Description
This refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail combines tender cooked shrimp with a zesty blend of fresh vegetables and a tangy tomato-based sauce. Perfectly spiced with jalapeños and balanced with lime juice, this no-cook appetizer is a vibrant and easy seafood dish that’s ideal for warm days or entertaining guests. Served chilled and garnished with lime wedges, it pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or saltine crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Cocktail Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber (peeled and seeded)
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1–2 jalapeños (seeded and minced)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato juice or Clamato
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Valentina or Cholula)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Tortilla chips or saltine crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the cocktail base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, tomato juice or Clamato, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add fresh ingredients: Add the cooked shrimp, diced tomatoes, finely diced red onion, diced cucumber, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeños to the cocktail base. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated without mashing the avocado.
- Season and chill: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, hot sauce, or lime juice if desired. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and chill.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp cocktail cold in glasses or bowls. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired. Accompany with tortilla chips or saltine crackers for scooping and enjoying this vibrant appetizer.
Notes
- Use small or medium shrimp for easier scooping and a better texture.
- You can poach raw shrimp in salted water with lime and bay leaf for extra flavor before chilling.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your taste.
- To keep avocado from browning, add it just before serving or toss with a little extra lime juice.
