Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Mexican shrimp cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer or light meal, perfect for hot summer days or when you’re craving a zesty, seafood-inspired dish. This recipe combines fresh shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy tomato-clam broth. Served chilled with saltine crackers, tostadas, or pork rinds, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Shrimp Mixture:
• 2 lb shrimp, cooked and cooled
• 4 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 white onion, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 cups ketchup
• 2 cups Clamato juice
• Juice of 1 orange
• ¼ cup lime juice, preferably fresh
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• For Serving:
• Avocados, diced
• Saltine crackers
• Tostadas
• Pork rinds

Preparing the Vegetables and Shrimp

A classic Mexican shrimp cocktail starts with fresh, colorful vegetables and tender, cooked shrimp. Here’s how to get everything ready.

1. Chop the Vegetables: Start by finely chopping the Roma tomatoes, white onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. Add these chopped ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Adjust the size of each vegetable as you prefer, but smaller pieces allow for a more even distribution of flavor.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: If your shrimp is raw, boil it until it turns pink and opaque, then let it cool completely. If already cooked, simply rinse and pat dry. For a varied texture, leave half the shrimp whole and chop the other half into smaller chunks. This mixture of whole and chopped shrimp gives a nice balance of bite and flavor. Add the shrimp to the bowl with the vegetables.

Creating the Cocktail Sauce

The sauce in a Mexican shrimp cocktail is what sets it apart, blending sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice. This step will help you create the perfect balance.

1. Mix the Sauces and Juices: To the bowl with the shrimp and veggies, add the Clamato juice, ketchup, freshly squeezed orange juice, and lime juice. The Clamato provides a salty, savory base, while the ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and thickness.
2. Add Seasonings: Season the mixture with hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the cocktail at this stage and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference—more lime juice for acidity, or an extra dash of hot sauce for heat.

Adding Avocado for Serving

For the final touch, creamy avocado adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the shrimp and tangy sauce.

1. Prepare the Avocado: Dice 1-2 avocados and gently fold them into the shrimp cocktail mixture right before serving. If you’re preparing this dish in advance, wait to add the avocado until you’re ready to eat, as it can become mushy over time.
2. Chill the Cocktail: If the shrimp is already chilled, you can serve the cocktail immediately. Otherwise, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Serving the Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican shrimp cocktail is traditionally served with various sides, adding versatility and options for every guest.

1. Serve with Saltine Crackers: Saltines add a classic crunch and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold cocktail.
2. Add Tostadas for a Crunchy Bite: Tostadas give a satisfying crunch and can be used as a base to scoop up the cocktail or enjoy as a topping.
3. Pork Rinds for a Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly option, serve with crispy pork rinds. Their saltiness enhances the flavor of the cocktail while keeping it low in carbs.

Tips for the Perfect Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Shrimp Cooking Tip: To ensure tender shrimp, cook only until they’re just opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery, which you’ll want to avoid for this refreshing dish.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you love a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or include a dash of hot sauce to the final mix.
• For Extra Freshness: Consider adding a splash of extra lime juice right before serving, which will add an extra zing to each bite.
• Keep Avocado Fresh: If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, add the avocado right before serving. This helps prevent it from turning brown and keeps the texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked shrimp works great in this recipe. Just be sure they are chilled and cleaned before mixing them with the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for Clamato juice?
If you don’t have Clamato, you can use a blend of tomato juice and clam juice (about 80% tomato juice to 20% clam juice). V8 juice can also work as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Wait to add avocado until just before serving to keep it from getting mushy.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp cocktail a few hours ahead, except for the avocado. Add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Is Mexican shrimp cocktail spicy?
The spice level depends on your preference. Jalapeños and hot sauce add some heat, but you can adjust these ingredients to make it milder or spicier.

Can I add other seafood to this cocktail?
Absolutely! Adding a bit of octopus, scallops, or even crab can enhance the seafood flavor. Just be sure any additional seafood is cooked and chilled before adding it to the mixture.

Enjoy this refreshing Mexican shrimp cocktail for a taste of authentic, bold flavors with the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet notes. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a light meal, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant presentation and delicious taste.