The Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Everyone Loves

Seafood enthusiasts crave a zesty Mexican shrimp cocktail that bursts with vibrant flavors and freshness.

This classic dish combines succulent shrimp with tangy vegetables and a bold sauce.

Coastal regions of Mexico perfected this refreshing appetizer over generations.

Cool and light, the recipe offers a perfect blend of citrusy and spicy notes.

Each bite delivers a mouthwatering combination of tender shrimp and crisp ingredients.

Summer gatherings come alive with this colorful and delectable treat.

Prepare to savor an authentic culinary experience that transports you straight to the Mexican coastline.

Tips for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Success

• Watch shrimp closely while boiling; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
• Letting the cocktail rest in the refrigerator helps ingredients blend and intensifies the taste profile.
• Control heat by reducing or increasing jalapeño and hot sauce to match your personal preference.
• Use crisp vegetables and ripe avocado for the best texture and brightest flavors in the dish.
• Try using crab or imitation crab meat as an alternative protein if shrimp isn't available.

Variations on Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Seafood Swap Cocktail: Replace shrimp with imitation crab, cooked crab meat, or diced white fish for a different protein experience.
• Low-Carb Ocean Blend: Swap cucumber and avocado with extra crisp bell peppers and radishes to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crunch and freshness.
• Vegetarian Marinade Remix: Substitute shrimp with hearts of palm, diced firm tofu, or chickpeas, keeping the zesty sauce and vegetable components intact for a plant-based version.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify hot sauce quantity or replace jalapeño with milder green chiles or sweet peppers for those preferring less heat while maintaining authentic Mexican flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Pair Mexican Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the tangy citrus and seafood flavors, cutting through the dish's richness with bright acidity.
• Refresh with Mexican Michelada: Spicy beer cocktail made with lime, tomato juice, and hot sauce perfectly matches the shrimp cocktail's bold and zesty profile.
• Boost with Cucumber Margarita: Herbal and cool cocktail enhances the fresh ingredients, adding a smooth tequila kick that elevates the seafood's delicate texture.
• Complement with Sparkling Water and Lime: Non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate, highlighting the dish's vibrant citrus and herb notes without overwhelming the subtle shrimp flavors.

Storage Guidelines for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Store the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the mixture covered to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Do not freeze this dish, as the fresh vegetables and seafood will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed. The delicate ingredients won't maintain their original quality after freezing.
• Enjoy the cocktail cold straight from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as this will cook the already prepared shrimp and make the vegetables soggy. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
• If the mixture seems slightly dry after storage, refresh it with a splash of fresh lime juice and gently stir before serving to revive the vibrant taste and texture.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?

This dish originates from coastal regions of Mexico, where seafood is a staple and fresh ingredients are abundant. It’s a popular appetizer that combines the bright flavors of shrimp with a tangy, spicy sauce.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by the amount of jalapeno and hot sauce you add. If you prefer less heat, remove the jalapeno seeds or reduce the hot sauce quantity.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail That’s Refreshing and Easy

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• Versatile Family Meal: These salmon patties work wonderfully as a quick dinner, lunch option, or party appetizer, appealing to different taste preferences and serving needs with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the core of this zesty Mexican cocktail.

• Celery, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Onion: Crisp vegetables that add texture and fresh flavor to the dish.
• Avocado: Creamy ingredient that provides a smooth, rich element to the cocktail.
• Cilantro: Bright herb that brings a classic Mexican flavor profile.

• Lime Juice, Orange Juice: Citrus juices that create a tangy and bright base for the sauce.
• Tomato Juice, Tomato Sauce: Provide a rich, deep red color and traditional Mexican cocktail flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth to the sauce.
• Hot Sauce: Brings a spicy kick to the cocktail.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Gently drop the shrimp into the boiling water and cook until they transform into a delicate C shape and turn completely opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Cool Down Seafood

Immediately drain the shrimp and quickly submerge them in cold water or an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their tender texture.

Step 4: Chop Shrimp Into Delightful Pieces

Once the shrimp are completely cooled, slice them into bite-sized morsels that will blend perfectly with other ingredients.

Step 5: Create Vegetable Medley

• Crisp celery
• Spicy jalapeño
• Refreshing cucumber
• Creamy avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Zesty onion

Step 6: Whisk Tangy Sauce

• Zesty lime juice
• Sweet orange juice
• Rich tomato juice
• Smooth tomato sauce
• Minced garlic
• Spicy hot sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 7: Marry Flavors

Pour the tangy sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture, gently stirring to ensure every morsel is coated with delicious flavor.

Step 8: Chill and Marinate

Refrigerate the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail for at least one hour, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify their taste profile.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chilled cocktail, garnishing with extra cilantro leaves or fresh lime slices for an extra burst of brightness.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Refreshing Mexican shrimp cocktail brings coastal zest to your table with tangy tomato, crisp cucumber, and plump shrimp dancing in vibrant flavors. Chilled and bold, this appetizer promises a perfect blend of traditional Mexican seasoning and fresh seafood delight you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) jumbo shrimp

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and chopped
• 2 handfuls fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 small white or yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, grated

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 limes, juiced and zested
• 1 orange, juiced and zested
• 11.5 fluid ounces (340 milliliters) can of tomato juice
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce
• Hot sauce, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, creating a bubbling cauldron for the shrimp.
2. Gently drop the shrimp into the boiling water, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they form a delicate C-shape and turn completely opaque.
3. Immediately drain the shrimp and shock them in an ice bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their tender texture.
4. Pat the shrimp dry and slice them into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring consistent flavor in every spoonful.
5. Create a vibrant medley by combining the chopped shrimp with crisp celery, spicy jalapeño, refreshing cucumber, creamy avocado, fragrant cilantro, and zesty onion in a spacious mixing bowl.
6. Craft the signature sauce by whisking together tangy lime juice, sweet orange juice, robust tomato juice, rich tomato sauce, pungent garlic, fiery hot sauce, and a perfect balance of salt and pepper.
7. Delicately pour the sauce over the seafood and vegetable mixture, folding gently to ensure every ingredient is lovingly coated.
8. Refrigerate the cocktail for a minimum of one hour, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
9. Serve the chilled Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in clear glasses, adorned with additional cilantro sprigs and bright lime wedges for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Select super fresh shrimp to guarantee the best flavor and texture in your cocktail.
• Quickly shock boiled shrimp in ice water to stop cooking and maintain their tender, juicy texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using different hot sauces for personal preference.
• Consider substituting shrimp with imitation crab or cooked fish for alternative protein options if seafood allergies exist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 144 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg