Introduction

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, known as Coctel de Camarones, is a refreshing and flavorful seafood dish that is popular in Mexican cuisine. This dish features succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty tomato-based sauce, combined with fresh vegetables and herbs to create a delicious and satisfying appetizer or light meal. Whether served at a casual gathering, a summer picnic, or a festive celebration, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and bold flavors.

With its combination of tangy citrus, spicy jalapeños, and crisp vegetables, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it spicy with extra hot sauce or prefer a milder version, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail can be easily adapted to suit your palate.

In this article, we will explore the traditional recipe for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, including the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation instructions, possible variations to try, helpful tips for serving and storing, and answers to frequently asked questions about this popular dish.

Ingredients

To make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 cup fresh lime juice

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cocktail Sauce:

– 1 ½ cups tomato juice

– ½ cup ketchup

– ¼ cup fresh lime juice

– 2 tablespoons hot sauce

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

– ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1 avocado, diced

For Serving:

– 1 cucumber, peeled and diced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

– Tortilla chips or saltine crackers

Steps

To prepare Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the Shrimp:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the shrimp and pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Prepare the Cocktail Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, jalapeño, and red onion. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.

3. Marinate the Shrimp:

Add the cooked shrimp to the cocktail sauce and toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Assemble the Cocktail:

Before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes into the marinated shrimp mixture. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon the cocktail into individual serving glasses and garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.

Variations

While the traditional Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with various ingredients and flavors to create your unique twist on this classic dish. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Mango Salsa:

Add diced mangoes to the cocktail for a sweet and tropical flavor profile.

2. Grilled Corn:

Include grilled corn kernels for a smoky and charred taste.

3. Pineapple:

Incorporate chunks of fresh pineapple for a refreshing and juicy element.

4. Cilantro-Lime Rice:

Serve the shrimp cocktail over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a satisfying meal.

Tips

Here are some tips to enhance your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail experience:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients:

Whenever possible, use fresh and high-quality ingredients to elevate the flavors of the dish.

2. Adjust the Heat:

If you prefer a spicier cocktail, add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños to amp up the heat.

3. Chill Before Serving:

For the best flavor, refrigerate the shrimp cocktail for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

4. Serve with Crunchy Sides:

Pair the shrimp cocktail with tortilla chips or saltine crackers for a satisfying crunch.

Conclusion

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Coctel de Camarones, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. With its combination of juicy shrimp, tangy cocktail sauce, and fresh vegetables, this dish is a perfect appetizer or light meal for any occasion. By following the traditional recipe and incorporating your creative variations, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing seafood dish that will impress your family and friends.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:

Q: Can I make the cocktail sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the cocktail sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: While fresh shrimp is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen shrimp as a convenient alternative.

Q: Is Mexican Shrimp Cocktail spicy?

A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference by adding more or less hot sauce and jalapeños.

Q: Can I substitute the shrimp with another seafood?

A: Yes, you can customize the dish by using cooked crab meat, scallops, or a combination of seafood instead of shrimp.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 50 votes

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Difficulty: medium

🍽️

Servings

4

⏱️

Prep time

30 minutes

🔥

Cooking time

0 minutes

📊

Calories

250 kcal

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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty tomato-based sauce, combined with fresh vegetables and herbs. This vibrant and flavorful dish is perfect for serving as an appetizer or light meal.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups tomato juice
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Tortilla chips or saltine crackers

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Drain, then transfer to ice water, and pat dry.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, jalapeño, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the cooked shrimp to the cocktail sauce, toss gently to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Fold in avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon into serving glasses and garnish with cilantro leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 250

Fat: 10

Carbohydrates: 20

Protein: 25

Sodium: 600

Fiber: 5

Sugar: 10