Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines cooked shrimp with a zesty tomato-based sauce, fresh vegetables, and a hint of heat. This dish, also known as Cóctel de Camarones, is a popular appetizer or light meal in Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for warm weather and can be served as a starter for a party or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (small to medium size)
- 1 cup tomato juice or Clamato (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Valentina or Cholula)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and diced
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips or saltine crackers
- Lime wedges
- Additional hot sauce for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If your shrimp aren’t already cooked, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutesuntil pink and opaque. Drain the shrimp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cocktail Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato juice (or Clamato), ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Adjust the amount of tomato juice based on your preference for thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Shrimp
Add the cooked shrimp, diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro to the bowl. Gently toss everything together to coat the shrimp and vegetables in the cocktail sauce.
Step 4: Chill the Shrimp Cocktail
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important for the best taste, as the shrimp will absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Avocado
Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado gently to avoid mashing it. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice, salt, or hot sauce as needed.
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>)
