While in Indianapolis for some live cooking demos, I discovered the best shrimp cocktail I've ever tasted at St. Elmo Steak House, a 124-year-old institution in the heart of the city. The jumbo shrimp were tender and succulent, and the cocktail sauce was mind-blowing. I knew then I had a hacking assignment on my hands, so I ordered some sauce to go. I was told the secret is freshly grated horseradish, which creates a tastier and more potent sauce than typical cocktail sauces made with bottled horseradish.

When shopping for horseradish for my St. Elmo Steak House Shrimp Cocktail copycat recipe, I discovered that the most flavorful horseradish roots are firm to the touch and not at all spongy, so give them the squeeze test before you buy. Once you peel, grate, and mince the horseradish, mix it with vinegar and a little salt to keep it from turning brown and to enhance the flavor.

To make a perfect copy of the original, the shrimp must be perfectly poached so that they are tender, but not rubbery. I've got that technique for you here. Follow this recipe as described and you will have a great home kitchen copy of the famous restaurant appetizer that is sure to leave your diners breathing clearly and begging for more.

Find more famous steakhouse copycat recipes here.

Source: Top Secret Recipes Step-by-Step by Todd Wilbur.