Description
This Roasted Shrimp Cocktail is a quick and flavorful appetizer featuring succulent shrimp roasted to perfection and paired with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce. The roasting method ensures the shrimp stay juicy and tender while developing a subtle charred flavor that complements the tangy, spicy dip beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 2 pounds shrimp, 12-15 count, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cocktail Sauce
- 1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (204℃). This high temperature ensures the shrimp roast quickly, keeping them juicy and tender.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation and easy handling. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better roasting results.
- Season the Shrimp: Place the shrimp on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat all shrimp evenly and arrange them in a single layer for uniform cooking.
- Roast the Shrimp: Roast the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn pink, firm, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery. Remove from oven and let them cool for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Make the Cocktail Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Heinz chili sauce, ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco hot sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are blended smoothly.
- Serve: Transfer the roasted shrimp to a serving platter and serve alongside the homemade cocktail sauce as a dip. Garnish if desired with lemon wedges or fresh herbs for added presentation and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before roasting to achieve a better texture.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.
- The cocktail sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor in the cocktail sauce.
- This recipe works great as an appetizer for parties or as a light meal.
