🦐 Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarones)

 

🦐 Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarones)

If you’ve never tried Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, get ready to fall in love. Unlike the traditional American version, this one is more like a zesty seafood salad meets gazpacho — fresh shrimp are tossed in a tangy tomato-lime sauce with onions, cilantro, cucumber, avocado, and a hint of spice.

It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with authentic Mexican flavor. Serve it chilled with saltine crackers or tortilla chips, and you’ve got the ultimate summer appetizer, party snack, or seafood treat.

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🦐 Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Salt (for boiling water)

• 1 lime, halved

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• 1 cup Clamato juice (or tomato juice)

• ½ cup ketchup

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Valentina or Tabasco, optional)

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for spice)

Mix-Ins:

• ½ red onion, finely diced

• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced

• 1 medium tomato, diced

• 1 avocado, diced

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For Serving:

• Lime wedges

• Saltine crackers or tortilla chips

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Shrimp:
   Bring a pot of salted water and lime halves to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until pink. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and chop into bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the Sauce:
   In a large bowl, whisk together Clamato juice, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Adjust spice and tanginess to your liking.

3. Mix Everything Together:
   Add the shrimp, onion, cucumber, tomato, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro. Gently stir to combine.

4. Chill & Add Avocado:
   Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado.

5. Serve Cold:
   Spoon into glasses or bowls, garnish with lime wedges and more cilantro. Serve with crackers or chips.

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🌶️ Tips & Variations:

• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.

• Use precooked shrimp for an even faster version.

• Turn it into a meal by serving over chilled rice or lettuce cups.

• For extra spice, mix in diced serrano peppers or more hot sauce.