Gluten-Free Shrimp Cocktail

This classic shrimp cocktail offers plump, succulent shrimp bathed in a zesty, tangy sauce. It's a refreshing and elegant appetizer that's surprisingly simple to prepare.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Total: 20 min Serves: 4

At a glance: This easy snacks recipe yields 4 servings in about 20 minutes (10 min prep, 10 min cook). It uses 5 ingredients — including large shrimp, gluten-free cocktail sauce, fresh lemon juice — and walks through 5 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more snacks recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Shop links in the ingredient list are affiliate links and do not change the recipe.

Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Shrimp Cocktail: When preparing this snacks recipe, bottled cocktail sauce and Worcestershire sauce can contain wheat or malt, so both must be labeled gluten-free, along with the horseradish. Boil the shrimp in a clean pot.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Shrimp Cocktail: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, relying on naturally GF ingredients. Always ensure your cocktail sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup gluten-free cocktail sauce
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
0.5 tsp prepared horseradish
0.25 tsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce Shop

Instructions

1 Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the peeled and deveined large shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough.
2 While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the cocktail sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free cocktail sauce, fresh lemon juice, prepared horseradish, and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Stir these ingredients together until they are well incorporated and the sauce has a uniform consistency.
3 Once the shrimp are cooked, immediately remove them from the boiling water using a slotted spoon. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process and chill them quickly. Let them chill for about 5 minutes.
4 Drain the chilled shrimp thoroughly. Arrange the cooled shrimp on a serving platter. You can serve them upright with their tails showing for an attractive presentation.
5 Serve the chilled shrimp cocktail immediately with the prepared gluten-free cocktail sauce on the side for dipping. This appetizer is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition (per serving)

298

Calories

Protein

31g

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

187mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes, as step 1 says. They turn rubbery if overcooked.
Add lemon slices and a bay leaf to the cooking water for more flavor.
Choose a cocktail sauce and horseradish labeled gluten-free.

Common questions

How long does Gluten-Free Shrimp Cocktail take?

Gluten-Free Shrimp Cocktail takes about 20 minutes: 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, for 4 servings.

What should I check before making Gluten-Free Shrimp Cocktail with celiac disease?

Written with gluten-free ingredients. Use products labeled gluten-free, check labels, and ask your clinician about your own needs.

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Shrimp Cocktail?

Check large shrimp, peeled and deveined, gluten-free cocktail sauce, fresh lemon juice before they go into Gluten-Free Shrimp Cocktail. Bottled cocktail sauce and Worcestershire sauce can contain wheat or malt, so both must be labeled gluten-free, along with the horseradish. Boil the shrimp in a clean pot.

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Gluten Free Recipes team

Gluten-free recipe development since 2026

Recipes include certified gluten-free ingredient guidance and cross-contamination notes. Check every label and use certified gluten-free products. Learn more about us.

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