Get ready to transform your appetizer game with a mouthwatering Roasted Shrimp Cocktail that will have your guests begging for the recipe! This isn't just another boring shrimp dish - this is a flavor explosion that combines perfectly roasted, succulent shrimp with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce that'll make your taste buds dance. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick and impressive meal, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Horseradish
- Ketchup
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help to quickly roast the shrimp, giving them a nice texture and flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with a drizzle of olive oil. Use just enough to lightly coat the shrimp, which will help them roast evenly.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. A good rule of thumb is about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for every pound of shrimp. Adjust according to your preference.
- Toss the shrimp in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is well-seasoned.
- Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. This ensures that they roast evenly and develop a nice color.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the shrimp for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
- While the shrimp are roasting, prepare the cocktail sauce. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup with 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish. Adjust the amount of horseradish based on your spice preference.
- Add the juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon) to the ketchup and horseradish mixture. This adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Mix the cocktail sauce thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more horseradish or lemon juice according to your preference.
- Once the shrimp are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. You can serve them warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- To serve, arrange the roasted shrimp on a platter alongside the cocktail sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra touch of freshness and presentation.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each shrimp space to roast evenly.
- Watch your cooking time carefully; shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- Adjust the horseradish in the cocktail sauce to match your spice tolerance.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the shrimp before roasting.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, or chill for a refreshing appetizer.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference - avoid bottled juice if possible.
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure they roast instead of steam.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any excess oil and prevent oven mess.
- For a gourmet touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
