Introduction
Shrimp cocktail is the quintessential New Year’s Eve dish. However, the “Boiled” version is out—Roasted shrimp is the current trend. Roasting the shrimp with olive oil and herbs intensifies the flavor and gives them a much better texture than the traditional chilled version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better Texture: Roasting makes the shrimp snap and stay juicy.
- Flavor Boost: Herbs and garlic roast right into the shrimp.
- Modern Twist: Elevates a 70s classic into a 2026 favorite.
- Healthy & Light: A great high-protein, low-carb party option.
- Zesty Sauce: A homemade sauce with extra horseradish is much better than store-bought.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sauce: 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon horseradish, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, dash of hot sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss shrimp with oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 8–10 minutes until pink and just firm.
- Let cool to room temperature or chill if preferred.
- Whisk sauce ingredients together and serve in a small bowl surrounded by the shrimp.
Tips
For a “festive” twist, serve the sauce with a splash of cranberry juice for a “Cranberry Cocktail Sauce”.