Herby Chesapeake Shrimp Cocktail à la Iva

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Cuisine: American

Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Beginner

Dietary: Herbs + Spices, Shrimp

Description

Steamed extra-large Chesapeake shrimp finished with a fragrant blend of fresh dill, parsley, herbs de Provence, lemon zest, and a subtle dusting of Old Bay. Inspired by the elegant, herby shrimp your Grandma Iva served every Christmas Eve — clean, bright, festive, and unmistakably coastal.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 lb extra-large Chesapeake shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 lemon, sliced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp whole peppercorns

Herb Coating (Herbes-de-Provence + Chesapeake)

1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tbsp finely chopped dill
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary (crushed)
½ tsp dried tarragon (optional but very “Iva elegant”)
¼–½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp lemon zest
1-2 tsp olive oil (just enough to lightly moisten herbs)

Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch Old Bay (optional)

Instructions

Steam the shrimp:

1
Add 1 inch of water to a pot with lemon slices, salt, and peppercorns. Bring to a simmer.
2
Place shrimp in a steamer basket, cover, and steam 3–4 minutes, just until pink and opaque.
3
Transfer shrimp to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.

Mix the herb coating:

4
Combine parsley, dill, thyme, rosemary, tarragon (if using), Old Bay, lemon zest, and olive oil.

Toss to finish:

5
Gently coat chilled shrimp with the herb mixture until evenly glossy and fragrant.

Make the cocktail sauce:

6
Stir together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a pinch of Old Bay.

Serve:

7
Arrange shrimp on a cold platter with lemon wedges and the sauce on the side.

Note

Make-Ahead Notes

Steam shrimp up to 24 hours ahead; store chilled.
Mix the herb coating fresh for best flavor and toss with shrimp just before serving.
Cocktail sauce can be prepared 2–3 days in advance.

Keywords: shrimp cocktail, Chesapeake shrimp, Old Bay shrimp, Swedish shrimp, herbed shrimp, Christmas Eve appetizers, Julbord seafood, Swede Dish holiday recipes, herbs de provence shrimp