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
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. 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.
