There is something truly special about the refreshing, zesty flavors found in the Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) Recipe. This vibrant dish combines juicy shrimp with crisp vegetables, tangy lime, and a spicy tomato sauce that perfectly balances every bite. Whether you’re craving a light appetizer or a satisfying snack, this recipe delivers a delightful medley of textures and tastes that feel like a celebration in a glass. It’s a staple of Mexican coastal cuisine that’s simple to prepare but unforgettable to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic essence of this dish. Every item is straightforward yet plays an essential role, from the firm shrimp to the bright lime juice and fresh vegetables, creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped): Provides a crisp bite and sharpness that brightens the cocktail.
- Juice of 3 limes (about ¼ cup): Adds a fresh, citrusy tang that wakes up every ingredient.
- 1 lb cooked medium-sized shrimp – peeled, deveined, and tails removed: The star protein offering sweet and tender seafood flavor.
- 2 roma tomatoes (finely diced): Brings juiciness and vibrant red color to the dish.
- 1 cucumber (finely diced): Adds refreshing crunch and cool balance.
- 1-2 jalapeños (seeded and finely diced): Introduces a gentle heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors evenly.
- 1 1/2 cups tomato juice (such as Clamato): Forms the rich base liquid that ties the cocktail together.
- 1 cup ketchup: Adds sweetness and depth to the tomato juice.
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce: Lifts up the spice level with a bold kick.
- 1 bunch cilantro (discard stems and chop leaves): Sprinkles in fresh herbal notes that brighten the entire dish.
- 2 avocados (peeled, pitted, and diced): Provides creamy, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy vegetables.
How to Make Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Onion
Start by mixing the finely chopped onion with the fresh lime juice in a small bowl. This simple marinade softens the onion’s sharpness and infuses a bright citrus flavor. Letting this mixture sit for about 10 minutes really brings out its best qualities, ensuring every bite has the perfect zing.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp with the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and jalapeño peppers. Season with salt and pepper to enhance each ingredient’s natural flavors. This fresh mixture forms the hearty base of your cocktail. Feel free to adjust the jalapeño quantity here if you want more spice creeping through.
Step 3: Make the Tomato-Onion Sauce
To the onion and lime mix, add the tomato juice, ketchup, and hot pepper sauce. Whisk together with a fork until the sauce is smooth and well blended. This tangy, spicy liquid will create the delicious sauce that coats the shrimp and vegetables beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Add Final Ingredients
Pour the tomato-onion sauce into the shrimp bowl and stir gently to mix everything thoroughly. Next, fold in the chopped cilantro and diced avocados, being careful to combine everything without mashing the creamy avocado pieces. You can also scoop avocado on top for a pretty presentation.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and let your Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) Recipe chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This resting time melds all the vibrant flavors together into a harmonious, refreshing treat that’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation can elevate your shrimp cocktail to the next level. Fresh cilantro sprigs, a few extra lime wedges, or a sprinkle of chili powder on top not only make the dish look inviting but also provide an extra pop of flavor that guests love.
Side Dishes
This Coctel de Camarones shines as a light meal but pairs wonderfully with warm tortilla chips, crusty bread, or a crisp green salad. The crunch of tortilla chips is perfect for scooping up the cocktail while adding a satisfying texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your shrimp cocktail in pretty glasses, colorful bowls, or even hollowed-out avocados for a fun twist. You can also display it staggered in individual clear cups for parties, making it easy for guests to grab and savor the authentic taste of this Mexican classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight, though be sure to consume within 2 days to enjoy the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and avocado, freezing is not recommended for this Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) Recipe. Freezing could compromise the texture and flavor, leaving the dish mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This cocktail is best served chilled and fresh, so reheating is not necessary or advisable. Simply stir the chilled leftovers gently before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp for this recipe?
It’s best to use cooked shrimp to achieve the desired texture and avoid overcooking. If you use raw shrimp, be sure to boil or steam them first until just cooked through before adding to the cocktail.
How spicy is the Coctel de Camarones?
The spice level depends on how many jalapeños and how much hot sauce you add. You can easily adjust to your taste, from mild and tangy to a more fiery kick.
Can I substitute ingredients if I don’t have Clamato?
Yes, you can use regular tomato juice, though Clamato with its slight clam flavor adds a traditional twist. You might want to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce if substituting for depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) Recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a safe and delicious choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Serving in individual cups or small bowls with tortilla chips on the side makes it super easy and fun for guests to enjoy without fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) Recipe is one of those gems that brings people together through fresh, vibrant flavors and a simple, satisfying preparation. I encourage you to try making it at home—you’ll find its zesty charm irresistible, and it’s sure to become a staple that friends and family will ask for again and again. Dive in and enjoy every refreshing bite!
PrintCoctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) Recipe
Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, is a refreshing, zesty seafood appetizer featuring cooked shrimp tossed with fresh vegetables, tangy lime juice, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, finished with creamy avocado and cilantro. Perfect for a light meal or party starter, this chilled dish combines spicy, citrusy, and savory notes for an authentic taste of coastal Mexican cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 roma tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 cucumber, finely diced
- 1–2 jalapeños peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 1 bunch cilantro, stems discarded and leaves chopped
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
Seafood
- 1 lb cooked medium-sized shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
Liquids and Sauces
- Juice of 3 limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 1/2 cups tomato juice (such as Clamato)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the onion and lime juice mixture: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped onion with the fresh lime juice. Let this mixture stand for 10 minutes to allow the onions to soak up the citrus flavor.
- Combine the shrimp and vegetables: In a large bowl, add the cooked shrimp, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, jalapeños, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to combine, setting this mixture aside.
- Adjust spiciness: Add more jalapeños if you prefer a spicier cocktail, mixing well to incorporate the heat.
- Make the tomato-onion sauce: To the onion and lime juice mixture, add tomato juice, ketchup, and hot pepper sauce. Use a fork to whisk these ingredients together until fully combined.
- Combine sauce with shrimp mixture: Pour the tomato-onion sauce into the large bowl with shrimp and vegetables. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
- Add cilantro and avocado: Fold in the chopped cilantro and diced avocado carefully to avoid mashing the avocado pieces.
- Chill the cocktail: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the cocktail become nicely chilled.
- Serve and enjoy: Optionally top each serving with additional avocado for garnish. Serve cold and enjoy this zesty Mexican shrimp cocktail.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeño peppers.
- For a smoother presentation, top off the serving with avocado pieces instead of mixing them in to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh, high-quality cooked shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- This cocktail can be prepared a few hours ahead of time, making it convenient for parties.
- If Clamato juice is not available, you can substitute with tomato juice mixed with a splash of clam broth or Worcestershire sauce for similar flavor.
