Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

*This Roasted Shrimp Cocktail is a sophisticated and delicious take on the party staple. Roasting the shrimp deepens its flavor, while the homemade sauce also helps to elevate this crowd favorite.*

How was your Christmas? I feel like mine passed by in a whirlwind – a sweet, calm, cozy whirlwind of festive holiday celebrations, but still a whirlwind. I’m thankful to have a couple more quiet days to hang out with my family before I head back to San Francisco for New Year’s Eve. And I can’t believe that there’s only one week left of 2016. I’m starting to think about how to celebrate this Saturday, and wanted to share a couple of fun ideas for party food on the blog this week. Think an elegant dessert and, of course, a celebratory champagne cocktail. But I’m starting things off today with an easy and delicious appetizer.

One of my very favorite past times in high school was watching the Food Network. With my heavy load of school work and busy extracurricular schedule I didn’t have much time to watch TV, but I always managed to fit in some cooking shows here and there. Often, when I got home from school, I’d plop myself down on the couch to watch an episode or two before it was time for lacrosse practice. Even though I was usually trying to scarf down a snack and start my math homework at the same time, it always felt like a fun and relaxing little break in my busy day. I wasn’t really picky with the shows I’d watch – I always liked Giada, and Tyler Florence and Bobby Flay were fun too – but I looooved Barefoot Contessa. Seriously, Ina is one of my idols.

While there’s no doubt that Ina is the queen of simple, basic recipes and cozy comfort food alike, I think that she particularly excels at crafting elegant, party-worthy food that’s easy to prepare, too. I remember watching her make this roasted shrimp cocktail during an episode many years ago, and ever since I’ve wanted to recreate it myself. Trust me, I wish I hadn’t waited so long – this dish really delivers! Roasting the shellfish deepens the flavor, providing a great savory base. Homemade cocktail sauce is an easy addition that also helps to elevate this simple party staple. I know that I’ll be serving this sophisticated and delicious appetizer to guests for many years to come!

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
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This Roasted Shrimp Cocktail is a sophisticated and delicious take on the party staple. Roasting the shrimp deepens its flavor, while the homemade sauce also helps to elevate this crowd favorite.

Adapted from The Food Network.

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
juice of ½ lemon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°.
Rinse shrimp under cold water, then dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Place on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat.
Roast shrimp until pink, about eight minutes.
Meanwhile, to make the sauce, place ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
Serve shrimp, warm or cooled, with the sauce.

The Millennial Cook