Description
Enjoy a refreshing and vibrant Mexican Shrimp Cocktail bursting with fresh shrimp, crisp vegetables, tangy citrus, and just the right amount of spice. This easy-to-make appetizer combines bold coastal Mexican flavors with nutritious ingredients, perfect for any occasion or quick entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup avocado chunks
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 cups tomato juice or clamato
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped, or 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or chili powder for extra heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Boil or steam the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and immediately chill in ice water to stop cooking and keep them tender.
- Chop and Combine Fresh Ingredients: While shrimp cool, dice tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and avocado, and finely chop cilantro. Place all into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Cocktail Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine tomato juice or clamato, fresh lime juice, jalapeño or hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until smooth and balanced.
- Toss Shrimp with Sauce and Veggies: Gently fold cooked shrimp into the fresh vegetables, then pour the cocktail sauce over everything. Stir carefully to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Before serving, gently stir one last time and serve in individual glasses or bowls with optional garnishes.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid toughness; watch cooking time closely.
- Adjust lime juice and tomato juice quantities to balance acidity to your preference.
- Chilling the cocktail enhances flavor blending and texture.
- Customize the heat by starting mild with jalapeño and adding more hot sauce or chili powder as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling/Steaming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, seafood appetizer, spicy shrimp cocktail, clamato cocktail, healthy shrimp snack, quick appetizer