Roast Shrimp With Cocktail Sauce (Barefoot Contessa)

The first time I ever tasted truly exceptional shrimp cocktail, I was a young line cook, overwhelmed by the hustle of a busy Friday night. The restaurant’s owner, a gruff but secretly kind soul, slipped me a perfectly chilled shrimp, glistening with homemade cocktail sauce. The pop of the shrimp, the sharp tang of horseradish – it was an explosion of flavor that cut through the chaos and fueled me for the rest of the service. This recipe from Ina Garten brings me right back to that moment, capturing the essence of that perfect bite with simple elegance. It’s a reminder that the best things in life, and in cooking, are often the simplest.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: About 3 cups of sauce
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 2 lbs shrimp, tails on (12-15 count)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chili sauce (Heinz)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons horseradish
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (Recommend Tabasco)

Equipment Needed

• Sheet pan
• Small bowl
• Whisk (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F before you begin any preparations. This ensures a hot, even temperature for perfectly cooked shrimp.

2. Peel and devein the shrimp, being sure to leave the tails on. The tails add a nice visual element and provide a convenient handle for dipping. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

3. Place the prepared shrimp on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Ensure the shrimp are spread in a single layer on the pan. This prevents steaming and promotes even roasting.

4. Roast the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or just until they turn pink, are firm to the touch, and fully cooked through. Overcooking will result in rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye on them.

5. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and set the shrimp aside to cool slightly. While the shrimp are cooling, prepare the cocktail sauce.

6. For the cocktail sauce, in a small bowl, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, horseradish, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

7. Serve the roasted shrimp with the prepared cocktail sauce as a dip.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure shrimp are in a single layer. If necessary, use two sheet pans. Overcrowding will steam the shrimp rather than roast them, resulting in a less desirable texture.

• Use good quality horseradish: The flavor of the horseradish is key to a great cocktail sauce. If you like a milder flavor, start with less and add more to taste.

• Adjust the heat: The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted to your preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you like a spicier kick.

• Make the cocktail sauce ahead of time: The cocktail sauce can be made a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even better taste. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

• Cool the shrimp quickly: Once the shrimp are cooked, immediately transfer them to a cool platter to stop the cooking process. This will help prevent overcooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Roast Shrimp With Cocktail Sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature. Arrange the shrimp attractively on a platter with a bowl of the cocktail sauce alongside. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a visually appealing presentation.

Leftover roasted shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. The cocktail sauce can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the shrimp may become rubbery upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	217.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	36 kcal	17%
Total Fat	4.1 g	6%
Saturated Fat	0.8 g	3%
Cholesterol	294.5 mg	98%
Sodium	1044.3 mg	43%
Total Carbohydrate	10.7 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.7 g	6%
Sugars	7.6 g	N/A
Protein	32.6 g	65%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp before roasting for an extra kick.

• Herb Roasted Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme before roasting.

• Garlic Shrimp: Add minced garlic to the olive oil before tossing with the shrimp.

• Cocktail Sauce Variations: Experiment with different types of horseradish, such as creamy or beet horseradish. Add a splash of vodka or gin to the cocktail sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium ketchup and chili sauce to reduce the sodium content.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Be sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Q: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
A: The shrimp are done when they turn pink and are firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as this will make them rubbery.

Q: Can I grill the shrimp instead of roasting them?
A: Yes, you can grill the shrimp. Thread them onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Q: Can I make the cocktail sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The cocktail sauce can be made a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even better taste. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the cocktail sauce?
A: Feel free to experiment! Some popular additions include a dash of Tabasco Chipotle sauce for smokiness, a splash of orange juice for sweetness, or a pinch of celery salt for added depth.

Final Thoughts

This Roast Shrimp With Cocktail Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a delicious appetizer, this dish is quick, easy, and always a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations and feedback. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing margarita for the perfect culinary experience. Bon appétit!