Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe

I absolutely love this Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe because it brings a fresh twist to a classic appetizer. The shrimp roast to juicy perfection, while the lemon-horseradish aioli adds just the right amount of tang and bite—trust me, this combo will have your guests asking for seconds!

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or want to impress at a holiday party, this recipe shines. It’s quick to pull together, uses simple ingredients, and you’ll find that roasting the shrimp keeps them tender without the fuss of boiling or frying. I first tried this after hunting for something a little different, and now it’s my go-to for easy entertaining.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star here is really the shrimp, but the aioli brings it all together with a bright kick from the lemon and horseradish. When shopping, pick fresh or thawed medium shrimp that are peeled and deveined for the easiest prep.

• Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayo for a creamy base that balances the horseradish heat perfectly.
• Prepared horseradish: This adds a spicy zing; adjust the quantity if you like it milder or bolder.
• Lemon zest & fresh lemon juice: Fresh is key here—the zest brings a fragrant brightness while the juice adds acidity to cut through richness.
• Medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are easiest to work with; look for wild-caught or sustainably farmed for best flavor and texture.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps the shrimp roast nicely without drying out and adds a fruity note.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip!
• Chopped fresh parsley: I love how it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma on top.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this roasted shrimp cocktail recipe depending on the season or mood—feel free to personalize with your favorite herbs or adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

• Spicy Kick: I’ve added a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the aioli before, which my family absolutely devours.
• Herb Twists: Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh dill or chives, which gives a lovely fresh aroma that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
• Garlic-Boosted Aioli: Adding a small minced garlic clove to the aioli makes it creamy with an extra punch—perfect if you’re a garlic fan like me.
• Diet-Friendly: For a lighter version, swap mayo for Greek yogurt and consider roasting shrimp with a light brush of avocado oil instead of olive oil.

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Tangy Lemon-Horseradish Aioli

Start by mixing mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the flavors meld together. I find chilling the aioli ahead really makes the lemon and horseradish pop—don’t skip this step, it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Prep and Season Your Shrimp

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps them roast properly without steaming. Toss them in extra-virgin olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. I love this easy seasoning method because it lets the shrimp’s natural flavor shine while giving a subtle savory touch.

Step 3: Roast to Juicy Perfection

Arrange the shrimp spaced about half an inch apart on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once halfway through so they cook evenly. Keep a close eye here—shrimp cook fast and the moment they turn opaque and pink, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, and nobody wants that.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter. You can serve them room temperature or chilled, depending on the vibe you’re going for. Spoon the chilled aioli alongside, then sprinkle lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a fresh grind of black pepper on top. The zest adds a fragrant zing that finishes the dish beautifully.

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

Garnishes

I always top the aioli with finely grated lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a fresh herbal note. A few twists of freshly ground black pepper add that perfect finishing touch. If I’m feeling fancy, I might add a few microgreens for a pop of elegance and texture.

Side Dishes

This shrimp cocktail pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or even a cheesy grits dish if you want something more substantial. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a chilled cucumber salad, which complements the aioli’s peppery punch perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the shrimp cocktail in individual martini glasses with a dollop of aioli and a lemon wedge on the side—feels upscale but is super easy. Another idea is arranging the shrimp on a bed of crushed ice on a large platter, great for summer parties. Presentation really amps up those “wow” moments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, I store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge, separated from the aioli to keep the textures just right. The shrimp stay delicious for 1 to 2 days, and the aioli will keep too, but I recommend stirring it before serving again.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze cooked shrimp with aioli as the texture of mayo-based sauces can change. But if you want to freeze raw shrimp to roast later, that works great—just thaw completely before roasting for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the oven at 300°F to prevent overcooking. Avoid microwaving if you can—shrimp can become rubbery fast. Serve with freshly chilled aioli for the best flavor balance.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli Recipe is a total winner in my book—easy to make but impressive enough for guests, and it’s just bursting with bright, fresh flavors. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do; it’s one of those recipes that feels special yet effortless, perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite appetizer!

Print