If you love the classic charm of shrimp cocktail but want to elevate it with a burst of bold, savory flavors, this Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. The perfectly roasted shrimp, wonderfully seasoned with Old Bay and a hint of smoky paprika, pairs beautifully with a zesty, homemade cocktail sauce that’s just spicy enough to keep things exciting. It’s quick to prepare, irresistibly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress whether you’re serving it as a fancy appetizer or a light, satisfying main. Get ready to fall in love with shrimp all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe down is all about simple, vibrant ingredients that punch up the flavor without any fuss. Each component plays a critical role: from the succulent shrimp that roast to juicy perfection to the Old Bay seasoning that infuses every bite with a classic spice blend, this lineup is all about boldness and balance.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): The star of the dish, shrimp roast quickly and stay tender with tails on for a beautiful presentation.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice roasted exterior.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: Essential for that signature seafood spice that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Gives a subtle smoky note enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple but crucial to highlight all other flavors.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Provide a fresh, tangy brightness to cut through the richness.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Forms the tangy base of the cocktail sauce.
- 2 tablespoons horseradish: Packs the classic cocktail sauce tang with a spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami complexity to the cocktail sauce.
- Dash of hot sauce (optional): Perfect for those who like an extra kick in their dip.
How to Make Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this makes cleanup so much easier. While the oven is heating, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in olive oil, then sprinkle on the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure every shrimp is fully coated so each bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Arrange and Roast the Shrimp
Spread the seasoned shrimp out on the baking sheet in a single layer—crowding them will steam rather than roast, so give those shrimp some space. Pop the tray in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the shrimp turn pink, curl slightly, and are perfectly opaque. Keep a close eye so you don’t overcook; shrimp go from juicy to rubbery in seconds.
Step 3: Mix the Classic Cocktail Sauce
While the shrimp cook, whip up the cocktail sauce by combining ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce if you like an extra punch. Taste and tweak it for your perfect balance—the creamy tang and spicy zing make this sauce irresistible with the roasted shrimp.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Arrange your hot shrimp on a serving platter, scatter lemon wedges around, and bring out that zingy cocktail sauce for dipping. The pleasing contrast of warm, seasoned shrimp and cool, tangy sauce is pure magic.
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon wedges aren’t just pretty—they add a bright citrus accent that complements the Old Bay seasoning perfectly. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
This shrimp cocktail pairs beautifully with light sides like crisp cucumber salad, buttery garlic bread, or even a fresh green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal refreshing and balanced, highlighting the shrimp’s flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe in individual martini glasses or on a bed of ice for a party-ready presentation. Adding edible flowers or serving with different dipping sauces like a creamy avocado aioli can also elevate the experience and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any shrimp cocktail left, store the roasted shrimp and cocktail sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, keeping that succulent texture just right.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp usually affects their texture, so it’s best to freeze only if absolutely necessary. Freeze raw peeled shrimp before cooking for up to 3 months, but avoid freezing after roasting this Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe to preserve the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet or oven at low temperature until just warmed through to avoid drying them out. The cocktail sauce is best served cold or at room temperature for that perfect dipping contrast.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and roasting to ensure they cook evenly and develop that perfect roasted texture.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper for a similar flavor profile, but Old Bay really brings a unique, iconic seafood seasoning that’s worth picking up!
Is smoked paprika necessary?
Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth and smoky nuance, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works just fine—the Old Bay seasoning carries a lot of flavor on its own.
How spicy is this cocktail sauce?
The spice level is adjustable! You can add more horseradish or hot sauce if you love heat, or dial it back for a milder sauce that’s equally delicious.
What’s the best way to serve leftover shrimp?
Leftover shrimp are fantastic tossed into salads, pasta dishes, or tacos. Just avoid reheating too aggressively to keep their tender texture intact.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and elegance in one dish. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion appetizer, this recipe will bring joy to your table with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect bite every single time!
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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: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay is a flavorful and easy appetizer featuring plump, perfectly roasted shrimp seasoned with a zesty blend of Old Bay, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Served alongside a tangy homemade cocktail sauce, this dish is a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a quick, elegant treat.
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. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange Shrimp: Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to promote even cooking.
- Roast the Shrimp: Roast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are cooked through. Take care not to overcook as shrimp cook quickly.
- Prepare Cocktail Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Stir well and adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more horseradish for extra spice or more ketchup for sweetness.
- Serve: Arrange the roasted shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges on the side. Serve with the cocktail sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.
- Adjust the Old Bay seasoning and horseradish amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Using parchment paper or foil makes cleanup easier.
- For a smoky flavor, smoked paprika is optional but highly recommended.
- Lemon wedges add a fresh burst of citrus complementing the shrimp perfectly.
