Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Mexican shrimp cocktail, also known as “Coctel de Camarones,” is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer that combines cooked shrimp with a tangy tomato-based cocktail sauce and a variety of fresh vegetables. It’s a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, especially during warm weather. Here’s a recipe for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 lime, juiced
• Ice water

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups tomato juice (from canned tomatoes or freshly blended)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Valentina), adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced jicama (optional, for crunch)
• 1/2 cup diced ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup diced ripe tomato
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by cooking the shrimp. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the tablespoon of salt. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the boiling water. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to cool and stop the cooking process. Drain the shrimp and set them aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, orange juice, hot sauce, and chopped cilantro to make the cocktail sauce. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the hot sauce according to your preferred level of spiciness.
3. Add the chopped red onion, diced cucumber, diced jicama (if using), diced avocado, diced tomato, and finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the cocktail sauce. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well coated with the sauce.
4. Cut the cooled shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the cocktail sauce and vegetable mixture. Gently fold the shrimp into the mixture, making sure they are well coated with the sauce.
5. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also adjust the lime juice or hot sauce if needed.
6. Chill the Mexican shrimp cocktail in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve the Mexican shrimp cocktail in individual glasses or bowls, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Mexican shrimp cocktail is a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or as a light and refreshing meal. It’s usually served with saltine crackers, tortilla chips, or tostadas for scooping up the delicious mixture. Enjoy!