Let me tell you, shrimp cocktail cups are one of my absolute favorite appetizers! They’re not just delicious; they’re like little bursts of freshness in every bite. Imagine juicy, tender shrimp mingling with creamy avocado and zesty lime, all served up in adorable little cups. I first made these for a summer barbecue, and they were gone before I could even grab a second one! What I love most is how easy they are to whip up—perfect for parties or just a fun night at home. Plus, they look so fancy, but trust me, they’re a breeze to prepare. You’re going to wow your friends and family with this refreshing treat, and they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small cups or glasses
How to Prepare Shrimp Cocktail Cups
Making shrimp cocktail cups is so simple and really quite fun! I promise you’ll have these little beauties ready to impress in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Boil the Shrimp
First things first, we need to cook our shrimp. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and then add the shrimp. You’ll want to let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn that beautiful pink color. It’s such a satisfying sight! Just make sure not to overcook them, or they can get a bit rubbery—yuck!
Step 2: Cool the Shrimp
After the shrimp are perfectly pink, drain them and quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them nice and juicy. Let them chill for a few minutes while you get your other ingredients ready.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cooled shrimp with diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. I love to mix everything together gently so the avocado stays nice and creamy. Yum!
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
Now comes the fun part! Take your small cups and spoon the shrimp mixture into each one. Don’t be shy—fill them up! Top each cup with a dollop of cocktail sauce for that classic touch. It adds a tangy kick that I just can’t resist!
Step 5: Serve Immediately
These shrimp cocktail cups are best enjoyed right away while everything is fresh and vibrant. So gather your friends, serve these beauties, and watch them disappear in seconds! Trust me, the flavor and presentation will have everyone raving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Fresh flavors that are refreshing and vibrant
- Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets
- Visually appealing, these cups are sure to impress
Tips for Success
To make sure your shrimp cocktail cups turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make your cooking experience even more enjoyable.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh shrimp if you can. It really makes a difference in flavor and texture! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before boiling.
- Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to tweak the lime juice, salt, and pepper to suit your taste. I like mine with a little extra lime for that zesty kick, but you do you!
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp mixture a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Just wait to assemble the cups until the last minute to keep everything fresh.
- Mix Gently: When combining the ingredients, be gentle! This helps maintain the creaminess of the avocado while blending in those delightful flavors.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider garnishing with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra touch. It not only looks pretty but adds a burst of flavor too!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your guests with these stunning shrimp cocktail cups. Enjoy every moment of the cooking—and tasting—process!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delightful shrimp cocktail cups. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
These shrimp cocktail cups not only taste amazing but they’re also packed with protein and healthy fats from the avocado. They make for a fantastic appetizer without the guilt—perfect for any occasion!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delicious shrimp cocktail cups? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with my personal insights.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before boiling. I usually leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick defrost. Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch!
How can I make it ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the shrimp mixture a few hours ahead of serving! Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cups. That way, everything stays fresh and tasty. Just wait to add the cocktail sauce until serving time for the best flavor!
What can I serve with shrimp cocktail cups?
These little cups are great on their own, but if you want to make a full spread, consider serving them alongside some crispy pita chips or a fresh garden salad. A light white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully too, adding a nice touch to your appetizer table!
Can I customize the cocktail sauce?
Of course! If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding a splash of hot sauce or some horseradish to your cocktail sauce for an extra zing. Personalizing it to your taste makes it even more special!
How long do they last in the fridge?
These shrimp cocktail cups are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be aware that the avocado may brown a little, but it’ll still taste great!
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or if you want to share your own tips and tricks! I love hearing how everyone puts their spin on these tasty shrimp cocktail cups!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your shrimp cocktail cups is super straightforward! If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do, because they’re so tasty!), just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 24 hours. Just a heads up, the avocado may brown a bit, but it’ll still taste delicious!
When it comes to reheating, I actually recommend enjoying them cold for the best flavor and texture. These cups are all about that refreshing vibe! If you really want to warm them up, you could gently microwave them for just a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat the shrimp—nobody wants rubbery shrimp!
So, if you can, serve them chilled and fresh, and watch the smiles on your guests’ faces as they savor every bite. Happy cooking!
For more tips on shrimp cooking techniques, you can check out Serious Eats.
For a great homemade cocktail sauce recipe, visit Food Network.
And if you’re looking for more shrimp recipes, don’t forget to explore our dinner recipes.
Print
Shrimp Cocktail Cups: 5 Fresh Bites to Impress
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing appetizer featuring shrimp served in individual cups.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small cups or glasses
Instructions
- Boil the shrimp until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain and cool the shrimp in ice water.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the cups.
- Top each cup with a dollop of cocktail sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for better flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Shrimp Cocktail Cups, Appetizer, Seafood