Chef John's Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients

• 3 quartss cold water
• ¼ onion , sliced
• ½ lemon
• 2 cloves garlic , peeled and bruised
• 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
• 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning , such as Old Bay®
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. 1

   For the poaching liquid: Stir water, onion, lemon, garlic, tarragon, seafood seasoning, peppercorns, and bay leaf together in a large pot; bring to a simmer and cook until flavors blend, about 15 minutes.

2. 2

   For the cocktail sauce: Whisk ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt together in a bowl; refrigerate until chilled, at least 15 minutes.

3. 3

   For the shrimp: Bring poaching liquid to a rapid boil. Cook shrimp in the boiling liquid until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is no longer transparent in the center, about 5 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water and immerse in ice water until cold; drain.

4. 4

   Arrange cold shrimp on a platter and serve with chilled sauce.