Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe: A Refreshing Fiesta in a Glass

Traditional shrimp cocktail is undeniably a classic, but let’s face it, the usual ketchup-horseradish sauce can feel a bit predictable. Enter Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Coctel de Camarones, a vibrant and zesty cousin that will revolutionize your appetizer game. This isn’t your typical shrimp cocktail; it’s a flavor explosion featuring succulent shrimp, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and a hint of red onion, all swimming in a spicy, tangy tomato-based broth. When the heat is on, this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe is the ultimate cool and invigorating dish you’ll want to reach for.

Forget neatly arranged shrimp around the rim; in this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe, the shrimp luxuriate in a flavorful, broth-like sauce that’s begging to be scooped up with a spoon or crunchy tortilla chips. The beauty of this dish is that you can prepare most of it ahead of time and keep it chilled until serving, making it a stress-free showstopper for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more sophisticated celebrations. Get creative with your serving vessels – think classic highball glasses, fun margarita fishbowls, chic martini glasses, or elegant wine stems!

“This mexican shrimp cocktail recipe brought back memories of my travels in El Paso and Mexico! So refreshing and delicious. I added a touch of jalapeno for an extra kick and it was absolutely perfect. Thank you!”

Melisa

What Makes This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Special?

This isn’t just another shrimp cocktail recipe. What sets this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe apart is the incredible layering of flavors and textures. It’s a delightful symphony that dances on your palate, far beyond the одноdimensional taste of traditional versions.

Firstly, the shrimp itself is treated with care. Instead of simply boiling it, we gently poach it in water infused with fresh lemon, cilantro stems, black peppercorns, and salt. This aromatic poaching liquid adds a subtle depth of flavor to the shrimp right from the start.

But the real magic lies in the sauce. It’s not just a sauce; it’s a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients that create a complex and invigorating experience. Crisp cucumber and red onion provide a refreshing crunch, while ketchup and Worcestershire sauce contribute a balanced sweetness and umami depth. Fresh lemon and lime juices brighten the entire concoction, and a dash of hot sauce adds that signature Mexican spicy kick. Finally, chunks of cool, creamy avocado are stirred in just before serving, adding a luxurious richness that perfectly rounds out the dish.

Key Ingredients for the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Let’s dive into the star players of this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe:

Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh Gulf shrimp or other medium-sized shrimp, shell-on if possible. Medium shrimp typically come in counts of 36/40 or 41/50 per pound.
Fresh Lemons & Limes: You’ll need lemons for poaching the shrimp and both lemon and lime juice for the vibrant sauce. Plus, lime wedges for serving add a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Black Peppercorns: Whole black peppercorns are essential for infusing the poaching liquid with a subtle peppery note. If you have a pepper grinder, simply use whole peppercorns from your refill.
Fresh Cilantro: Look for bright green, leafy bunches of cilantro. Dried cilantro simply won’t deliver the same fresh, vibrant flavor that this recipe deserves.
Ripe Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal as they are firm and easy to dice, but ripe plum tomatoes from your garden would be equally fantastic.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are convenient as you don’t need to peel them thanks to their thin skin. Regular cucumbers work just as well, just peel them first.
Red Onion: Red onion provides a sharp, zesty bite that complements the other flavors. For a milder onion flavor, you can substitute with shallots.
Vegetable or Tomato Juice: V8 or RW Knudsen vegetable juice are excellent choices for the base of the sauce. Low-sodium versions work too, but you may need to adjust seasonings to taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: This aged sauce adds a unique blend of sweet and savory notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the mexican shrimp cocktail recipe.
Ketchup: Choose a ketchup made without high fructose corn syrup for a cleaner flavor.
Hot Sauce: Cholula hot sauce is a fantastic, authentic Mexican option that provides a balanced heat without being overpowering.
Avocado: Ripe but firm avocados are crucial for adding that creamy texture. Plan ahead as avocados can take a few days to ripen properly.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Kosher salt’s larger grains offer bursts of flavor, while freshly ground black pepper adds a final touch of spice.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the mexican shrimp cocktail, or serve them on the side for added texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Poach the Shrimp: In a medium pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil with lemon wedges, peppercorns, kosher salt, and cilantro stems. Add the deveined shrimp (in their shells) to the boiling water, cover the pot, remove from heat, and let stand for 3 minutes, or until the shrimp are just cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to an ice bath using a slotted spoon and let them cool for 3 minutes. Then, peel the shrimp, removing the tails.
Prepare the Cocktail Sauce: While the shrimp is cooking, combine diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, vegetable juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, ketchup, lime juice, water, and hot sauce in a medium bowl.
Combine and Chill: Add the cooked and peeled shrimp to the sauce mixture and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: When ready to serve, take the mexican shrimp cocktail out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Gently stir in the diced avocado and fresh cilantro. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve in individual glasses with tortilla chips and lime wedges, if desired.

Tips for the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Sustainable Shrimp: When purchasing shrimp, consider checking labels to ensure you’re buying from sustainable sources, as most supermarket shrimp is farm-raised.
Shrimp Size: Medium shrimp are ideal for this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe as they are bite-sized and more economical. If you use larger shrimp, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces.
Clamato Juice Alternative: Some recipes use Clamato juice, but this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe uses vegetable juice as a base for a fresher, additive-free flavor. You can add a splash of clam juice if you desire a brinier taste.
Make Ahead: Prepare the mexican shrimp cocktail in advance, but add the avocado and cilantro just before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent the avocado from browning.
Serving for a Crowd: This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. Serve it in a large bowl with a ladle and provide smaller bowls or glasses for guests to serve themselves.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:

Classic Appetizer: Serve it in individual cocktail glasses or bowls as a refreshing starter.
Light Lunch: Enjoy a larger portion as a light and flavorful lunch, especially on a hot day.
Fiesta Centerpiece: Make a large batch for your next Mexican fiesta and let it be the star appetizer.
Tortilla Chip Scoops: Serve with plenty of crunchy tortilla chips for easy scooping.
Garnish Galore: Offer extra garnishes like lime wedges, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning for guests to customize their cocktails.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

This mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s:

Refreshingly Delicious: Perfect for hot weather, it’s light, bright, and incredibly flavorful.
Easy to Make: Requires minimal cooking and is mostly about combining fresh ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for entertaining as you can prepare it in advance.
Versatile: Adaptable to your spice preference and perfect for various occasions.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Dive into this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe and experience a taste of Mexico in every spoonful!

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