This Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a colorful and zesty dish. Made with juicy shrimp, fresh tomatoes, avocado, and a tangy sauce, it’s refreshing and perfect for warm days!
Every bite feels like a party in your mouth! I love serving it chilled with tortilla chips on the side. It’s like sunshine in a bowl! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Using cooked shrimp is a huge time-saver! If you use raw shrimp, buy medium-sized ones for the best texture. You can substitute shrimp with cooked crab or lump fish if you’re after something different.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are essential for flavor and texture. If they aren’t in season, canned diced tomatoes work well too! I prefer using vine-ripened tomatoes for a juicy taste.
Tomato Juice or Clamato: Clamato adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can easily use plain tomato juice if you’re not a fan of clam flavor. Consider adding some of the clam juice from the can in place of a bit of the tomato juice for that unique taste.
Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess. If you’re worried about browning, add a little lime juice over the diced avocado before mixing it in, or you can use ripe mango for a fruity twist!
Hot Sauce: Depending on your heat tolerance, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce. Alternatively, you could use a few dashes of chili powder or omit it altogether for a milder version.
How Do You Make Sure Your Shrimp is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is timing and attention. If using raw shrimp, avoid overcooking, as they can become tough. Follow these simple steps:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. The water should taste a bit like the ocean.
- Add the shrimp and cook for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Immediately drain and place the shrimp in ice water to stop the cooking process, keeping them tender.
If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply thaw them in cold water and pat them dry before adding them to your cocktail!
Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato juice or Clamato juice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Valentina or Tapatío), adjust to taste
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing shrimp cocktail will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an extra 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. In no time, you’ll have a zesty dish ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
If you’re using raw shrimp, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Drain the shrimp and place them in ice water to quickly chill them. If your shrimp are precooked, just make sure they are thawed and well-drained.
2. Make the Cocktail Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the tomato juice or Clamato, ketchup, lime juice, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Stir them together until they are well mixed. This will be the base of your delicious cocktail sauce!
3. Mix in Fresh Ingredients:
Add the finely chopped tomatoes, white onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño (if you’re using it) to the sauce. Stir everything together gently so that the ingredients are combined nicely.
4. Season and Add Shrimp:
Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the lime juice or hot sauce based on your preference. Now, fold in most of the cooked shrimp, saving a few to garnish later.
5. Add Avocado:
Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado. This helps keep it fresh and avoid browning. Make sure to do this step carefully so you don’t mash the avocado!
6. Chill & Serve:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. When ready to serve, scoop the shrimp cocktail into individual glasses or bowls. Garnish with the reserved shrimp, chunks of avocado, and a wedge of lime on the side.
7. Enjoy:
Optionally, serve with tortilla chips for some added crunch! Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing dish with family and friends!
Bon appétit and enjoy the refreshing, zesty flavors of this authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
How Do I Keep Avocado from Browning?
To prevent your avocado from browning, add a sprinkle of lime juice over the diced pieces before mixing them into the cocktail. This will help maintain that beautiful green color throughout!
Can I Make This Shrimp Cocktail Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cocktail and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours prior to serving. Just keep in mind that adding the avocado should be done right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
This shrimp cocktail is perfect on its own in individual bowls, but you can also serve it with tortilla chips for dipping. It pairs well with a light salad or even on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing meal!