When it’s time to entertain or throw a party, I’ve found that the best plan is to have a few easy, tried and true recipes in your back pocket. One of those for me is roasted shrimp and homemade cocktail sauce. I always have the ingredients for the cocktail sauce in my fridge, so all I have to do is stop by the store and pick up some shrimp. Then, you just fire up your oven, roast the seafood and mix up your sauce. The real benefit of making your own cocktail sauce is that you can customize the level of heat you like. I go a little light on the hot sauce and let the star ingredients ~ FRESH squeezed lemon juice and the horseradish take all the credit for delicious creation.
Mr. Southern Soul and I have always loved having people over, whether we’ve planned a party or folks just stop by on a Friday afternoon to unwind. We want to spend time with our friends, not fussing over elaborate dishes in the kitchen. That’s why this appetizer has stayed on my top 10 list of successful dishes to serve when it’s time to party!
Shrimp with Fresh Cocktail Sauce
1 lb shrimp – cleaned, deveined with tails on
olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay shrimp on paper and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on salt and pepper. Place in oven to roast for 6 to 8 minutes or until tails turn bright pink.
Remove pan from oven. Let shrimp cool then place on a serving platter.
In a medium size bowl, place ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish and worcestershire sauce and stir until blended. Add salt, pepper and hot sauce, stirring to mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
