Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe

I absolutely love how this Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe comes together—there’s just something about the luscious roasted shrimp paired with a zesty, creamy aioli that really elevates the whole dish. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a fancy appetizer that’s quick to whip up, this recipe is a total winner. The best part? Roasting the shrimp brings out such a rich flavor that makes the classic cocktail feel fresh and exciting.

When I first tried this, I discovered how the lemon-horseradish aioli adds the perfect tang and kick—a combo that balances beautifully with the naturally sweet shrimp. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, so you’ll find that it easily becomes a go-to when you want something both impressive and fuss-free. I promise after you try this Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen just like it is in mine!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work super well together to create a classic yet elevated shrimp cocktail with a twist. When shopping, I usually pick medium shrimp already peeled and deveined to save prep time—trust me, it’s a game-changer.

• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the aioli; I prefer full-fat mayo for that indulgent texture.
• Prepared horseradish: Adds the distinct spicy kick—adjust based on your heat preference.
• Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice: Freshness is key here; it brightens and balances the richness perfectly.
• Medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and evenly—fresh or thawed frozen both work.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Brings a subtle fruity note and helps the shrimp roast beautifully.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning makes all the difference to bring out natural flavors.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish and a hint of herbaceous freshness.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to personalize the aioli or try alternative herbs to really make it your own.

• Spicy Twist: Adding a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika to the aioli gives a smoky, spicy depth my family adores.
• Herb Variations: I sometimes swap parsley for fresh dill or cilantro for a different herbal note that pairs well with shrimp.
• Garlic Upgrade: Minced garlic in the aioli amps up the flavor; just be sure to let it chill so the flavors mellow.
• Dietary Modifications: Use Greek yogurt or avocado mayo if you want a lighter aioli without sacrificing creaminess.

How to Make Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Chill Your Zesty Aioli

Start by combining the mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes—this chill time helps the flavors marry beautifully and gives that refreshing bite when served.

Step 2: Prepare Your Shrimp for Roasting

Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Meanwhile, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels—this step is crucial because dry shrimp roast better and develop a nice texture. Then toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t skimp on the seasoning here; it really enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Arrange the shrimp on a foil-lined baking sheet so that each one has a little space—about half an inch apart works well. Roast them in your preheated oven for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque; be careful not to overcook as shrimp get rubbery fast!

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Transfer the roasted shrimp to a serving platter, either room temperature or chilled (both work great depending on your preference). Top your aioli with the finely grated lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley, then season with an extra crack of black pepper. Serve this alongside the shrimp for everyone to dip and enjoy!

How to Serve Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simple garnishes that elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor—fresh chopped parsley is my go-to, lending a pop of green and freshness. Sometimes I throw in a few extra lemon wedges right on the platter so everyone can squeeze more lemon if they want. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top of the aioli also adds a nice little kick and contrast.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this shrimp cocktail alongside crisp, refreshing sides like a tangy cucumber salad or classic coleslaw to add crunch and coolness. A crusty baguette or garlic bread also pairs beautifully to soak up the aioli. For a heartier option, a simple arugula salad with parmesan and lemon vinaigrette never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I love serving the shrimp cocktail over a bed of crushed ice with lemon slices tucked underneath—it keeps things chilled and visually stunning. Another fun idea is presenting individual shrimp in small cocktail glasses layered with a dollop of aioli and a lemon twist on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is super simple to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover shrimp and aioli separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp keeps well for about 2 days and stays juicy and flavorful as long as you don’t overcook them the first time. The aioli will keep even longer, and always give it a good stir before serving again.

Freezing

While you can freeze shrimp, I recommend freezing them before cooking for best texture. The aioli, however, doesn’t freeze well because the mayo can separate. I usually freeze raw shrimp if needed, then roast fresh when I want to enjoy this Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe at its best.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp without drying them out, I gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil for just a minute or two. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to toughen shrimp. Serve immediately with the chilled aioli for that perfect contrast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe truly holds a special spot in my recipe collection. It’s that rare combo of quick, simple, and elegant that always impresses guests and feels like a treat to make at home. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—it’s one of those dishes that brings people together with just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your new favorite way to serve shrimp cocktail!

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