If you love bold, zesty flavors and a quick yet impressive appetizer, the Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish transforms simple shrimp into a crowd-pleasing star by roasting them with a punchy blend of Old Bay seasoning and smoky paprika. Paired with a tangy, slightly spicy homemade cocktail sauce, it’s both elegant and effortless—a perfect starter for any gathering or a delightful treat to enjoy on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic here. Each component serves a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): The star ingredient, providing succulent sweetness and a satisfying bite perfect for roasting.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the shrimp roast evenly while enhancing their natural juices and adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: This blend gives the dish its signature spicy and earthy flavor that makes it distinctively delicious.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the shrimp’s delicate taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Introduces smoky warmth that complements the Old Bay seasoning beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that round out and enhance all the other flavors.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Their bright acidity cuts through the richness and lifts every bite.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: The base for a classic cocktail sauce with a naturally sweet tang.
- 2 tablespoons horseradish: Gives the sauce that signature spicy kick that shrimp cocktail lovers adore.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshness to balance the sauce and keep things lively.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and umami to the cocktail sauce.
- Dash of hot sauce (optional): For a little extra heat if you dare to kick things up a notch.
How to Make Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to keep cleanup simple and ensure your shrimp roast evenly without sticking. This foundational step sets you up for perfectly cooked shrimp every time.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika if you’re using it, salt, and pepper. This coating does more than flavor—it forms a delicious crust when roasted, locking in juices and creating that crave-worthy texture.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Giving them space is important so they roast rather than steam. Pop them into the oven and roast for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them—shrimp cook quickly and get rubbery if overdone!
Step 4: Make the Cocktail Sauce
While the shrimp roast, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat. This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy and is what truly elevates the Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe to next-level deliciousness.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Arrange your beautiful roasted shrimp on a serving platter alongside fresh lemon wedges. Spoon the cocktail sauce into a bowl for dipping and prepare to wow your guests or treat yourself. This dish looks as great as it tastes!
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon wedges are essential—not just for a pop of color but to squeeze over the shrimp at the table for a bright, zesty finish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives can add a gorgeous green contrast and fresh herbal note.
Side Dishes
This shrimp cocktail shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp greens, a light cucumber salad, or even buttery garlic bread for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a heartier option, try serving alongside a chilled pasta salad or grilled corn for a summer vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the shrimp nestled on crushed ice in a large glass bowl or on individual martini glasses for a sophisticated touch. You can also skewer the shrimp for easy handheld appetizers. Adding a small ramekin of cocktail sauce next to each serving makes it fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the roasted shrimp and cocktail sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but they’re best enjoyed soon after cooking to maintain their tender texture.
Freezing
Shrimp generally doesn’t freeze well once cooked because they can become rubbery after thawing. It’s best to freeze raw shrimp before roasting if you want to prep ahead, but avoid freezing leftovers from the Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or a warm oven for just a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the shrimp. Serve immediately with freshly squeezed lemon and cocktail sauce for optimal flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and roasting. This helps them roast properly and develop that perfect texture.
Is Old Bay seasoning spicy?
Old Bay has a mild to moderate spice level with a complex blend of herbs and spices including celery salt, paprika, and pepper—not overly hot but full of bold flavor that complements seafood beautifully.
Can I make the cocktail sauce milder?
Definitely. Adjust the amount of horseradish and hot sauce to your liking. Start with less and add more gradually until you hit your perfect balance of spice and tang.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce in the cocktail sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of balsamic vinegar can add a similar depth of umami flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are done roasting?
The shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and opaque with slightly curled tails. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye during the last few minutes of roasting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of spices, smoky notes, and that bright, tangy cocktail sauce in this Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough to impress dinner guests, making it one of those dishes you’ll keep coming back to. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite that always gets rave reviews!
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Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay is a quick and flavorful appetizer featuring succulent shrimp roasted to perfection with a zesty blend of Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Served alongside a tangy homemade cocktail sauce with horseradish and lemon juice, this dish is perfect for entertaining or a simple, elegant starter.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Cocktail Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoning.
- Arrange the Shrimp: Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Roast the Shrimp: Roast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Cocktail Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Stir well and adjust seasoning, adding more horseradish for spice or ketchup for sweetness according to your taste.
- Serve: Arrange the roasted shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately with the cocktail sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh shrimp if possible, but frozen and thawed shrimp also work well.
- Adjust the Old Bay seasoning and horseradish to your personal taste preferences.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice smoky depth to the shrimp.
- Serve immediately after roasting to enjoy the shrimp at their juiciest and most tender.
- For a spicier cocktail sauce, increase the amount of hot sauce or horseradish.
