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Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarones)

Close-up of vibrant mexican shrimp cocktail featuring plump shrimp, diced tomatoes, and cucumber chunks in a rich sauce.
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Welcome! You will make a truly refreshing and authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Cóctel de Camarones. This easy shrimp appetizer bursts with zesty lime, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tomato base. It is perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs large shrimp, cooked and peeled
  • 1 cup clamato juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 cup diced ripe tomato
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup diced avocado
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1–2 serrano peppers or jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
  • Tortilla chips or saltine crackers, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: If using raw shrimp, cook them until pink and opaque, then chill them completely. Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch. Place the chopped shrimp in a large glass bowl.
  2. Make the sauce base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the clamato juice, fresh lime juice, ketchup, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust lime or salt as needed for your preference.
  3. Combine vegetables: Add the chopped white onion, tomato, cucumber, cilantro, and minced serrano or jalapeño peppers to the shrimp. Gently toss to combine the ingredients.
  4. Marinate: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together carefully until the shrimp is coated.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, making your shrimp cocktail truly zesty and flavorful.
  6. Add avocado: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as you want the avocado chunks to remain intact.
  7. Serve: Spoon the chilled Mexican shrimp cocktail into individual glasses, bowls, or martini glasses for an impressive presentation. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or saltine crackers.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality, fresh lime juice; bottled juice changes the taste significantly.
  • You can substitute clamato juice with tomato juice if clamato is unavailable, but add a small splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
  • To make this a quick 25 minute shrimp recipe, ensure your shrimp is pre-cooked and fully chilled before starting the sauce assembly.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of the sauce ingredients before mixing with the solids.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/mexican-shrimp-cocktail-recipe-easy-zesty/