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
Scale
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.
