Description
The Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and zesty seafood appetizer featuring perfectly cooked shrimp combined with fresh vegetables and tangy sauces. This vibrant dish offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, making it ideal for summer parties, light meals, or festive gatherings. With fresh ingredients like tomatoes, lime juice, avocado, and cilantro, it delivers a nutritious and flavorful experience that can be customized to suit different spice preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seafood Base
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
- 2 cups tomato juice or Clamato
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 jalapeño or chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 1 avocado, diced
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Start by boiling fresh shrimp in salted water until they turn pink and curl up, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and cool them quickly in an ice bath to prevent overcooking and preserve the perfect, firm texture.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables: While the shrimp cool, finely chop ripe tomatoes, onions, jalapeños (if using), and cilantro. This combination creates the crunchy, fresh base that gives the cocktail its signature flavor contrast.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled shrimp, chopped vegetables, and diced avocado. Pour in the tomato juice or Clamato slowly, stirring gently to coat everything evenly without making it too soupy.
- Season and Add Lime: Add salt, pepper, and freshly squeezed lime juice to taste. Toss everything well and finish with a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or extra jalapeños for heat.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve cold, ideally in individual glasses or bowls for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of tomato juice carefully to keep the cocktail thick enough to scoop without being watery.
- Don’t skip the lime juice as it brightens all the flavors.
- Chill the cocktail well before serving to enhance the melding of flavors and improve texture.
- Customize the spice level by adding chili peppers or hot sauce gradually.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, seafood appetizer, shrimp cocktail recipe, fresh shrimp, Mexican appetizer, gluten free appetizer