Old Bay Magic: Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Recipe You’ll Love

Crisp ocean breezes and old bay shrimp cocktail whisper coastal memories right to your plate.

Succulent seafood demands attention with its vibrant seasonings and elegant presentation.

The classic appetizer brings maritime charm to any gathering without complicated techniques.

Tender pink crustaceans gleam under a sprinkle of fragrant spices, promising delectable moments.

Perfectly roasted shellfish create a sophisticated starter that impresses without effort.

Succulent morsels will transport you to seaside dining with each delightful bite.

Prepare to savor a recipe that celebrates simple ingredients and bold flavors.

Why Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay Is So Bold

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Old Bay seasoning transforms ordinary shrimp into a zesty, restaurant-quality appetizer with minimal effort, delivering bold coastal flavors that will impress guests.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: This recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families or spontaneous entertaining without complex cooking techniques.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using foil or parchment paper means easy baking and simple cleanup, reducing kitchen stress and allowing more time to enjoy delicious food with loved ones.
• Customize with Ease: The basic recipe welcomes personal touches like adjusting spice levels, adding extra hot sauce, or switching up the cocktail sauce ingredients to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients For Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay

• Shrimp: Large, tender seafood star of the dish, best when fresh or high-quality frozen, wild-caught or sustainably sourced preferred.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat shrimp and promotes even roasting.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with signature flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing natural shrimp taste.

• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy base for classic cocktail sauce.
• Horseradish: Provides sharp, spicy kick to sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens sauce with fresh citrus notes.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient for extra heat and complexity.

• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus for squeezing over shrimp, adds brightness.

How To Make Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and give it a cozy cover of aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Step 2: Dress the Seafood

• Olive oil
• Old Bay seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Massage these ingredients until every single shrimp is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Create Crispy Seafood Magic

Spread the seasoned shrimp across the prepared baking sheet in a single, proud layer. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the magical transformation – shrimp turning a blush pink and looking perfectly cooked. Let them rest and cool down slightly.

Step 4: Whip Up the Tangy Companion Sauce

• Tomato ketchup
• Zesty horseradish
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh lemon juice
• Optional hot sauce for extra kick

Give it a vigorous whisk and pop in the refrigerator to chill.

Step 5: Present Your Culinary Masterpiece

Arrange the roasted shrimp on a beautiful platter. Garnish with bright lemon wedges. Place the chilled sauce in a dipping bowl nearby. Serve warm or at room temperature for an irresistible appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tip: For an extra flavor punch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp before serving.

Tips To Cook Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Generously coat shrimp with Old Bay seasoning and olive oil to ensure every bite bursts with zesty, aromatic taste.
• Prevent Overcooking Trick: Watch shrimp carefully during roasting and remove immediately when they turn pink to keep them tender and juicy, avoiding rubbery texture.
• Quick Sauce Customization: Adjust cocktail sauce heat level by adding more or less horseradish and hot sauce to match your personal spice preference.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Prepare shrimp and sauce ahead of time, chilling them separately to create a stress-free appetizer perfect for entertaining guests.
• Easy Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular ketchup for sugar-free version and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe friendly for specific dietary needs.

How To Store Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay

• Refrigerate leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep the cocktail sauce separate to prevent soggy seafood.
• Place shrimp in a single layer to maintain texture and prevent crushing.
• When reheating, gently warm in the oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to preserve moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
• Avoid microwaving, which can quickly overcook delicate shrimp.
• Discard any shrimp left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
• Fresh is always best, so enjoy your shrimp cocktail within 48 hours of preparation for optimal flavor and quality.

Perfect Pairings With Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the shrimp's zesty Old Bay seasoning with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the richness of the cocktail sauce and enhance the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Match with Craft Beer Delight: Choose a citrusy wheat beer or a light pale ale to balance the spicy notes of Old Bay. The beer's effervescence and subtle hoppy character will cleanse the palate between bites of succulent shrimp.
• Create a Citrus Mocktail Companion: Whip up a fresh lemon-lime spritzer with sparkling water, a splash of orange juice, and a hint of mint. This non-alcoholic drink mirrors the bright, zesty flavors of the shrimp cocktail while providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Serve with Zesty Garnish Plate: Accompany the dish with quick pickled vegetables like cucumber, radish, and red onion. These tangy, crunchy sides add texture and provide a sharp contrast to the tender, seasoned shrimp.

New Takes On Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay

• Grilled Spicy Shrimp Fiesta: Swap oven roasting for outdoor grilling, adding chili powder and smoked paprika for a bold, smoky flavor. Serve with a zesty cilantro-lime sauce instead of traditional cocktail sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Platter: Replace Old Bay with a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Pair with a tangy tzatziki dip and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Coconut Curry Shrimp Sensation: Coat shrimp in coconut milk and mild curry powder before roasting. Create a complementary mango-ginger dipping sauce that brings tropical warmth to the classic recipe.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Soy Shrimp: Marinate shrimp in soy sauce, fresh ginger, and sesame oil before roasting. Serve with a quick wasabi-mayo dip and garnish with chopped green onions for an East Asian flair.

FAQs On Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay

FAQs for Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay

• What makes Old Bay seasoning special for this recipe?

Old Bay is a classic seafood spice blend with a perfect mix of celery salt, paprika, and other herbs that adds incredible flavor to shrimp, giving it a traditional East Coast seafood taste.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to completely thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning. This helps ensure they roast properly and don’t release excess moisture during cooking.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for the shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly. They should look opaque and feel firm to the touch, but be careful not to overcook them as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Old Bay seasoning provides a mild, warm flavor with a hint of spice. If you want more heat, you can add extra hot sauce to the cocktail sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes when seasoning the shrimp.

Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Old Bay Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay elevates coastal comfort to gourmet heights. Zesty spices and perfectly roasted seafood promise a mouthwatering experience that connects you with seaside memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Cocktail Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Serving Garnish:

• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by positioning the rack in the center and heating to 400F (200C). Create a protective barrier on a baking sheet using aluminum foil or parchment paper.
2. Transfer raw shrimp into a spacious mixing vessel. Drizzle with fragrant olive oil, generously dust with zesty Old Bay seasoning, and enhance with delicate salt and freshly cracked pepper. Massage ingredients thoroughly to ensure uniform coating.
3. Carefully distribute seasoned shrimp across the prepared baking surface, ensuring each piece rests independently without overcrowding. Position in preheated oven and roast approximately 8-10 minutes until shellfish transforms to a vibrant pink hue and achieves perfect tenderness.
4. While shrimp roast, craft a tantalizing cocktail sauce. Combine robust ketchup, pungent horseradish, complex Worcestershire sauce, bright lemon juice, and optional fiery hot sauce in a compact mixing bowl. Stir until ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
5. Once shrimp complete cooking, allow brief cooling moment. Artfully arrange roasted shellfish on an elegant serving platter, accompanied by citrusy lemon wedges and a complementary bowl of zesty cocktail sauce, inviting guests to indulge in this maritime delicacy.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry before seasoning to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Space shrimp evenly on baking sheet without overcrowding to guarantee even roasting and crispy exterior.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp with shells removed for quicker cooking and easier eating experience.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning amount based on personal spice preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg