Classic Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with Zesty Cocktail Sauce

Last Updated May 21st, 2023 at 11:51 pm by Lisa

The best Shrimp Cocktail (prawn cocktail) starts with oven-roasted large shrimp and a bright, homemade shrimp cocktail sauce. Roasting shrimp takes only about 15 minutes and makes a simple, elegant appetizer for holidays, New Year’s Eve, or any special gathering.

Roasting on a sheet pan is an easy alternative to boiling: less fuss, less cleanup, and a deeper shrimp flavor.

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Once you make this shrimp cocktail, you’ll skip the pre-cooked shrimp rings from the supermarket. Cooking shrimp at home tastes fresher and requires no special ingredients—everything can be found at a typical grocery store.

Cooked Shrimp Ingredients

• 2 lbs wild shrimp, tail-on, peeled and deveined, large/jumbo (20-25 count)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or white pepper)

Homemade Cocktail Sauce Ingredients

This zesty, homemade cocktail sauce is easy to make and pairs perfectly with chilled wine or Champagne. Use fresh, good-quality ingredients for the best results.

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup Chili Garlic Sauce (Heinz or a Vietnamese brand)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped (about 3 stalks)
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot
• Optional: lemon wedges for garnish

Cocktail Seafood Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, chili garlic sauce, lemon zest and juice, Worcestershire, prepared horseradish, finely diced celery, and Tabasco (if using).
2. Mix well, then chill in an airtight container until ready to serve.

• Shrimp: Tail-on, peeled and deveined, large 20–25 count (wild-caught recommended for best flavor).
• Olive oil: Use good extra virgin olive oil.
• Sea salt: Kosher or sea salt works well.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground adds the best flavor.
• Chili garlic sauce: Easily found at most stores and adds balanced heat and garlic flavor.
• Ketchup: Brings sweetness, tomato flavor, and color to the sauce.
• Lemon: Fresh zest and juice brighten the sauce.
• Prepared horseradish: Adds a spicy kick—reduce or omit if you prefer milder sauce.
• Worcestershire: Adds depth and umami.
• Celery: Finely chopped for crunch and texture.
• Tabasco: Optional hot sauce to taste.

Roasting the Shrimp

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. If using frozen shrimp, remove from the bag and rinse under cool water in a colander — they will be ready to cook in about 15 minutes from frozen.
3. Peel and devein if necessary. Leaving the tails on gives guests a convenient handle for dipping.
4. Toss shrimp on a sheet pan with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper, then spread into a single layer.
5. Roast 15 minutes, until shrimp turn pink, curl slightly, and feel firm to the touch. Remove and let cool briefly.
6. Arrange the shrimp on a large platter with the cocktail sauce in a bowl and lemon wedges for squeezing.

Why This Recipe Is Amazing

• Roasting develops deeper, more concentrated shrimp flavor than boiling.
• Simple seasoning makes the shrimp taste exceptional.
• Shrimp can be served straight from the oven or slightly cooled.
• No need to wait for a large pot of boiling water or deal with draining and ice baths.
• Shrimp turn a vibrant pink and have a pleasant firm texture when roasted.
• Homemade cocktail sauce is quick to prepare and far superior to bottled alternatives.

Raw Shrimp Per Serving FAQ

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