This Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing treat! Packed with juicy shrimp, tangy tomatoes, and zesty lime, it brings a splash of flavor to any meal.
It’s like a party in a bowl! I love serving it with crispy tortilla chips on the side. Trust me, it disappears fast! 🌮
Making it is easy! Just boil the shrimp, toss everything together, and chill. Perfect for hot days or anytime you want a tasty snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well. I suggest medium shrimp for this recipe, but large shrimp can also be a great choice. If you’re looking to save time, pre-cooked shrimp is an option too—just make sure to skip the boiling step!
Tomato Juice: Authentic Mexican tomato juice (like Clamato) adds a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, regular tomato juice works just fine. For a twist, try replacing half with salsa or V8 juice!
Ketchup: This may seem odd, but it adds a touch of sweetness and thickens the sauce. You can substitute it with a bit of pureed roasted red peppers for a healthier option or blend in some diced tomatoes instead.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but if you’re not a fan, you could use fresh parsley instead. Just know that it will change the flavor a bit!
Avocado: Adds creaminess. If you want to keep it fresher longer, add it just before serving. For a similar texture, try using diced mango or even a bit of creaminess from Greek yogurt to fit your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it! Here’s how to ensure your shrimp is perfectly cooked:
- Bring water to a rolling boil, add salt, and toss in the shrimp.
- Cook only until they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t walk away! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so stay close.
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and preserve the firm texture.
Follow these steps, and your shrimp will be perfect every time!
Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup tomato juice (preferably Mexican style)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels (optional for crunch and sweetness)
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco), adjust to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 5-10 minutes cooking the shrimp and mixing the ingredients. Chilling your cocktail in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving adds the perfect refreshing touch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery!
2. Chill the Shrimp:
Once cooked, drain the shrimp and quickly transfer them into a bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the shrimp nice and firm. After a few minutes, drain the shrimp again and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, chopped onion, diced tomato, optional cooked corn, jalapeño, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well blended and colorful!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the chilled shrimp to the sauce mixture and gently stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Be careful not to break the shrimp while mixing!
5. Add the Avocado & Cilantro:
Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro. Reserve a little cilantro for garnishing later. This adds a lovely creaminess and freshness to your dish.
6. Serve with Style:
Spoon the shrimp cocktail into serving glasses or bowls. Garnish each serving with a lime wedge and a sprinkle of cilantro for a pop of color.
7. Time to Enjoy!
Serve your delicious shrimp cocktail chilled with tortilla chips or saltine crackers on the side. Enjoy this vibrant and zesty dish that’s perfect for a sunny day or any gathering!
Enjoy this bright, zesty, and refreshing Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail that bursts with fresh flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thawing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado from browning, you might want to add a sprinkle of lime juice before sealing the container. Enjoy it cold for the best flavor!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, definitely! You can omit the jalapeño completely or reduce the amount you use to decrease heat. If you enjoy spiciness, feel free to add more hot sauce or even throw in some chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick!
What Can I Serve with Shrimp Cocktail?
Tortilla chips or saltine crackers are classic options, but you can also serve it with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or a fresh salad. The cocktail pairs beautifully with chilled drinks too, like a classic margarita or a cold cerveza!
