This Roasted Shrimp Cocktail transforms the classic appetizer into something truly extraordinary. By roasting the shrimp instead of boiling, you’ll unlock incredible flavor with minimal effort. The homemade cocktail sauce strikes the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet – complementing the juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp. Ready in just 20 minutes, this impressive starter is ideal for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to elevate your appetizer game without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes but looks like you spent hours preparing it. Perfect for last-minute entertaining!
Enhanced Flavor: Roasting the shrimp brings out their natural sweetness and creates a deeper flavor profile than traditional boiling.
Customizable Heat Level: The homemade cocktail sauce can be adjusted to your preferred spice level – make it mild for the whole family or dial up the horseradish for heat lovers.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry, except perhaps the shrimp themselves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Shrimp:

Shrimp: Large shrimp (12-15 count) work best for this recipe. The larger size creates a more impressive presentation and gives you something substantial to dip.
Olive oil: Just enough to coat the shrimp and help them roast to perfection.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering them.

For the Cocktail Sauce:

Chili sauce: Provides a tangy base for the sauce. Heinz brand works particularly well.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and body to balance the spicier elements.
Prepared horseradish: The star ingredient that gives cocktail sauce its signature kick. Fresh is best!
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with a pop of acidity.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a savory umami note.
Hot sauce: Just a touch for extra heat without overwhelming the other flavors.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are some delicious variations to try:

Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before roasting for a spicy New Orleans twist.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the shrimp before roasting, and mix a bit of crushed garlic into the cocktail sauce.
Mediterranean Inspired: Season the shrimp with dried oregano and lemon zest, then serve with a tzatziki dipping sauce instead of cocktail sauce.
Smoky Version: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the shrimp before roasting and a dash to the cocktail sauce.

How to Make Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel and devein the shrimp, but leave those tails on – they make perfect little handles for dipping! Place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss them gently to ensure they’re evenly coated, then arrange in a single layer.

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink, firm up, and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook! Set them aside to cool slightly before serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Cocktail Sauce

While the shrimp are roasting, make your sauce. In a bowl, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to blend all those fantastic flavors together. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference – maybe add more horseradish if you like it spicy!

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For the best experience, chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Arrange your cooled roasted shrimp around a bowl of the cocktail sauce and watch them disappear!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give those shrimp some space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than roast.
Temperature matters: The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is taking them out of the oven just as they turn pink. They continue cooking slightly after removal.
Make the sauce ahead: The cocktail sauce actually improves if made a day ahead, giving the flavors time to develop.
Use fresh horseradish: If possible, use freshly grated horseradish rather than the shelf-stable kind. The flavor difference is remarkable.
Pat shrimp dry: Before roasting, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them roast rather than steam.

How to Serve

This roasted shrimp cocktail makes a stunning centerpiece for any appetizer spread. Here are some serving suggestions:

Presentation Ideas:

Arrange the shrimp around the rim of a martini glass filled with cocktail sauce
Serve on a bed of crushed ice to keep everything chilled
Use small individual cups of cocktail sauce at each place setting with a few shrimp perched on the rim

Perfect Pairings:

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Cold beer, particularly light lagers
Champagne or Prosecco for special occasions
Lemon wedges on the side for an extra hit of brightness

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

The cocktail sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it gets better with time! The shrimp can be roasted up to 24 hours ahead, but they’re at their absolute best when prepared just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep for up to 2 days, and the sauce for up to a week.

Reheating

I don’t recommend reheating the shrimp as they can easily become overcooked and rubbery. Instead, enjoy any leftovers cold straight from the refrigerator.

Note: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider setting aside some of the shrimp before adding to your serving platter to keep them pristine for later use.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly fine, just make sure they’re completely thawed before roasting. The quickest way to thaw them is in a colander under cold running water, or you can place them in the refrigerator overnight. Be sure to pat them dry before tossing with the oil and seasonings.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be pink all over with no gray or translucent spots. They should curl into a loose “C” shape – if they’ve curled into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. The texture should be firm but still tender, never rubbery.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! To increase the heat level, add more prepared horseradish or hot sauce to the cocktail sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp before roasting for an extra kick throughout the dish.

What’s the best type of shrimp to use?
Look for large shrimp (12-15 count per pound) for the best presentation. Wild-caught is preferable for flavor, but sustainably farmed shrimp is also a good option. Always buy from reputable sources to ensure quality and sustainability.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Shrimp Cocktail takes a beloved classic and elevates it to new heights with minimal effort. The roasting method brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp while the homemade cocktail sauce delivers that perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors we all crave. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Give it a try – I promise your guests will be asking for the recipe!

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Recipe