Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe (Cóctel de Camarones)

A refreshing, zesty Mexican seafood favorite made with juicy shrimp, tomato-clam sauce, avocado, lime, and crisp vegetables. Perfect served chilled with tortilla chips or saltine crackers.

Prep Time

  • Prep: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Total: 50 minutes

Servings

4–6 servings

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Cocktail Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato juice or Clamato juice
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Fresh Mix-Ins

  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For Serving

  • Tortilla chips
  • Saltine crackers
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  2. Add lemon slices and salt.
  3. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes until pink.
  4. Drain and transfer immediately to ice water.
  5. Chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces if desired.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
    • tomato juice or Clamato
    • ketchup
    • lime juice
    • hot sauce
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • salt and pepper

Step 3: Combine

  1. Stir shrimp into the sauce.
  2. Add cucumber, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
  3. Gently fold in avocado last.

Step 4: Chill

  1. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve cold in chilled glasses or bowls
  • Top with extra avocado and cilantro
  • Enjoy with tortilla chips or crackers

Tips

  • Use cooked jumbo shrimp for a heartier version.
  • Clamato juice gives authentic flavor.
  • Add diced celery for crunch.
  • Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference.

Storage

  • Best eaten fresh.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 days.
  • Stir gently before serving again.

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 10g

Q&A

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and chill before mixing.

Q: What is Clamato juice?

It’s a tomato-clam juice blend commonly used in Mexican seafood cocktails.

Q: Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add more jalapeño or hot sauce.

Q: Is this served hot or cold?

Always cold and refreshing.

Q: Can I add other seafood?

Yes! Crab, octopus, or scallops work great.

Q: How long should it chill?

At least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

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