Shrimp Cocktail Cups (Easy New Year Party Appetizer)
Shrimp Cocktail Cups are a stylish and mess-free party appetizer featuring tender cooked shrimp served in individual cups layered with crisp lettuce and tangy cocktail sauce. Perfect for New Year celebrations or any festive gathering, these easy-to-assemble treats combine refreshing crunch and zesty flavors for a crowd-pleasing bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) cooked shrimp, thawed if frozen
- ½–¾ cup cocktail sauce
- 1–2 cups lettuce or shredded cabbage
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional Garnishes
- Diced cucumber, for added crunch
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the cooked shrimp dry thoroughly to prevent them from watering down the sauce. If necessary, chill the shrimp in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to ensure they stay crisp and fresh for serving.
- Assemble the Cups: Layer 1–2 cups of lettuce or shredded cabbage into the bottom of small cups or glasses. Spoon a small amount of cocktail sauce on top of the greens as the base layer to add flavor and moisture.
- Add Shrimp and Sauce: Place 3 to 5 shrimp on top of the sauce in each cup. Add another small spoonful of cocktail sauce over the shrimp to fully coat and enhance the taste. Garnish with diced cucumber or chopped parsley for a fresh and crunchy texture.
- Serve and Store: Serve the shrimp cocktail cups with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp. Keep the assembled cups chilled until serving, ideally making them up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Patting shrimp dry is crucial to maintain sauce consistency and cup presentation.
- Chilling the shrimp before serving keeps them crisp and refreshing.
- These appetizer cups can be prepared several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to save time on event day.
- Optional garnishes like diced cucumber or parsley add both flavor and visual appeal.