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Make-Ahead Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp
Plump, tender shrimp soak up the bold, tangy flavors of your favorite brunch cocktail in this vibrant seafood appetizer. You'll poach the shrimp directly in savory tomato juice before tossing them into a zesty vodka and citrus marinade. Crisp celery and sweet onions add a refreshing crunch that cuts right through the rich, spiced sauce. It's an impressive, make-ahead dish that takes the stress out of entertaining.
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 (32-oz.) bottle Bloody Mary mix, divided
- 2½ lb. medium peeled, deveined raw shrimp, tails optional
- 4 cups ice
- ½ cup cocktail sauce
- ⅓ cup (2⅔ oz.) vodka
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 1 Tbsp. hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. celery seeds
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery (from about 2 celery stalks)
- 1 cup thinly vertically sliced sweet onion (from 1 small onion)
Instructions
- 1Combine 1 cup of water and 3 cups of the Bloody Mary mix in a large saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then immediately remove the pan from the burner.
- 2Submerge the raw shrimp in the hot liquid. Cover the saucepan and let it sit for about 8 minutes, or until the shrimp turn barely opaque in the center. Poaching off the heat ensures they won't overcook.
- 3Stir the ice directly into the saucepan. Don't skip this step; the ice bath halts the cooking process so the shrimp stay tender. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes until cool. Drain the liquid and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- 4Whisk the cocktail sauce, vodka, olive oil, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery seeds, black pepper, and the remaining 1 cup of Bloody Mary mix in a large bowl or a heavy-duty zip-top bag.
- 5Toss the cooled shrimp, sliced celery, and sweet onion into the cocktail sauce marinade. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours to develop the flavors.
- 6Transfer the marinated shrimp and vegetables to a large serving bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving excess liquid behind.
Notes
- Make ahead: You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours before serving to let the flavors fully develop.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Alcohol-free option: Simply omit the vodka and replace it with an equal amount of extra Bloody Mary mix or a splash of lemon juice.