseradish for an extra kick!

Also, I recommend chilling the assembled cups for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances that refreshing taste. Plus, it makes them feel even more elegant when you serve them! Finally, feel free to get creative with garnishes; a slice of lemon or a sprig of dill can elevate the presentation even more. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Variations

If you want to mix things up with your Shrimp Cocktail Cups, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! First off, why not swap out the shrimp for sweet, succulent crab meat? It adds a whole new level of luxury to the cups! You can also get creative with different herbs—try using cilantro or dill instead of parsley for a fresh twist.

Feeling adventurous? Add some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the seafood. If you’re a fan of variety, consider using a medley of seafood like scallops and lobster for an extravagant version. And for a spicy kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or serve with a spicy cocktail sauce. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes these cups so delightful!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each serving of Shrimp Cocktail Cups. Each cup contains about 150 calories, with 5 grams of fat and 12 grams of protein, making them a satisfying yet light appetizer. You’ll also find around 15 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, plus 4 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s a good idea to check your labels for the most accurate details. Enjoy these delicious cups guilt-free!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Shrimp Cocktail Cups, it’s all about creating a delightful spread! I love pairing them with some crusty bread or toasted baguette slices; they’re perfect for scooping up that delicious cocktail sauce. A refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the shrimp beautifully, adding a crisp texture to your meal. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve them alongside some light dips like a tangy tzatziki or a creamy avocado dip. These pairings not only enhance the flavors but also elevate your appetizer game to a whole new level!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delicious Shrimp Cocktail Cups? No problem, I’ve got you covered!

How do I store leftovers? If you happen to have any leftover cups (which is rare, trust me!), just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, the avocado might brown a bit, but a squeeze of lemon juice can help slow that down!

Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp and mix the cocktail sauce a day in advance. Just assemble the cups right before serving to keep the avocado fresh and vibrant.

What if I can’t find shrimp? No worries! You can easily substitute the shrimp with crab meat, lobster, or even cooked scallops for a different flavor. Just make sure whatever seafood you use is fresh and cooked properly.

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain well before cooking. This way, you won’t end up with extra water in your cups.

Feel free to ask any other questions, and happy cooking!

Shrimp Cocktail Cups: 5 Irresistible Ways to Impress Guests

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Boiling and assembling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Shrimp Cocktail Cups are a delightful appetizer featuring shrimp served in individual cups with cocktail sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup cocktail sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 avocado, diced
12 small cups or shot glasses

Instructions

Boil the shrimp in salted water until pink and cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
Drain and cool the shrimp under cold water.
In a bowl, mix cocktail sauce with lemon juice.
In each cup, layer diced avocado and shrimp.
Top with cocktail sauce and sprinkle with parsley.
Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
Adjust cocktail sauce to your taste.
Can substitute shrimp with crab if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Shrimp Cocktail Cups, appetizer, seafood, cocktail sauce

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