Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with Fresh Tomato Cocktail Sauce

Elevate your appetizer game with this sumptuous Grilled Shrimp Cocktail. This recipe features succulent shrimp paired with a homemade Fresh Tomato Cocktail Sauce that is sure to impress your guests. Fresh, flavorful, and with a hint of smokiness from the grill, this dish is perfect for any gathering or a sophisticated start to a dinner party.

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Shrimp:

• 1 ½ pounds large peeled, deveined raw shrimp, tail-on
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoons grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons), divided
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons grated garlic (from 8 large garlic cloves), divided
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided

For the Fresh Tomato Cocktail Sauce:

• ⅓ cup julienne-cut smoked sun-dried tomatoes (from a 3-ounce package), chopped
• 3 tablespoons mild or spicy harissa paste (such as Mina)
• 1 ½ tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 2 cups chopped red tomato (from 1 large [12-ounce] tomato)
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

Additional Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 12 (1/4-inch-thick) baguette slices (3 ounces total)
• Extra-virgin olive oil for bread slices and drizzling

Instructions:

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with crushed red pepper, grated lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of grated garlic, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper until the shrimp are well coated.

Make the Fresh Tomato Cocktail Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the smoked sun-dried tomatoes, harissa paste, sherry vinegar, chopped red tomatoes, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of remaining olive oil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Season with kosher salt to taste and set aside.

Grill the Baguette Slices:

1. Lightly spray both sides of the baguette slices with cooking spray. Grill until toasted, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Optionally, drizzle the toasted slices with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil for additional flavor.

Grill the Shrimp:

1. Spray the grill rack with cooking spray. Grill the shrimp until pink and slightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.

Serve:

1. Arrange the grilled shrimp on a platter. Spoon the Fresh Tomato Cocktail Sauce into a serving bowl and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of chopped parsley. Serve with the grilled baguette slices on the side for dipping into the sauce.

Enjoy this delightful twist on the classic shrimp cocktail, where the smoky flavor of the grilled shrimp perfectly complements the zesty and mildly spicy fresh tomato cocktail sauce. It’s a guaranteed way to start your meal on a high note!

Tips:

• When preparing the shrimp, make sure to coat them well with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp, they should be pink and slightly charred on the outside but still juicy and tender on the inside.
• You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the cocktail sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
• Make sure to have extra grilled baguette slices on hand as they are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Additional Tips and Serving Suggestions:

• For an extra smoky flavor, try grilling the baguette slices after brushing them with a bit of olive oil.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the shrimp on a stovetop grill pan.
• If you prefer a milder sauce, you can omit the harissa paste or use less of it.
• Serve this dish as an appetizer at your next BBQ or dinner party, or make it into a light and refreshing meal by adding a side salad.

Other Variations:

• For a different twist on the cocktail sauce, try using roasted red peppers or chipotle peppers instead of smoked sun-dried tomatoes.
• If you’re a fan of spice, add some diced jalapenos to the cocktail sauce for an extra kick.
• You can also use this recipe as a base and substitute the shrimp with other types of seafood such as scallops or lobster tails.

Conclusion:

Explore new flavors and impress your guests with this Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with Fresh Tomato Cocktail Sauce. With its balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors, it’s a surefire hit for any occasion. Get creative with the recipe by trying out different variations or serving suggestions. Bon appetit! So next time you’re planning a party or just want to treat yourself to a special appetizer, give this recipe a try and watch it become a crowd favorite. Enjoy!