Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Introduction

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and zesty dish perfect for warm days or casual gatherings. Combining tender shrimp with fresh vegetables and a tangy tomato-lime sauce, it’s bursting with bright flavors and a touch of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1-2 jalapeños, finely diced (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (or to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 1 avocado, cubed (for creaminess and balance)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Start with cooked shrimp that are peeled and deveined. If using raw shrimp, boil them briefly with bay leaves and a pinch of salt until they turn pink and curl, about 3-4 minutes. Then cool completely.
2. Step 2: Dice the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and jalapeños finely to ensure a fresh crunch in every bite.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, and salt to taste. Stir well to create a zesty sauce base.
4. Step 4: Add the shrimp and chopped vegetables into the bowl with the sauce. Gently fold everything together to coat the shrimp evenly without breaking them.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the cocktail for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado cubes, or lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra zest, add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for subtle sweetness.
• If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing.
• Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Use fresh tomato puree instead of tomato sauce for a chunkier texture.

Storage

Store the shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep any avocado separate and add just before serving to prevent browning. For best taste, enjoy chilled and avoid freezing as it may affect texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Thaw them completely, then peel and devein before using. Make sure they are cooked before mixing into the cocktail.

How spicy is this cocktail?

The heat depends on the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce used. You can adjust both to suit your spice preference, from mild to quite spicy.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 300 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A refreshing and zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail featuring cooked shrimp combined with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a tangy tomato-lime sauce. This vibrant appetizer is chilled to let the flavors meld, offering a perfect balance of spice, freshness, and creaminess from avocado.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Vegetables

• 1 lb cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, cubed

Sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (or to taste)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Use cooked shrimp that are peeled and deveined. If you have raw shrimp, boil them briefly with bay leaves and a pinch of salt for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and curl, then cool completely before using.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and jalapeños to ensure each bite offers a satisfying crunch and freshness.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, and salt to taste. Stir well to create a zesty and flavorful base for the cocktail.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the shrimp and chopped vegetables into the bowl with the sauce. Gently fold everything together to coat the shrimp evenly while keeping them intact.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the shrimp cocktail for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve cold, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado cubes, or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

• Adjust the quantity of jalapeños and hot sauce to control the spiciness according to your preference.
• For extra zest, add a splash of orange juice to the sauce mixture.
• You can substitute tomato sauce with clamato juice for a traditional twist.
• Serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers for added texture.
• Make sure the shrimp is fully cooled before mixing to keep the cocktail fresh and chilled.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (if boiling raw shrimp)
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp Appetizer, Spicy Shrimp Cocktail, Cold Shrimp Dish, Mexican Seafood Recipe