Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (also known as Cóctel de Camarones) is a beloved dish that combines the flavors of fresh shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, tomato-based sauce. This refreshing and zesty appetizer is popular throughout Mexico, often served at beachside restaurants or enjoyed at backyard gatherings. The cocktail is typically served chilled, making it an ideal dish for warm weather, but its bold flavors make it a welcome addition to any menu year-round.

Jump to Recipe

Unlike the traditional shrimp cocktail served with a side of cocktail sauce, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is more of a “soup” with shrimp and veggies swimming in a flavorful, slightly spicy sauce. It’s a perfect combination of textures, with the soft shrimp, creamy avocado, and crunchy vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a light meal, a snack, or an appetizer at a party, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

To make this classic dish, you’ll need fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples. Here’s a breakdown of everything that goes into making Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large): Shrimp is the star of this dish, providing a sweet, tender bite that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced: Red onion adds a sharp, tangy flavor and a bit of crunch, balancing the sweetness of the shrimp.
• ½ cup cucumber, diced (peeled and seeded): Cucumber offers a refreshing, crisp texture that complements the softness of the shrimp and avocado.
• ½ cup tomato, diced: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add sweetness and acidity to the cocktail, enhancing the overall flavor.
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.
• 1-2 jalapeños or serrano peppers, finely diced (optional): For those who love a bit of heat, jalapeños or serrano peppers give the cocktail a spicy kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit these or deseed them.
• ½ cup ketchup: This forms the base of the cocktail sauce, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor.
• ¼ cup tomato juice (or Clamato): Tomato juice or Clamato (a tomato-clam juice blend) adds a savory depth to the sauce. Clamato is a popular choice for its briny flavor.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1-2 limes): Lime juice adds bright acidity, balancing the sweetness of the ketchup and the richness of the shrimp.
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional): The orange juice adds a subtle sweetness, complementing the tangy lime and savory tomato flavors.
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Valentina, Tapatío, or Cholula): A touch of hot sauce adds heat and depth to the cocktail. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• 1 avocado, diced: Avocado provides a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables and tender shrimp.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning the cocktail brings out all the flavors, enhancing the sweetness of the shrimp and the acidity of the sauce.

Optional Garnishes:

• Lime wedges: Lime wedges are often served alongside the cocktail for an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor.
• Tortilla chips or saltine crackers: These provide a crunchy contrast to the cocktail and are perfect for scooping up the shrimp and sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to put everything together. This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is easy to make, but following each step carefully ensures that you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

The shrimp is the key ingredient in this dish, so it’s essential to cook it properly to retain its tenderness and flavor.

1. Boil the Shrimp: If your shrimp aren’t already cooked, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, so only let them simmer for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
2. Ice Bath: After cooking, immediately drain the shrimp and transfer them to an ice bath (a large bowl filled with ice water). This halts the cooking process and helps keep the shrimp firm and tender. Once the shrimp are fully cooled, drain them again and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the cocktail sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cocktail Sauce

The cocktail sauce in this dish is what sets Mexican Shrimp Cocktail apart from its traditional counterpart. It’s a mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that coat the shrimp and vegetables perfectly.

1. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup tomato juice (or Clamato), 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons orange juice (if using), and 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
2. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce will act as the flavorful base that ties the whole dish together. You can taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed—adding more lime juice for tang, ketchup for sweetness, or hot sauce for heat.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

One of the things that makes Mexican Shrimp Cocktail so unique is the addition of fresh vegetables. These add both texture and color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.

1. Stir in the diced vegetables: Add the ¼ cup finely diced red onion, ½ cup diced cucumber, ½ cup diced tomato, and ¼ cup chopped cilantro into the cocktail sauce.
2. If you like a bit of spice, now’s the time to add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the peppers or remove the seeds to reduce the heat.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

With the sauce and vegetables mixed together, it’s time to add the cooked shrimp.

1. Toss the shrimp into the cocktail mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated in the sauce.
2. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to break up the shrimp or vegetables. The shrimp will soak up the flavors of the cocktail sauce as it chills.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Before refrigerating the shrimp cocktail, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.

1. Add salt and pepper to taste. Depending on your preference, you can also add more lime juice, hot sauce, or ketchup to balance the flavors.
2. Let it chill: Once seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cocktail for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together. The shrimp will absorb the tangy, spicy juices, making the dish even more flavorful.

Step 6: Add the Avocado Before Serving

Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado. Avocado adds a creamy richness to the cocktail, balancing out the acidity of the sauce and the crunchiness of the vegetables.

1. Be careful not to over-stir, as avocado can become mushy if handled too much.
2. Serve the cocktail in small bowls or cocktail glasses for an elegant presentation.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Now that your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is ready, it’s time to serve. This dish is traditionally served chilled, making it perfect for warm days or festive gatherings.

1. Garnish with lime wedges: A little extra lime juice can enhance the flavors even more. Serve lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their cocktail.
2. Serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers: These add a delightful crunch and are perfect for scooping up the shrimp and sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter, snack, or light meal. Here are a few serving ideas to make your presentation even more special:

• Cocktail Glasses: Serve the shrimp cocktail in individual cocktail glasses for a fun and festive presentation.
• Mason Jars: For a more rustic touch, you can serve the cocktail in mason jars, which are perfect for outdoor gatherings or casual meals.
• Tostadas: Another delicious way to enjoy this cocktail is by serving it over crispy tostadas. Simply spoon the cocktail mixture onto a tostada and enjoy!

Variations of Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are several ways to customize it to your liking:

1. Seafood Mix Cocktail

For a more seafood-heavy version, consider adding other seafood like crab meat, octopus, or scallops. This will make the dish even heartier and more flavorful, turning it into a seafood cocktail that’s perfect for seafood lovers.

2. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables to the cocktail for extra crunch and color. Consider adding:

• Diced bell peppers for sweetness and crunch.
• Corn kernels for a pop of sweetness.
• Chopped radishes for a peppery bite.

3. Make It Spicier

If you love spicy food, don’t be afraid to amp up the heat! You can:

• Add extra jalapeños or serrano peppers.
• Increase the amount of hot sauce.
• Sprinkle chili powder or Tajín on top for an added kick.

4. Sweet and Spicy Variation

For a slightly different flavor profile, you can make a sweet and spicy version by adding diced mango or pineapple. The sweetness of the fruit will complement the tangy cocktail sauce and the heat from the peppers.

Storing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient dish for entertaining. Here’s how to store it properly:

1. Refrigerate: Once prepared, store the cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier.
2. Add avocado later: If you’re making the cocktail ahead of time, wait to add the avocado until just before serving to prevent it from browning.
3. Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, though shrimp is best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion: The Perfect Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the best flavors of seafood, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a light lunch, or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.