Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp Cocktail:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Cocktail Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For the Cups and Garnish:
- 12 small phyllo pastry cups (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them! You’ll know they’re done when they curl up and turn a lovely pink color. Once cooked, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and set aside to cool slightly. - Make the cocktail sauce:
While the shrimp are roasting, mix up the cocktail sauce. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more horseradish if you like it spicier, or more ketchup if you prefer it milder. Set aside to let the flavors meld together. - Prepare the phyllo cups:
Place the phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet. If using store-bought cups, they are typically ready to serve, but you can bake them for 2-3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) if you’d like to crisp them up. Just keep an eye on them—they cook quickly and can burn easily. - Assemble the shrimp cocktail cups:
Once the shrimp and cups are ready, it’s time to assemble! Spoon a small amount of cocktail sauce into the bottom of each phyllo cup. Place one shrimp on top of the sauce, gently pressing it into the sauce. Repeat with the remaining cups and shrimp. - Garnish with fresh herbs:
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro, parsley, and chives generously over the shrimp. The herbs add color, flavor, and a fresh note that pairs perfectly with the shrimp cocktail sauce. If desired, add a small wedge of lemon to each cup for an extra touch of elegance. - Serve and enjoy:
Arrange the shrimp cocktail cups on a serving platter, and you’re ready to serve! These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce earlier in the day and assemble the cups just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 18g