Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)
Bring the taste of Mexico home! This easy Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is bursting with zesty flavors. Perfect light Mexican appetizer. Ready in under an hour! Get the recipe now.

Alright, let's dive into this. Are you craving something fresh and zesty? I'm thinking about a classic, but with a twist. Let's talk about the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe !
Quick Hook: Get Ready for a Flavor Fiesta!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good shrimp cocktail? but, the best mexican shrimp cocktail recipe ? it's next level. it's brining together mexican style shrimp with tangy flavors.
Imagine biting into plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a vibrant tomato sauce. it's basically sunshine in a bowl!
Brief Overview: From Mexico With Love
This isn't your average, stuffy shrimp cocktail. the mexican shrimp cocktail aka coctel de camarones , is all about fresh ingredients and bold flavors, with a bit of history thrown in.
It's inspired by those amazing seaside spots in mexico. its typically an easy recipe. i'm talking 55 minutes tops, and serves about 4 people.
Think light lunch, mexican night appetizers , or just a fancy snack.
Main Benefits: Healthy and Delicious
This isn't just tasty; it's pretty good for you too. shrimp is packed with protein, and all those fresh veggies add a boost of vitamins.
The mexican cocktail shrimp are just perfect for a light lunch or to celebrate with a few friends. this light mexican appetizers also work for a gluten free dairy free keto meal.
Time to grab your ingredients. First thing we will be grabbing is shrimp!
Alright, lets chat about what you need to make this amazing mexican shrimp cocktail recipe . It's honestly easier than you think!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Think of this like your shopping list before a trip to tesco or sainsbury's. you need the right stuff to make it work.
Don't panic if you're missing a thing or two. we'll figure it out.
Main Ingredients:
This is where we get serious. Here's the breakdown for four servings of our mexican shrimp cocktail recipe :
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) , peeled, and deveined. Go for decent quality – wild-caught if you can swing it. You can even use Cocktail Shrimp Recipes already cooked if you are short on time!
- Tomato Juice: 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) . The base of our flavour explosion! You can even use Mexican Shrimp Cocktail With V8 !
- Ketchup: 1 cup (240 ml) . Yes, ketchup! Don't judge, it adds sweetness.
- Clamato Juice: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Adds a briny depth. Trust me .
- Lime Juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Fresh is always best, so grab 2-3 limes .
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup (50g) , finely diced.
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup (25g) , chopped. Loads of it!
- Jalapeños: 1-2 , seeded and minced. Heat levels, what goes well with Mexican Night Appetizers ?
- Avocado: 1 , diced. Creamy goodness! What Goes With Shrimp Cocktail ?
- Cucumber: 1 , peeled, seeded, and diced. Adds a lovely crunch.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons .
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon . That umami kick.
- Hot Sauce: To taste. Tabasco, Cholula, whatever you like! Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, as always.
When it comes to quality, pay attention to the shrimp and the limes. Fresh shrimp shouldn't smell overly fishy. Limes should be heavy for their size and give easily when squeezed.
Seasoning Notes:
Honestly, this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is all about the balance. lime, cilantro, and hot sauce are your holy trinity.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect level of heat. a little worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor that you wouldn't expect.
If you don't have jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper will do in a pinch. essential spice combinations are key.
Equipment Needed:
Keep it simple. You really only need :
- A big pot for cooking the shrimp.
- A colander to drain them.
- A cutting board and knife.
- A large mixing bowl.
Don't have a citrus juicer? No worries! Just squeeze those limes by hand, like grandma used to do. You can easily make this light Mexican appetizers with your favorite tools.

Alright, let's get cracking on this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe outline. time to channel my inner rick bayless! this recipe is gonna be muy delicioso and easy enough for even a novice cook to whip up after a long day at the telly.
Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones) Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) tomato juice
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) clamato juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup (50g) finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup (25g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions:
- Bring salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes, depending on size.
- Immediately drain the shrimp in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tomato juice, ketchup, clamato juice, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, olive oil and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the cooled shrimp, diced avocado, and cucumber to the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled in individual glasses or bowls, garnished with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs.
Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones!)
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good mexican shrimp cocktail ? it’s like sunshine in a bowl. this recipe is my go-to, especially when i'm craving something fresh and zesty.
Think margaritas on the beach, only in a bowl!
It's also perfect for making ahead for parties! And it’s surprisingly easy – even if you're normally reaching for a ready meal. Trust me, you got this.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
Essential mise en place is key to a smooth cooking experience. start by prepping all your ingredients, this saves so much time! dice that red onion like you mean it.
Chop that cilantro with some passion. seed and mince the jalapeño. this ensures a quick sauce preparation later.
If using pre-cooked shrimp from the shop, feel free to skip the part on cooking the shrimp later, but I find cooking raw shrimp is always fresher and tastier.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe: Step-by-Step
Ready to get this show on the road? Let's do it!
- Cook the Shrimp: Bring salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. This will take about 3- 5 minutes . Don't overcook them! Rubber shrimp is a crime against humanity.
- Cool 'Em Down: Drain the shrimp immediately in a colander. Rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking, preventing rubberiness.
- Sauce It Up: In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups tomato juice, 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup clamato juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1-2 jalapeños, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Adjust the hot sauce level to your taste!
- Cocktail Time: Add the cooled shrimp, diced avocado, and cucumber to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill Out: Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This is essential for the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips & Tricks
Don't be shy with the lime. it brings the flavour up. remember, freshness is key! the freshest ingredients make the best best mexican shrimp cocktail recipe.
Use ripe avocados and juicy limes. try a dash of mexican style shrimp if you have it.
Avoid blandness. Taste and adjust the seasoning! And if you want to make this lighter, try using Mexican Shrimp Cocktail With V8 , a great trick for Light Mexican Appetizers .
Honestly, there's nothing quite like a perfectly chilled mexican cocktail shrimp on a warm day. it's a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for mexican night appetizers or any cocktail party recipes food .
Plus, it's naturally gluten free dairy free keto , so everyone can enjoy it! if you are feeling extra fancy, pair it with some mexican rice with shrimp for a proper feast.
Enjoy experimenting with these cocktail shrimp recipes and finding what you like best!
Recipe Notes for the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Alright, so you're about to make the mexican shrimp cocktail recipe . awesome choice! just wanted to share a few extra bits and bobs that'll take it from "good" to "oh my gosh!".
These are the little things that make a big difference, you know?
What Goes With Shrimp Cocktail? Serving Suggestions
This mexican cocktail shrimp is super versatile. for plating, think tall glasses for that swanky cocktail vibe, or just a rustic bowl.
Honestly, either works. presentation is key! garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges – it's all about the aesthetics , innit?
Complementary sides? totally! some crispy tortilla chips are a must for scooping. this recipe also pairs really well with some mexican rice with shrimp for a full-on mexican night appetizers feast.
Or, if you're after something lighter, think fresh avocado slices. a cold corona or a zingy margarita would be lush!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? no worries, mate. refrigerate the mexican shrimp cocktail with v8 in an airtight container. it’ll happily keep for a day or two, but the avocado might brown a bit.
Honestly, it still tastes amazing.
Freezing? Nah, I wouldn't recommend it. The texture of the shrimp and veggies goes a bit weird. Just make what you can eat fresh, yeah?
For reheating, don’t . This is one of those Light Mexican Appetizers best served cold.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a change? For a Gluten Free Dairy Free Keto version, make sure your ketchup and hot sauce are keto-friendly. Easy peasy.
Seasonally, you can swap out some ingredients. in the summer, chuck in some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
Autumn? maybe a touch of roasted corn. just have a play around!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Glass
So, let’s talk about the good stuff. this mexican style shrimp is packed with protein from the shrimp. loads of vitamin c from the lime.
Plus, healthy fats from the avocado. win-win! roughly, each serving is about 350 calories. it's a pretty balanced meal, to be fair.
Oh, and if you’re wondering about the cooking raw shrimp , don’t sweat it. just make sure they're pink and opaque all the way through when you cook them.
Food safety first, yeah?
Right then. that's all the notes for now. honestly, making this mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is a breeze. just relax, have fun, and get stuck in! you’ll nail it.
You can even call it a ceviche recipe hack! and hey, now you can add even this shrimp cocktail recipe to the pile of cocktail party recipes food you know.
Now, who wants to go mexican shrimp hunting in the kitchen? grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen with this recipe! you can even search and try more cocktail shrimp recipes and recipes with cocktail shrimp !

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to cook the shrimp for this Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe? I always seem to overcook them!
Ah, the dreaded rubbery shrimp! The key is a quick poach. Bring salted water to a boil, then add your shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, usually just 3-5 minutes, depending on their size. Immediately drain and rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Think of it like making a cuppa – you don't want to stew the shrimp, just give them a quick dunk!
Can I make this Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's better if you do. The flavors meld together beautifully when the cocktail sits in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even a couple of hours. Just be sure to add the diced avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning and going a bit sad. Like a good Sunday roast, it's often even better the next day!
I don't like spice, what can I do to make this Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe less spicy?
No worries, spice isn't everyone's cup of tea. Simply omit the jalapeño entirely, or use a milder chili pepper, like a poblano, with the seeds and veins removed. You could also add a touch of sweetness, like a teaspoon of honey or agave nectar, to balance out any remaining heat. Remember, you're the boss of your cocktail!
What are some variations I can try with this Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe?
Fancy a twist? Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a tropical vibe. You could also stir in some cooked bay scallops for added variety. For a richer flavor, a dollop of creamy avocado crema on top is divine. Get creative and make it your own – think of it like putting your own spin on a classic Beatles tune!
How long does Mexican shrimp cocktail last in the fridge?
This is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the shrimp might get a bit rubbery and the veggies can lose their crispness. Think of it like leftovers from a fancy Indian takeaway - best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
Is Mexican shrimp cocktail healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Generally, yes, it's a relatively healthy dish! Shrimp is a great source of protein, and the vegetables provide vitamins and fiber. However, the ketchup can add sugar, and the sodium content can be high depending on the ingredients used. For a healthier version, use low-sodium tomato juice and ketchup, and load up on the fresh veggies. It's all about balance, innit?
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