mexican shrimp cocktail recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
mexican shrimp cocktail recipe
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The Best mexican shrimp cocktail recipe

I’ve been making this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of succulent shrimp, fresh lime juice, and diced veggies is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they can’t get enough of the tangy, slightly spicy taste. This recipe is a staple in our household, whether we’re having it as a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for a special occasion.

I love how versatile it is – we can serve it chilled as a snack or add some heat with diced jalapeños for a more substantial meal. The best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy home cooks like me. Plus, the health benefits of this dish are numerous – shrimp is an excellent source of protein, and the veggies provide a boost of vitamins and fiber.

I could go on and on about why I adore this recipe so much…

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

4.6 from 767 votes

A refreshing and zesty Mexican shrimp cocktail made with poached shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tomato-based sauce. Served chilled, it is a perfect appetizer or light meal for warm days.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf

For the Cocktail Sauce

1 cup tomato juice
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables and Garnish

1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 medium avocado, diced
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
Saltine crackers, for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring 4 cups of water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 bay leaf to a boil over high heat.
2Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, then drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
3Chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
4Add the finely chopped white onion, cilantro, diced avocado, diced cucumber, and minced jalapeno, then stir gently to combine.
5In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
6Pour this cocktail sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
7Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8Serve cold in small cups or bowls with saltine crackers on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large bowl
Mixing spoon
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a milder heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeno. You can also add diced mango or jicama for extra texture and sweetness. Serve immediately after chilling for the best flavor.

Watch Video Of How Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Works

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick meal solution.

One thing I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to store and reheat: simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to serve again.

When reheating, I like to add some extra lime juice and diced veggies to give it an extra boost of flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe, but make sure they’re peeled and deveined before using. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by leaving them in room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Can I substitute the lime juice with lemon juice?

While you can use lemon juice as a substitute, the flavor will be slightly different. Lime juice has a more acidic taste that complements the sweetness of the shrimp better. If you don’t have lime juice on hand, you can also use a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar to get a similar flavor.

How do I store leftover shrimp cocktail?

Store any leftover shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the smell can transfer to other dishes.

Can I add other ingredients to make this recipe more substantial?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to make this recipe more filling. Some ideas include diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or even cooked chorizo sausage.

Is it safe to eat raw shrimp?

As long as your shrimp are sashimi-grade (meaning they’ve been frozen to kill any parasites), it’s safe to eat raw shrimp. However, if you’re unsure about the quality of your shrimp or prefer not to take any risks, you can cook them before using them in this recipe.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked?

To prevent overcooking the shrimp, make sure not to marinate them for too long. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time – if you’re cooking them on the stovetop, aim for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and are just set through.

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