Try This Irresistible Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail Tonight!

Old Bay seasoning turns regular shrimp into a mouthwatering treat known as the Maryland Shrimp Cocktail.

People who love seafood have long enjoyed this appetizer, thanks to its lively mix of spices and tender shrimp.

This dish offers more than just good taste; it carries a tradition from seaside towns with every bite.

The chilled, juicy shrimp covered in unique spices make for an unforgettable flavor that brings back memories of summer fun by the sea.

With Maryland’s famous seasoning, this starter becomes something truly special that food lovers across the country cherish.

Both experienced cooks and beginners enjoy making this simple yet bold seafood dish, which continues to win hearts through the years.

Why Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail Is A Hit

• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform ordinary shrimp into a restaurant-quality appetizer with minimal effort and maximum flavor in just 15 minutes.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by modifying Old Bay seasoning or adding extra horseradish to suit personal taste preferences and impress guests.
• Quick Party Pleaser: Prepare this crowd-pleasing shrimp cocktail in advance, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings, game nights, or elegant dinner parties without stressful cooking.
• Healthier Indulgence: Roasting shrimp instead of boiling preserves nutrients, reduces added fat, and creates a deliciously crisp exterior that elevates the classic seafood appetizer.

What’s In Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail

Main Ingredients:

Shrimp Protein: – Large Shrimp: Fresh seafood star of the recipe, perfect for roasting and getting a delicious golden color. Wild-caught or farm-raised both work well.

Seasoning Blend: – Old Bay Seasoning, Kosher Salt: Classic seafood spice mix that adds bold, zesty flavor to the shrimp. Old Bay is a traditional Maryland seafood seasoning.

Sauce Components:

Sauce Base: – Ketchup, Chili Sauce: Provides sweet and tangy foundation for the cocktail sauce. Look for high-quality, thick varieties.

Flavor Enhancers: – Horseradish, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth, heat, and complexity to the sauce. Fresh horseradish provides more punch than prepared versions.

Finishing Touches:

Garnish and Aromatics: – Fresh Parsley, Lemon: Bright, fresh elements that complement the rich shrimp and sauce. Choose crisp parsley and juicy lemons for best results.

Optional Splash: – Gin: Adds unexpected depth and botanical notes to the cocktail sauce. Use a clean, dry gin for best flavor integration.

How To Make Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season Shrimp

Drizzle shrimp with olive oil, sprinkle generously with Old Bay seasoning and salt. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 3: Roast Shrimp

Place seasoned shrimp on prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Slide into preheated oven and roast for 6-8 minutes until shrimp turn bright pink and look slightly curled.

Step 4: Create Zesty Cocktail Sauce

• Ketchup
• Chili sauce
• Prepared horseradish
• Fresh lemon juice
• Hot sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Gin (optional)

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate sauce to let flavors meld.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer roasted shrimp to serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Add lemon wedges on the side. Serve cocktail sauce in a small bowl for dipping.

Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail Tips That Work

• Customize Seasoning: Adjust the Old Bay quantity to match your spice preference, from mild to bold flavor profiles.
• Perfect Roasting Technique: Watch shrimp closely during cooking to prevent overcooking; they should be pink and slightly curled, not rubbery.
• Sauce Storage Tip: Prepare cocktail sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Flexible Serving Option: Serve shrimp chilled for a refreshing appetizer or warm for a comforting dish, depending on personal preference and occasion.
• Healthy Substitution Hack: Replace gin with extra lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version or use low-sugar ketchup to reduce overall calories.

How To Store Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Gently warm shrimp in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until just heated through. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture and preserve tender meat.
• Sauce Storage: Transfer remaining cocktail sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Check for any signs of spoilage before reusing.
• Quick Tip: Consume cold shrimp directly from the refrigerator as a quick snack or add to salads for a protein boost.

Tasty Pairings For Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail

• Elevate Citrus Brightness: Pair the Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc that brings zesty citrus notes to complement the shrimp's seasoned profile.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a light wheat beer or a hoppy pilsner to cut through the cocktail sauce's richness and enhance the Old Bay's spicy undertones.
• Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Serve with a simple cucumber and mint agua fresca to provide a cool, clean contrast to the bold flavors of the shrimp and spicy sauce.
• Wine Alternative Delight: Choose a dry rosé with bright acidity that matches the shrimp's maritime character and balances the cocktail sauce's tang.

Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail Variations Worth Trying

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Cocktail: Replace Old Bay seasoning with Cajun spice blend for a zestier, pepper-packed flavor profile that brings Southern heat to the dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Swap Old Bay for dried oregano, thyme, and lemon zest to create a light, herbaceous version with Greek-inspired seasoning.
• Gluten-Free Low-Sodium Option: Use gluten-free hot sauce, substitute low-sodium ketchup, and replace traditional Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos for a diet-friendly alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Shrimp: Remove cocktail sauce, serve with homemade avocado-based sauce, and use extra virgin olive oil instead of standard olive oil to maintain low-carb requirements.

FAQ About Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail

• What is Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay is a popular spice blend from Maryland, typically containing celery salt, paprika, red pepper, and other spices. It’s famous for seasoning seafood and gives a distinctive, zesty flavor to shrimp dishes.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely before roasting, and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they roast properly and don’t become watery.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery, so watch closely during the 6-8 minute roasting time.

• Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to gin in the cocktail sauce?

You can replace gin with white wine vinegar or simply omit it. The sauce will still have plenty of flavor from the other ingredients like horseradish and hot sauce.

Zesty Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maryland’s classic Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail delivers a zesty ocean-inspired appetizer that wows guests with its bold, spicy-sweet profile. Succulent Gulf shrimp shine with a perfectly seasoned kick, promising a delightful start to any coastal-inspired meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) raw jumbo shrimp (11 to 15 count), peeled and deveined, tails left on

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or tarragon, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cocktail Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup Heinz chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half a small lemon)
• 3–4 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 1 teaspoon gin
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Serving Accompaniment:

• Lemon wedges
• Gin cocktail sauce or your favorite cocktail sauce recipe

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 425°F, ensuring the cooking surface is ready for the seafood preparation.
2. Arrange the raw shrimp on a clean sheet pan, creating a single layer for even cooking.
3. Generously drizzle olive oil over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
4. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning and kosher salt across the shrimp, distributing the flavors evenly.
5. Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven and roast for 6-8 minutes, monitoring the cooking process as shrimp sizes can impact total cooking time.
6. Watch for the shrimp to transform into a vibrant pink color, indicating they are fully cooked and safe to consume.
7. While the shrimp roast, prepare the cocktail sauce by combining ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, fresh lemon juice, hot sauce, gin, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl.
8. Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated condiment.
9. Refrigerate the prepared cocktail sauce to allow the flavors to meld and chill.
10. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the oven and let them rest briefly.
11. Plate the shrimp, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and accompanying lemon wedges.
12. Serve the roasted shrimp alongside the chilled cocktail sauce, ready to enjoy.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are uniformly sized for even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming overcooked or undercooked.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced varieties.
• Customize cocktail sauce by reducing horseradish for milder heat or adding

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg