This isn’t your grandma’s shrimp cocktail. Charred on the grill and served with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce, these shrimp are smoky, juicy, and totally addictive. It’s the perfect appetizer for summer cookouts or elegant dinner parties.

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🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• Pinch of salt

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🔥 Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prep the sauce and heat the grill.

Make the Cocktail Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the heat to your liking. Chill until ready to serve.

Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they’re opaque and slightly charred.

Serve: Arrange the shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges and a bowl of the chilled cocktail sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a touch of green if desired.

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📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Grilled Shrimp Cocktail

• 🍢 Grill Skewers – Reusable stainless steel skewers make grilling shrimp neat and easy.
• 🔥 Indoor Grill Pan – Perfect for when you want those grill marks but can’t go outside.
• 🍋 Citrus Juicer – Get every drop of fresh lemon juice for the cocktail sauce.
• 🧂 Smoked Paprika – Adds a rich, smoky depth that takes the shrimp to the next level.
• 🥄 Mini Serving Bowls – Elegant and perfect for plating your homemade cocktail sauce.

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Helpful Tips and Notes:

Be sure not to overcook the shrimp—once they curl and turn pink with light charring, they’re done. For extra flair, sprinkle with finishing salt or fresh herbs just before serving. Want to go bold? Try adding a splash of vodka to the cocktail sauce for a Bloody Mary-inspired twist!

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