The classic shrimp cocktail, a beloved appetizer, gets a keto-friendly makeover with this recipe. This version elevates the traditional dish with three distinct dipping sauces that are quick to prepare and can be made in advance. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer for friends, a cooler addition for fishing trips, or a light dinner.
Why Shrimp Cocktail is a Great Keto Option
Shrimp is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet. The key to keeping shrimp cocktail keto-friendly lies in the sauce. Traditional cocktail sauces are often loaded with sugar, but this recipe offers delicious alternatives that are both low in carbs and full of flavor.
Three Keto-Friendly Cocktail Sauce Recipes
This recipe provides not one, but three keto-friendly dipping sauces to complement the sweet and succulent shrimp:
Classic Keto Cocktail Sauce
This sauce has a tangy horseradish kick without the carbs and sugar typically found in traditional versions. The recipe uses sugar-free ketchup and organic tomato puree as a base, with lemon juice and hot sauce for added flavor.
Ingredients:
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Organic tomato puree
- Lemon juice (or lime juice or apple cider vinegar)
- Horseradish
- Hot sauce
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
- Pulse 3-4 times until desired consistency is reached.
- Adjust hot sauce to taste.
Pesto Mayonnaise
This sauce is a creamy, flavorful option loaded with healthy fats. It combines mayonnaise with pesto for a rich and satisfying dipping experience. It pairs well with cold shrimp or lobster and can also be mixed with chopped cooked chicken for an easy chicken salad.
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Sriracha Mayonnaise
This sauce offers a sweet and spicy kick. It's a thinner mayonnaise-based sauce with Sriracha hot sauce for a touch of heat. It can be used as a salad dressing or a complement to sweet shrimp.
Making the Perfect Keto Shrimp Cocktail
Here's a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect keto shrimp cocktail:
Ingredients:
- Raw jumbo shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined (tails can be left on)
- For the Classic Cocktail Sauce:
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Organic tomato puree
- Lemon juice
- Horseradish
- Hot sauce
- For the Pesto Mayonnaise:
- Mayonnaise
- Pesto
- For the Sriracha Mayonnaise:
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha hot sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Instant Pot Method: Pour water into the Instant Pot and stir in salt until dissolved. Add the shrimp, spreading them evenly. Secure the lid and set the timer for 0 minutes.
- Stovetop Method: Combine water and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add the shrimp, cover, and let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until pink and an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F (63°C).
- Cool the Shrimp: Transfer the cooked shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Sauces:
- Classic Cocktail Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sugar-free ketchup, organic tomato puree, lemon juice, horseradish, and hot sauce until combined.
- Pesto Mayonnaise: Mix mayonnaise with pesto.
- Sriracha Mayonnaise: Combine mayonnaise with Sriracha hot sauce.
- Serve: Remove shrimp from the ice bath, pat dry, and serve chilled on a platter or in martini glasses with your choice of keto-friendly cocktail sauces.
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of horseradish and hot sauce in the classic cocktail sauce to your preference.
- Horseradish Substitute: If you can't find horseradish, Dijon mustard can be used for a similar tangy flavor.
- Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time, but be aware that they may have minimal added flavoring.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the shrimp and cocktail sauce a day ahead of time. The cocktail sauce develops even better flavor as it chills.
- Low FODMAP Option: Omit dried chives/onion powder and use tamari sauce or soy sauce instead of coconut aminos.
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Variation: For a Mexican-inspired version, dice pico de gallo ingredients (tomatoes, onions, cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro) and mix with shrimp and a sauce made from sugar-free ketchup, hot sauce, and lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer with oyster forks or any utensil.
- Use the cocktail sauce as a dip for chips (if not strictly keto) or vegetables.
- Serve as a side dish or a full low-carb meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover shrimp and cocktail sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep for 2-4 days, while the cocktail sauce can be stored for up to 1 week.
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