Dessert

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with the Best Sauce Recipe

ByRafael Mansero January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. This recipe features perfectly baked shrimp paired with a tangy, flavorful cocktail sauce that you can customize to your taste. It’s ideal for entertaining or a special treat at home.

A white oval plate filled with one layer of cooked shrimp arranged in a loose circle, the shrimp are orange with white flesh and sprinkled with black pepper. On the right side of the plate, a clear glass bowl with thick red cocktail sauce sits among the shrimp. Three lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and juicy interiors are placed in the top right and bottom left corners of the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs raw shrimp
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lemon (cut into 4 wedges to serve, optional)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup mild chili sauce (such as Heinz)
3-4 Tbsp prepared horseradish (or add to taste)
1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, or to taste)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco, or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw the shrimp according to package instructions, then rinse them under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Place the shrimp on a large rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Stir gently to coat evenly, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
Step 2: Bake the shrimp at 450˚F for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Test one shrimp for doneness as soon as they come out of the oven, then transfer all the shrimp to a serving platter immediately to prevent overcooking on the hot baking sheet.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine ketchup, mild chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Adjust horseradish and hot sauce amounts to your preferred spice level. Cover and refrigerate the sauce and shrimp for at least one hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of vodka to the cocktail sauce.
If you prefer, you can boil shrimp instead of baking. Simply cook in boiling water with lemon and bay leaves for 2-3 minutes until pink.
Adjust horseradish and hot sauce gradually, tasting as you go, to suit your spice preference.
Serve with celery sticks or toasted baguette slices for added crunch and presentation.

Storage

Store cooked shrimp and cocktail sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them chilled until serving. Reheat shrimp gently if preferred warm, but shrimp cocktail is traditionally served cold.

How to Serve

The image shows a baking tray filled with one layer of cooked shrimp, each curled and spaced evenly apart. The shrimp are orange and white with a slightly shiny texture, and some pieces are sprinkled with small black pepper flakes. The tails of the shrimp are a darker orange, slightly translucent, and the tray beneath has a textured pattern. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Make sure to thaw them completely according to the package instructions before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

How spicy is the cocktail sauce?

The sauce’s spiciness depends on the amount of horseradish and hot sauce you add. Adjust these ingredients to create a mild or spicy sauce to suit your preference.