Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (known as Cóctel de Camarones) is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather or as an appetizer at any gathering. It features cooked shrimp in a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce, often served with fresh avocado, cilantro, and lime. It’s served in a glass or a bowl and often accompanied by crispy tortilla chips. Here’s a traditional recipe to make a flavorful Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails off)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup clam juice (or tomato juice)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber (peeled)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (optional, for heat)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for added richness)
To Serve:
- Tortilla chips (for dipping)
- Extra lime wedges
- Extra cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- If you haven’t already, cook the shrimp. You can boil or steam them. To boil, simply bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the shrimp, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and let cool. You can also use pre-cooked shrimp, which makes this recipe even quicker.
2. Make the Cocktail Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, clam juice (or tomato juice), lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Add the Vegetables:
- Add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and jalapeños (if using) to the bowl with the sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Add the Shrimp:
- Cut the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces if they are large, and add them to the cocktail mixture. Toss the shrimp gently in the sauce to coat.
5. Add the Fresh Ingredients:
- Gently fold in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro, then season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness, although this is optional.
6. Chill the Cocktail:
- For the best flavor, cover the shrimp cocktail and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This also allows the shrimp to chill and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
7. Serve:
- Once chilled, serve the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in individual glasses or bowls. Garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro if desired. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping or alongside tostadas (crisp, flat tortillas) for an even more authentic touch.
Tips:
- Adjust the heat: If you like your shrimp cocktail spicier, feel free to add more jalapeño or even a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also adjust the hot sauce to your liking.
- Extra ingredients: You can add other ingredients like diced bell peppers or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- Fresh shrimp: If you’re using raw shrimp, ensure you cook them first by boiling, steaming, or grilling. You can also cook the shrimp in advance and chill them for a refreshing dish.
- Substitute clam juice: If you don’t have clam juice, you can substitute with tomato juice or vegetable broth, though clam juice gives the cocktail its signature, slightly briny flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Tostadas: Serve with crispy tostadas for a crunchier texture and to make it more filling.
- Side of Salsas: You can serve the shrimp cocktail with a spicy salsa, like a smoky chipotle salsa or a tangy pico de gallo, to enhance the flavor.
- Cold Beer or Michelada: A cold Mexican beer or a michelada (a beer cocktail with lime, hot sauce, and salt) is a perfect drink pairing for this dish.
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is light, tangy, and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the shrimp and acidity from the lime and tomatoes. It’s a great dish for any summer gathering or as a light meal on its own. Enjoy!