Easy Instant Pot Shrimp Cocktail (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)

This paleo and low carb Instant Pot Shrimp Cocktail comes out perfectly cooked every time. The homemade Whole30 cocktail sauce is so easy and tasty too!

Shrimp cocktail is one of those snacks or holiday appetizers that’s just as popular as a charcuterie board in our house. My husband especially goes crazy for it, and I’ve traditionally always bought it pre-made at the grocery store. This year, I wanted to try making a paleo and keto shrimp cocktail recipe at home, and I was blown away by how easy it was!

Easy Instant Pot Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Cooking the shrimp in the Instant Pot makes this recipe so simple and hands-off for the most part. It only takes 0 minutes of cook time (1 minute if you use frozen), and most of the cooking is done while the Instant Pot is coming to pressure!

Using this method, you’ll have a perfectly cooked and tender paleo shrimp cocktail every time. Shrimp that are overcooked get rubbery and unpleasant in texture, and you won’t have to worry about that with the Instant Pot method.

How to Make Instant Pot Shrimp Cocktail Using Fresh or Frozen Shrimp

After boiling shrimp in the Instant Pot for this keto shrimp cocktail recipe, I don’t think I’ll make it any other way. I was a little nervous that the shrimp will be overcooked, but that wasn’t the case at all.

1. Make the Whole30 shrimp cocktail sauce first. It’s really easy to make! Just stir together the ingredients and let it chill while making the paleo shrimp cocktail. I love using this sugar-free ketchup.
2. After making the sauce, add in the water, salt, and lemons into the Instant Pot. I found that adding the lemon juice as well as the lemon rinds into the pot gives the shrimp an amazing quality
3. Add the shrimp and cook in the Instant Pot for 0 minute on Manual for fresh shrimp, and 1 minute for frozen shrimp.
4. While the shrimp is cooking, make the ice bath to dunk the shrimp so they stop cooking. This step is important for perfectly cooked shrimp!
5. Quick release pressure once the Instant Pot beeps to a finish, and immediately transfer the shrimp to the ice bath for several minutes.
6. Peel the shrimp. I like to leave the tail on so there’s something to hold onto while eating.
7. Serve with the Whole30 shrimp cocktail sauce!

Other recipes you might love…

• Paleo Shrimp Alfredo with Artichokes Hearts (Whole30, Keto, AIP)
• Paleo Coconut Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce (Whole30)
• Paleo Silky Egg Stir-Fry with Jumbo Shrimp (Whole30, Low Carb)
• Paleo Coconut Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce (Whole30)
• Grilled Lemon Curry Shrimp Skewers

Easy Instant Pot Shrimp Cocktail (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)

This paleo and low carb Instant Pot Shrimp Cocktail comes out perfectly cooked every time. The homemade Whole30 cocktail sauce is so easy and tasty too!

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: instant pot shrimp, instant pot shrimp boil, keto holiday appetizer, keto shrimp cocktail recipe, low carb appetizer, low carb shrimp cocktail, paleo holiday appetizers, paleo shrimp cocktail, whole30 appetizer, whole30 shirmp cocktail sauce

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Pressurizing Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 138kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 2 lemons
• 2 lb large or jumbo shrimp deveined, fresh or frozen
• Ice bath

Cocktail Sauce

• 3/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
• 1 1/2 tbsp horseradish
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp coconut aminos
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce

Instructions

• Make the cocktail sauce by stirring all its ingredients together. Refrigerate while you cook the shrimp.
• Add water and sea salt to the Instant Pot.
• Halve the lemons and squeeze the juice into the pot, then add the lemon halves in as well.
• Add shrimp and stir together.
• Close the Instant Pot and set the steam release knob to Sealing.
• For defrosted shrimp: Cook on High for 0 minutes. Make an ice bath while the shrimp is cooking. Quick release pressure.
• For frozen shrimp: Cook on High for 1 minute. Make an ice bath while the shrimp is cooking. Quick release pressure.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to the ice bath so they stop cooking.
• Peel the shrimp. I like to leave the tail on so there's something to hold on to while eating.
• Serve with cocktail sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Instant Pot Shrimp Cocktail (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 138 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g3%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 286mg95%

Sodium 2075mg90%

Potassium 137mg4%

Carbohydrates 5g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin C 20mg24%

Calcium 175mg18%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.