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.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in individual glasses, bowls, or large cocktail glasses. Garnish with lime wedges, and serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers on the side. You can also add more hot sauce for extra heat.
Cooking Notes
- Shrimp Size: Small to medium-sized shrimp work best for shrimp cocktail, but you can use larger shrimp and cut them into bite-sized pieces if preferred.
- Tomato Juice: You can use Clamato (a mixture of tomato and clam juice) for extra flavor or plain tomato juice for a more traditional version.
- Avocado: Be sure to add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.
Variations
1. Spicy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
For an extra spicy kick, use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños and add more hot sauce to the cocktail sauce. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or Tajín for a spicier flavor.
2. Seafood Cocktail
Mix things up by adding other seafood like scallops, octopus, or crab meat for a mixed seafood cocktail. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of seafood used.
3. Light Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
For a lighter version, reduce the amount of ketchup and increase the amount of fresh tomato juice or Clamato. This will make the dish less sweet and more refreshing.
4. Cucumber and Mango Shrimp Cocktail
Add diced mango along with the cucumber for a sweet and tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the tangy and spicy flavors.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
To make this dish keto-friendly:
- Replace the ketchup with sugar-free ketchup or use tomato paste and adjust the sweetness with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
- Serve with keto crackers or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, pre-cooked shrimp works well for this recipe. Just ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them before using.
Q: How long can I store Mexican shrimp cocktail?
The shrimp cocktail can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for best freshness, add the avocado just before serving, as it tends to brown quickly.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp and the cocktail sauce a few hours in advance. Just add the avocado and cilantro right before serving to ensure freshness.
Q: Can I use other types of seafood in this cocktail?
Absolutely! This cocktail is versatile and works well with other seafood like crab, scallops, or even cooked fish.
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarones) is a deliciously refreshing dish packed with bright flavors from fresh vegetables, zesty lime juice, and tangy tomato sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or a light meal, this shrimp cocktail is perfect for any occasion. Pair it with tortilla chips or crackers, and you have a crowd-pleasing dish ready to enjoy!
