Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli

Introduction

If you’ve ever had shrimp cocktail at a fancy dinner party or special occasion, you probably remember that perfect balance of savory, briny shrimp paired with a tangy, flavorful dipping sauce. But what if I told you that you could make a shrimp cocktail at home that takes things to the next level? Roasted shrimp cocktail with a zingy lemon-horseradish aioli is just that dish! Imagine succulent, perfectly roasted shrimp with crispy edges, paired with a creamy, tangy aioli that has just the right amount of bite from horseradish.

This is my go-to appetizer whenever I want something a little extra—whether it’s for a dinner party, holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in with family. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making each bite tender and bursting with flavor, while the aioli adds a luxurious twist. If you’ve always been a fan of the classic shrimp cocktail, this roasted version will make you fall in love all over again.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “I don’t want to deal with boiling shrimp and making fancy sauces,” but trust me, this recipe is so simple and straightforward! The aioli is whipped up in just a few minutes, and the shrimp roast in the oven with a touch of olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of seasoning. So don’t worry if you’re new to cooking shrimp—this is going to be your new favorite dish to impress your guests (or just treat yourself!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So, why should you try this roasted shrimp cocktail with lemon-horseradish aioli? Here are a few reasons:

• Easy to make: This recipe is so simple, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen! The roasted shrimp come together in under 15 minutes, and the aioli is quick to whip up. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
• Elevated flavors: Roasting the shrimp brings out their natural sweetness, and the lemon-horseradish aioli adds that creamy, tangy kick that takes this dish to new heights.
• Perfect for entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this shrimp cocktail is guaranteed to impress. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.
• Customizable: If you want to make it a little spicier or swap in different flavors, you can easily adjust the aioli or seasoning for the shrimp.

Each bite of roasted shrimp, paired with the cool, creamy aioli, is a match made in appetizer heaven. The aioli is bold and full of flavor, but the shrimp still take center stage, offering a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll come back to again and again!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 25 minutes (15 minutes prep + 10 minutes cook time)
Servings: 4-6 servings, depending on your crowd

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the roasted shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, zested

For the lemon-horseradish aioli:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for a creamier texture)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 tbsp prepared horseradish (add more if you like it spicy!)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Why these ingredients work:

• Shrimp: The star of the show! You’ll want to choose large, juicy shrimp that will hold up well to the roasting process.
• Olive oil: This adds flavor and ensures the shrimp roast beautifully, with crispy edges and a tender center.
• Smoked paprika: This adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
• Lemon-horseradish aioli: Creamy, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat from the horseradish—this aioli is the perfect contrast to the roasted shrimp.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a little sharpness to the aioli, balancing the richness of the mayo.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This will help the shrimp roast evenly and prevent them from sticking.

Next, in a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Make sure all the shrimp are coated evenly in the seasoning—this is where the flavor really comes together, so take a moment to massage the seasoning in.

2. Roast the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure not to crowd the shrimp—they should have some space between them to roast properly. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and roast the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Depending on the size of your shrimp, they may cook a little faster or slower, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when they curl up and have a beautiful golden hue around the edges.

3. Make the Lemon-Horseradish Aioli

While the shrimp are roasting, it’s time to make the aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, horseradish, garlic, Dijon mustard, and salt until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—you may want to add a little more lemon juice for brightness or more horseradish for extra heat.

4. Assemble and Serve

Once the shrimp are roasted, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a little extra freshness. Serve with a small bowl of the lemon-horseradish aioli on the side for dipping. You can also drizzle the aioli over the shrimp for a fancier presentation, depending on your mood.

How to Serve

This roasted shrimp cocktail is perfect as a stand-alone appetizer or as part of a larger meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve the shrimp with your favorite crackers or crostini for a crunchy contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Pair the shrimp with a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the aioli.
• For a more indulgent option, serve the shrimp with a side of buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra aioli.

The versatility of this dish makes it great for a wide range of occasions—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home!

Additional Tips

To make sure your roasted shrimp cocktail turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips:

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Keep an eye on them while they roast and take them out of the oven as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, so you want them just right.
2. Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
3. Add More Heat: If you love a bit of spice, feel free to increase the horseradish in the aioli or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp before roasting.
4. Prep Ahead: You can prep the shrimp and aioli earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. Just roast the shrimp and serve them fresh when you’re ready to eat.
5. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to switch up the seasoning! Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the shrimp for a more exotic flavor, or experiment with fresh herbs in the aioli.

Recipe Variations

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Shrimp: For a bit of extra heat, sprinkle the shrimp with chili flakes before roasting, or stir in some Sriracha sauce to the aioli.
• Vegetarian Option: While shrimp is the main attraction here, you can swap it out for roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini for a vegetarian take on this appetizer.
• Lime-Horseradish Aioli: If you’re looking for a different citrus twist, use lime juice in the aioli instead of lemon. The tartness of lime pairs wonderfully with the horseradish.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, here’s how to store the shrimp and aioli:

• Roasted Shrimp: Store leftover roasted shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through.
• Aioli: The lemon-horseradish aioli can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. It might thicken slightly over time, so if that happens, just stir in a little extra lemon juice or water to loosen it up.

For freezing, I recommend freezing the shrimp without the aioli. Simply place the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw, place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until defrosted. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them roast evenly.

2. How can I make the aioli spicier?
If you like your aioli with a little extra heat, simply add more horseradish! You can also stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the spice level.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the shrimp and make the aioli a few hours in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to warm them through.

4. Can I serve the aioli with other dishes?
Absolutely! This tangy, creamy aioli pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It also makes a great dipping sauce for fries or roasted potatoes!

5. How long will leftovers last?
Leftover shrimp can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The aioli will last up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best flavor, consume leftovers within a couple of days.

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Conclusion

This roasted shrimp cocktail with lemon-horseradish aioli is a perfect dish for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in something a little extra special at home. The combination of juicy, roasted shrimp and the tangy, creamy aioli is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It’s so easy to make!

Next time you’re looking for an appetizer that will wow your guests and satisfy your taste buds, give this recipe a try. It’s guaranteed to be a hit every time. Happy cooking!