Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or “Coctel de Camarones,” is a refreshing seafood dish that blends succulent shrimp with zesty tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and a hint of spice. This vibrant recipe is perfect for appetizers, summer meals, or festive gatherings. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with bold Mexican flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To make this authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, you’ll need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
For the Cocktail Mixture:
- 1 cup tomato juice or Clamato juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Valentina or Tabasco, to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium tomato, finely diced
- ½ cup cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips or saltine crackers
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Add salt and lemon wedges to the boiling water for flavor.
Drop the shrimp into the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Once cooled, drain the shrimp and chop them into bite-sized pieces if they are large. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cocktail Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, hot sauce, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Add the diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro to the bowl. Mix well.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and diced avocado into the cocktail mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the shrimp cocktail in individual cups, glasses, or bowls for an elegant presentation.
Garnish with fresh avocado slices and a lime wedge.
Pair with tortilla chips or saltine crackers for dipping.
Tips for the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables, herbs, and ripe avocados for the best flavors.
Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and jalapeño.
Chill Well: Letting the shrimp cocktail chill in the refrigerator enhances the flavors. Overnight chilling can make it even better.
Shrimp Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with cooked lobster or crab for a twist.
Serving Suggestion: For a complete meal, pair the shrimp cocktail with a light salad or Mexican-style rice.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated calories and nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 6 g (mostly from avocado)
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg (varies based on added salt and tomato juice brand)