Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarón)

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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarón)

A vibrant and refreshing dish featuring plump shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a zesty, tangy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or as a light, flavorful meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔️ Fresh & Flavorful – The citrus juices, fresh vegetables, and shrimp create a bright and tangy dish.
✔️ Easy to Make – Just chop, mix, and chill—minimal cooking required!
✔️ Perfect for Entertaining – Serve in cocktail glasses for an elegant touch.
✔️ Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice with more or less jalapeño and hot sauce.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Cocktail:

  • 2 lbs jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and chopped
  • 2 handfuls fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ small white or yellow onion, finely chopped

For the Sauce:

  • 2 limes, juiced and zested
  • 1 orange, juiced and zested
  • 11.5 oz can of tomato juice (or Clamato for extra flavor)
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • Hot sauce, to taste (Cholula, Valentina, or Tapatío work well)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Diced avocado
  • Crackers or tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2️⃣ Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape, about 2-3 minutes.
3️⃣ Drain immediately and rinse under cold water or transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
4️⃣ Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces (or leave whole if preferred).

✅ Tip: For extra flavor, add bay leaves, black peppercorns, or a splash of lime juice to the boiling water.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Chopped shrimp
  • Celery
  • Jalapeño
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro
  • Onion
    2️⃣ Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • Lime juice & zest
  • Orange juice & zest
  • Tomato juice
  • Tomato sauce
  • Garlic
  • Hot sauce
  • Salt and pepper
    2️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

✅ Tip: If you like a thicker sauce, add a few tablespoons of ketchup for extra sweetness.

Step 4: Combine & Chill

1️⃣ Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture.
2️⃣ Stir gently until everything is well coated.
3️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

✅ Tip: For the best flavor, let it chill overnight!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve chilled in cocktail glasses, bowls, or a large serving dish.
  • Garnish with extra cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges.
  • Enjoy with saltine crackers, tortilla chips, or crispy tostadas.

Serving Ideas & Variations

🌮 Shrimp Cocktail Tostadas: Spoon onto crunchy tostadas and top with extra avocado.

🥑 Spicy Guacamole Shrimp Cocktail: Mash some avocado into the sauce for a creamier twist.

🍅 Extra Chunky Style: Add chopped tomatoes and bell peppers for more texture.

🌶 Fiery Version: Add extra hot sauce, diced serrano peppers, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat!

🍤 Seafood Mix: Try adding octopus, crab, or scallops for a seafood cocktail mix.

🥃 Mexican Michelada Shrimp Cocktail: Replace tomato juice with a Mexican beer for a fun, bold flavor!

Storage Tips

🧊 Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
❌ Do not freeze—avocados and shrimp don’t thaw well!
🛑 If the shrimp cocktail becomes too watery after sitting, simply stir well before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a bright, tangy, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a light appetizer anytime. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood memories or making it for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress!

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