Dinner

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with the Best Sauce Recipe

BySimon Carel December 6, 2025December 6, 2025

Introduction

Shrimp cocktail is a timeless appetizer that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. This recipe features perfectly baked shrimp paired with a tangy, spicy cocktail sauce that you can customize to your taste. It’s ideal for entertaining or a simple, refreshing starter.

A white oval plate is filled with one layer of cooked shrimp, each shrimp curled with bright orange and white colors, speckled with black pepper. In the center right of the plate sits a clear glass bowl filled with thick red cocktail sauce. Around the edges of the plate are four lemon wedges with yellow rind and juicy light yellow inside. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs raw shrimp
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lemon (cut into 4 wedges to serve, optional)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup mild chili sauce (such as Heinz)
3-4 Tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, or to taste)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco, adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw the shrimp according to the package instructions. Rinse them under cold water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Place the shrimp on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Stir gently to coat, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
Step 3: Bake the shrimp at 450˚F for 8-10 minutes or until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Check one shrimp for doneness as soon as they come out of the oven, then transfer all shrimp to a serving platter to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: In a bowl, combine ketchup, mild chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Adjust horseradish and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate both the cocktail sauce and shrimp for at least one hour or overnight. Serve chilled with lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a splash of pickle juice or a dash of smoked paprika to the cocktail sauce.
If you prefer boiling shrimp, cook them in seasoned boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pink, then chill immediately to stop cooking.
Use fresh horseradish when available for a brighter flavor in your cocktail sauce.

Storage

Store cooked shrimp and cocktail sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently if desired, but they are best served cold or at room temperature to maintain their texture.

How to Serve

A metal baking tray is filled with a single layer of cooked shrimp, arranged loosely in rows. Each shrimp is curled into a crescent shape, showing a bright orange outer shell and soft white inner flesh, speckled with black pepper. The tails are left on, adding a darker reddish touch at one end. The baking tray has a textured, slightly worn surface visible between the shrimp. The overall colors are warm orange, white, and hints of black seasoning, set against the metallic tray on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works very well. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry so they bake evenly and don’t steam.

Is it necessary to bake the shrimp at such a high temperature?

Baking at 450˚F cooks the shrimp quickly, helping them stay tender and juicy while developing a slight roast flavor. You can also boil or grill shrimp if preferred.