Party Favorites - Shrimp Shooters

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Shrimp Shooters

This month I've decided to stay in the wonderful world of seafood, both off and on the grill. Several years ago my wife and I attended a wedding, where the waiters were passing hors d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour. One of them was a tray of shrimp shooters, neatly prepared in shot glasses. In case you haven't guessed it, I just love shrimp. Any kind of shrimp. If you're having a party and looking for a starter with a certain "wow factor," then shrimp shooters are for you.

Traditional Shrimp Cocktail

You're going to need some shot glasses. How many you need depends on the number of guests you are having. You can buy plastic ones at your local party supply store, or rent real shot glasses. I prefer glass over plastic, strictly from a recycling point of view. If you just put out trays of shrimp and cocktail sauce, your guests will descend on the table like vultures.

Make or buy some cocktail sauce

By controlling the portion size and keeping them moving, you will reduce your costs considerably, while creating a lasting impression with your guests. Our children recently threw an anniversary party for us. Of the many appetizers they served, I immediately went after the shrimp shooters, as did many other people.

Fill the bottom of the shot glasses with shredded lettuce (optional)

Divide the lettuce or frisée evenly in each shot glass. Place a  tablespoon or more of the cocktail sauce on top. If no lettuce, just cocktail sauce divided evenly.

Place some large tail on, cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp on the edge of each shot glass and drizzle the lemon juice on top. Garnish each shooter with a lemon wedge. Cover and chill until needed.

This is starting to look real good

Since the shrimp shooters are an appetizer, figure about 2-3  per person. This is assuming that you are serving other appetizers. As an alternative, you can first grill some shrimp, lightly dusted with your favorite BBQ rub, a trick I learned from my brother. Skewer the shrimp on metal, or wooden skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill for 2 to 4 minutes per side, or until prawns become opaque. Don't over cook them. Remove from the grill and allow to cool before placing them into the shot glasses. Another alternative, use BBQ sauce. 

BBQ Grilled Shrimp

While waiting for shrimp to cool slightly, fill 8 shot glasses about halfway full with sauce. Place 1 shrimp in each shot glass, tail sticking out. Garnish with a lemon peel twist.

Get them while you can

© TMelle 2014