Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and tangy dish that is perfect for summer days. It’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make an Easy and Refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe that will be a hit at your next party or gathering.
Indulge in the perfect remedy for scorching summer days with this invigorating shrimp cocktail appetizer or light lunch. A family favorite in our household. However, this is also a wonderful appetizer during the Holiday season. We like to enjoy this at Christmas parties, New years Eve parties, and even football parties.
Our recipe features juicy cooked shrimp, chopped vegetables, and a zesty cocktail sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a topping for tostadas or tacos, or as a main dish with rice and beans on a busy night.
We provide the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions on how to make the recipe, along with tips on how to customize it to suit your tastes. We also suggest some side dishes and drinks that would pair well with the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer, look no further than our Easy and Refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe.
Let’s get started with this very popular Mexican restaurant starter.
Coctel de Camarones: A Classic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
“Coctel de Camarones” is the Spanish name for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. Journey to the vibrant streets of Mexico, where bold flavors and fresh ingredients collide to create a symphony for the senses. It’s more than just a recipe, this iconic dish represents a celebration of community, family, and the sheer joy of savoring the bounties of the sea.
Picture yourself on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific or the Gulf of Mexico, a gentle breeze carrying the unmistakable aromas of cilantro, lime, and ripe tomatoes. This perfect dish, rooted in the rich tapestry of Mexican culinary traditions, showcases the country’s love affair with seafood and the art of combining diverse flavors to create a harmonious dish.
Recipe Overview
Prepare raw shrimp for this recipe. First peel and devein the fresh shrimp. If you have a little extra time and want your shrimp to be extra good, make a shrimp stock. Put the shells in 6 cups of cool salted water, bring to a boil, then strain the shell stock into a separate pot and cook the shrimp in that liquid. If you want to skip that step, just bring a medium pot salted water to a boil (a Tbsp salt for 2 quarts of water), add the shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just cooked through. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the tails, and cut them into 3 bite-size pieces and mix them with the other ingredients to make the cocktail. (Optionally, you can always purchase pre-cooked shrimp and skip this step).
Pro Tip. I like to cut the large shrimp into 3 bite-sized pieces after removing the tails. Keep a few whole shrimp on hand to decorate the cocktail.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, red onion, cucumber, tomato, half of the cilantro, jalapeno pepper, and avocado. Whisk together the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Pour the mixture over the shrimp mixture and toss to coat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and chill.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips, saltine crackers or other crackers.
Use it as a topping for tostadas or tacos.
Serve it as a main course with rice and beans.
Variations
Customize this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail to suit your tastes. Here are some variations:
Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
Use cooked crab or lobster instead of shrimp.
Swap out the tomato juice for clamato juice, tomato sauce, or V8 vegetable juice.
Serve with a topping of fresh cilantro, a creamy avocado sliced, and lime wedges.
Save time. Skip some of the prep and purchase 2-3 containers of already made fresh pico de gallo instead of buying chopping onion, tomato, cilantro or jalapeno.
Prepare to embark on a taste journey as this refreshing shrimp cocktail emerges, a testament to the artistry of flavors and the joy of anticipation.
How long is shrimp cocktail good for?
According to The Trellis, when stored properly in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, it can last up to four days in the fridge. The key is to minimize air exposure to keep the shrimp fresh for as long as possible. While it is safe to eat after a few days, it is recommended to consume it within two days for the best flavor.
Can you freeze shrimp cocktail?
Yes, you can freeze shrimp cocktail. According to Easy Cocktail Ideas, freezing shrimp cocktail is a great way to preserve it. To freeze shrimp cocktail, you should blanch the cooked shrimp first. Blanching means to cook them in boiling water for a short period of time. This will kill any bacteria on the shrimp and will also help to preserve their color. Freeze in a zip-top bag or other airtight container.
It’s important to note that the quality of the shrimp cocktail may be reduced after it is frozen. In addition, the shrimp cocktail may not look as appetizing after it is thawed. According to The Trellis, when stored properly in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, it can last up to four days in the fridge.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and tangy dish that is perfect for summer days. An easy light meal to make and requires only a few ingredients.
Easy and Refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Large Shrimp cooked, peeled, and deveined (16-20 per pound)
- 1/2 Cup Red Onion chopped
- 1 Cup Cucumber chopped
- 1 Cup Tomato chopped
- 1/2 Cup Cilantro chopped, divided
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 Avocado peeled and chopped
- 1 Cup Tomato Juice or V8 Juice
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup
- 1/4 Cup Lime Juice or Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Hot Sauce
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt to taste
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- To prepare raw shrimp for this recipe, first peel and devein them. If you have a little extra time and want your shrimp to be extra good, you can put the shells in 6 cups of cool salted water, bring to a boil, then strain the shell stock into a separate pot and cook the shrimp in that liquid. If you want to skip that step, just bring a medium pot salted water to a boil (a Tbsp salt for 2 quarts of water), add the shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just cooked through. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the tails, and cut them into 3 pieces and mix them with the other ingredients to make the cocktail.2 Pounds Large Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, red onion, cucumber, tomato, half of the cilantro, jalapeno pepper, and avocado.1/2 Cup Red Onion, 1 Cup Cucumber, 1 Cup Tomato, 1/2 Cup Cilantro, 1 Jalapeno Pepper, 1 Avocado
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Pour the mixture over the shrimp mixture and toss to coat.1 Cup Tomato Juice, 1/2 Cup Ketchup, 1/4 Cup Lime Juice, 2 Tablespoons Hot Sauce
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.¼ Teaspoon Salt, ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Serve chilled and topped with the rest of the fresh cilantro.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions: Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips, saltine crackers or other crackers. Use it as a topping for tostadas or tacos. Serve it as a main course with rice and beans.Variations
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a flexible recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some variations: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist. Use cooked crab or lobster instead of shrimp.Swap out the tomato juice for clamato juice, tomato sauce, or V8 vegetable juice.
Serve with a topping of fresh cilantro, a creamy avocado sliced, and lime wedges.
Save time. Skip some of the prep and purchase 2-3 containers of already made fresh pico de gallo instead of buying chopping onion, tomato, cilantro or jalapeno.
Prepare to embark on a taste journey as this refreshing shrimp cocktail emerges, a testament to the artistry of flavors and the joy of anticipation.
Nutrition
How to keep shrimp cocktail fresh for a party?
Shrimp cocktail is a classic party dish that is typically served chilled. Here are some tips to keep it fresh for your party:
Keep it cold: For best results, shrimp cocktail should be kept chilled at all times, to prevent bacterial growth. The easiest way is to place the serving dish on a bed of ice or use a big bowl filled with ice to keep the shrimp cold.
Cover it: When not in use, cover the dish with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and keep the shrimp fresh.
Serve it over ice: To keep the shrimp cocktail cold and fresh, serve it over a bed of ice. This will help to maintain the temperature and prevent bacterial growth.
Store it properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shrimp cocktail can last up to three days in the fridge.
What goes with shrimp cocktail?
Here are some side dishes that would pair well with it:
Cheese Straws: These buttery, flaky, and oh-so-crispy snacks are the perfect contrast to your juicy shrimp. You can dip them in the cocktail sauce for an added zesty kick.
Tortilla Chips: If you’re making Mexican-style shrimp cocktail, tortilla chips are a must-have accompaniment. You can season them with chili powder, cumin, and lime zest for added flavor.
Mango Habanero Salad: This fruity and tangy salad is a perfect complement to the zesty notes of shrimp cocktail.
Hushpuppies: These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are a Southern classic that pair well with shrimp cocktail.
Panzanella Salad: This Italian bread salad is a great way to use up leftover bread and pairs well with the tangy notes of shrimp cocktail.
Asparagus Soup: This creamy soup is a great way to balance out the zesty notes of shrimp cocktail.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill these bite-sized appetizers with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.
Garlic Zucchini Parmesan: This cheesy and garlicky side dish is a great way to add some veggies to your meal.
Watermelon and Feta Salad: This sweet and salty salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with shrimp cocktail.
Cheese Bread: This cheesy and garlicky bread is a great way to soak up the zesty cocktail sauce.
What drinks pair well with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a versatile dish. Pair with a variety of drinks. Here are some options:
Mexican Beer: A cold Mexican beer like Corona, Modelo, or Pacifico pairs well with the zesty notes of shrimp cocktail.
Margarita: A classic margarita is a refreshing and tangy drink that complements the flavors of shrimp cocktail.
Paloma: This grapefruit-flavored cocktail is a popular Mexican drink that pairs well with seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail.
Michelada: This beer-based cocktail is a popular Mexican drink that’s perfect for pairing with shrimp cocktail. Make with beer, lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
Sangria: This fruity and refreshing drink is a great way to balance out the zesty notes of shrimp cocktail.
Tequila Sunrise: This classic cocktail is a great way to add some color and flavor to your meal. Make with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
White Wine: A crisp and refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the tangy notes of shrimp cocktail.
Conclusion
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer days. Easy recipe that is customizable to your tastes.
Give it a try and let us know what you think.
