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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing, tangy, and vibrant seafood dish featuring tender shrimp combined with ripe tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of heat. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for entertaining or a light, healthy meal with customizable spice levels and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seafood

  • 1 lb fresh cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

Fresh Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 jalapeño or 12 dashes hot sauce, to taste

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 1 cup tomato juice or Clamato
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Cook fresh shrimp in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve tenderness. Peel and devein if not already done.
  2. Chop Fresh Ingredients: Dice ripe tomatoes, finely chop red onion, and roughly chop cilantro. If using avocado, cut it into small cubes and set aside to add at the end to prevent browning.
  3. Mix the Cocktail Base: In a large bowl, combine tomato juice or Clamato with fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and jalapeño or hot sauce if using. Stir well until blended and flavorful.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Add cooked shrimp, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro to the cocktail base. Gently mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice, salt, or spice as needed.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the shrimp cocktail for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, fold in avocado if using. Serve chilled in glasses, bowls, or cocktail cups garnished with extra cilantro, green onions, avocado slices, and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; just cook until pink to keep them juicy.
  • Add lime juice gradually and taste to balance acidity.
  • Refrigerate the cocktail to allow flavors to meld and chill properly.
  • Add avocado last to avoid browning and maintain fresh creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Seafood Cocktail, Mexican Appetizer, Shrimp Recipe, Seafood Appetizer, Gluten Free Appetizer