Mexican shrimp cocktail, or “Cóctel de Camarón,” is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly encapsulates Mexican cuisine’s bold, lively flavors. This zesty seafood cocktail combines tender shrimp with a tangy, tomato-based sauce, offering a delightful blend of spicy, sweet, and savory notes that make it a standout appetizer or light meal.
Known for its colorful presentation and lively flavors, the Mexican shrimp cocktail is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, whether as a festive starter for a special occasion or a casual treat for a sunny day. It’s a refreshing summer snack that you can enjoy with a ton of veggies.
At the heart of this recipe are perfectly cooked shrimp, typically boiled until just tender and then chilled to preserve their delicate texture. The shrimp are combined with a flavorful cocktail sauce made from a mix of tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, and a splash of hot sauce. This tangy and slightly spicy sauce is seasoned with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and finely chopped jalapeños, adding layers of flavor and a touch of heat that elevates the dish.
Additional ingredients like diced avocado, chopped cucumber, and ripe tomatoes contribute a refreshing crunch and a burst of freshness, balancing the shrimp’s richness and the sauce’s tanginess. The cocktail is often garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime, adding a final flavor and a touch of color.
Mexican shrimp cocktail is typically served chilled, making it an ideal dish for warm weather or as a cool, refreshing appetizer before a hearty meal. Its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation make it a favorite at gatherings and celebrations. With its perfect combination of tangy, spicy, and fresh ingredients, the Mexican shrimp cocktail offers a taste of Mexico’s culinary vibrancy and is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold, delicious flavors.
Ingredients ;
1 pound Shrimp, medium in size, raw and deveined
1 cup Red onion, chopped
1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
1 cup Tomatoes, chopped or 1 can or 8 Oz Chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup Celery, chopped
1 Avocado, diced
2 tbsp Cilantro, chopped
1 Jalapeno, chopped (optional)
⅓ cup Ketchup
¼ cup Vegetable juice or V8
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp lime juice
2 to 3 tbsp Hot sauce of your choice
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges
Tortilla chips for serving
Step1. In a large pot, boil about 1 ½ quarts of water with 2 heaping pinches of salt and 1 to 2 lemon wedges.
Step2. Drop the raw shrimp in the water and let them cook for 3 minutes.
Step3. Reserve about ½ a cup of cooking water and drain the shrimps.
Step4. Cut the shrimp into chunks and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
Step5. Add red onions, cucumber, tomatoes, celery, jalapenos, cilantro, Worcestershire sauce, V8, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Stir well.
Step6. Gradually add the reserved shrimp water to adjust the consistency of the cocktail and allow it to cool in the refrigerator for an hour.
Step7. When serving, add salt and pepper to taste, as well as chunks of avocado.
Step8. Serving with the tortilla chips.
Mexican shrimp cocktail
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1 pound Shrimp, medium in size, raw and deveined
1 cup Red onion, chopped
1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
1 cup Tomatoes, chopped or 1 can or 8 Oz Chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup Celery, chopped
1 Avocado, diced
2 tbsp Cilantro, chopped
1 Jalapeno, chopped (optional)
⅓ cup Ketchup
¼ cup Vegetable juice or V8
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp lime juice
2 to 3 tbsp Hot sauce of your choice
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges
Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
1.In a large pot, boil about 1 ½ quarts of water with 2 heaping pinches of salt and 1 to 2 lemon wedges.
2.Drop the raw shrimp in the water and let them cook for 3 minutes.
3.Reserve about ½ a cup of cooking water and drain the shrimps.
4.Cut the shrimp into chunks and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
5.Add red onions, cucumber, tomatoes, celery, jalapenos, cilantro, Worcestershire sauce, V8, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Stir well.
6.Gradually add the reserved shrimp water to adjust the consistency of the cocktail and allow it to cool in the refrigerator for an hour.
7.When serving, add salt and pepper to taste, as well as chunks of avocado.
8.Serving with the tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4