If you love classic shrimp cocktail but want to take it up a notch, this Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail is for you! Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp are cooked with a generous sprinkle of Old Bay, then chilled and served with a bold, zesty cocktail sauce. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because—you don’t need an occasion to enjoy this!
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Why You’ll Love Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail
Bursting with Flavor: Old Bay seasoning adds the perfect blend of spice and savory goodness.
Super Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes!
Perfect for Any Occasion: A crowd-pleaser at gatherings, yet simple enough for a light snack.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it in the fridge for an easy, stress-free appetizer.
Ingredients in Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined—tail-on for a classic presentation.
Old Bay Seasoning: The star of the show, bringing bold, zesty flavor.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Garlic: A couple of cloves add extra depth to the cooking water.
Bay Leaves: Infuse the shrimp with a subtle aromatic touch.
Cocktail Sauce: A tangy blend of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire.
Ice Bath: Stops the shrimp from overcooking and keeps them perfectly tender.
Instructions
Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water, add Old Bay, lemon wedges, garlic, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink.
Chill Immediately: Transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop cooking and keep them juicy. Let them chill for at least 5 minutes.
Prepare the Cocktail Sauce: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of Old Bay. Adjust to taste.
Serve & Enjoy: Arrange shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges and a bowl of cocktail sauce. Serve chilled!
How to Serve Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail
On a Chilled Platter: Keep everything cool for the best texture.
With Extra Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens every bite.
With Crackers or Toasted Bread: For an extra crunch.
With a Spicy Twist: Add hot sauce to the cocktail sauce for a fiery kick.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook fast! Remove them as soon as they turn pink.
Make It Ahead: You can prep this up to a day in advance and keep it chilled.
Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp make a big difference.
Adjust the Spice: Add more horseradish or Old Bay for extra heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking.
Q2: How long can I store shrimp cocktail?
Up to 2 days in the fridge.
Q3: Can I make the cocktail sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add extra horseradish or hot sauce.
Q4: What’s the best way to thaw frozen shrimp?
Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes.
Q5: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just toss them with Old Bay and lemon before serving.
Q6: How do I keep shrimp cocktail cold at a party?
Serve on a platter over a bed of ice.
Q7: Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Yes! Toss them with Old Bay and grill for a smoky twist.
Q8: What can I serve with shrimp cocktail?
Try avocado slices, a fresh salad, or a side of garlic bread.
Q9: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just cook the shrimp in batches if needed.
Q10: Is there a dairy-free version of cocktail sauce?
Yes! The classic recipe is already dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
This Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail is the ultimate appetizer—fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!
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Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This modern twist on the classic shrimp cocktail features warm, roasted shrimp seasoned with Old Bay and paired with a zesty homemade gin cocktail sauce. Perfect for entertaining or as a light meal, this dish balances simplicity with sophistication. The shrimp’s natural sweetness is enhanced by roasting, while the tangy cocktail sauce adds the perfect kick. Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
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2 lbs raw jumbo shrimp (11 to 15 count), peeled and deveined, tails left on
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
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1/4 tsp kosher salt
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1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or tarragon, if preferred)
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Lemon wedges, for serving
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Gin cocktail sauce or your favorite cocktail sauce recipe
For the Gin Cocktail Sauce:
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup Heinz chili sauce
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2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
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1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from half a small lemon)
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3-4 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
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1 tsp gin
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1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the shrimp on a sheet pan, then drizzle with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and kosher salt. -
Roast the Shrimp:
Transfer the shrimp to the oven and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. The cook time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp. -
Make the Cocktail Sauce:
In a bowl, combine ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, hot sauce, gin, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine, then refrigerate until needed.
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Serve:
Serve the shrimp warm or chilled with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and the cocktail sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
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Shrimp Size: Adjust cook time based on the size of shrimp: reduce by 1-2 minutes for extra-large shrimp, or increase by 1-2 minutes for colossal shrimp.
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Raw Shrimp: Make sure to use raw shrimp for the best texture.
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Make-ahead: Shrimp can be roasted a day in advance and served chilled. The cocktail sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 147 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 140mg