Description
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and zesty appetizer featuring tender cooked shrimp mixed with fresh vegetables and a tangy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion, it’s easy to prepare with no cooking required, offering a vibrant combination of flavors and a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Cocktail Mix
- 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed or left on for presentation)
- 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely diced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (peeled and diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Cocktail Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup Clamato juice or tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Valentina or Cholula)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips, saltines, or tostadas
Instructions
- Prepare the cocktail base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, Clamato or tomato juice, fresh lime juice, and hot sauce. Stir well to create a flavorful, tangy sauce that forms the foundation of the cocktail.
- Mix shrimp and vegetables: Add the cooked shrimp, diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, diced jalapeño, peeled and diced cucumber, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl. Gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly with the sauce, blending the fresh flavors together.
- Add avocado: Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado carefully to keep it fresh and avoid mashing. This adds creaminess and balances the spiciness of the cocktail.
- Chill or serve immediately: You can chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred for the freshest taste.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp cocktail into individual cups or bowls. Garnish each serving with lime wedges and serve alongside tortilla chips, saltines, or tostadas to scoop up the delicious mixture.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience or briefly boil raw shrimp in salted water with lime and garlic to add extra flavor.
- Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or diced serrano peppers for a spicier kick.
- For best texture, add the avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated, but add avocado fresh for best taste.
