Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail featuring tender wild-caught shrimp paired with a tangy, herbaceous cranberry basil sauce. This recipe combines the bright tartness of fresh cranberries with aromatic basil, complemented by a gluten-free cocktail sauce and optional spicy and creamy enhancements, perfect as a light appetizer or elegant starter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound medium wild caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 bunch basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup gluten free cocktail sauce
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice or lime juice
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh tabasco or chili sauce (optional for extra spiciness)
Garnish
- Pinch of black pepper and/or peppercorns
- Fresh herbs
- Extra basil leaves
- Extra fresh cranberries
- Fresh lemon wedges (for squeezing on shrimp)
Instructions
- Boil the shrimp: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the shrimp until they turn pink, which will take about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the shrimp and immediately cool them to room temperature, then place them on ice to keep fresh.
- Prepare the sauce: In a blender, combine the fresh cranberries, chopped basil leaves, and gluten-free cocktail sauce. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon or lime juice, a pinch of kosher salt, and honey if using. Blend everything until smooth. For added creaminess, slowly blend in olive oil, and for extra heat, add fresh tabasco or chili sauce as desired.
- Assemble and garnish: Spoon the cranberry basil sauce into a serving bowl. Garnish with a pinch of black pepper, extra fresh cranberries, and additional herbs to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve the shrimp: Arrange the chilled shrimp around the bowl of sauce along with some fresh basil leaves and other vegetables if desired. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp to brighten the flavors. Keep the shrimp on ice if they will be out for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a substitute, you can use cooked frozen shrimp if wild-caught fresh shrimp are unavailable.
- Ensure the cocktail sauce used is gluten-free if avoiding gluten.
- The honey is optional and can be omitted to keep the sauce less sweet.
- Olive oil is optional but adds a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce.
- Chili sauce or tabasco is optional for those who prefer a spicier kick.
- Keep shrimp chilled on ice for safety if serving for extended periods.
Keywords: cranberry, basil, shrimp cocktail, gluten free, appetizer, seafood, cocktail sauce, herbaceous sauce
