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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Name: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail 2025
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT45M (including chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp; 1 cup Clamato juice (or tomato juice); 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Valentina or Cholula); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/2 cup diced cucumber; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1/2 cup diced avocado; 1 finely chopped jalapeño (optional); Crackers or tortilla chips for serving

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones) brings together succulent shrimp in a zesty tomato sauce with crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The vibrant flavors transport you straight to a beachside restaurant in Mexico!

Pure Comfort

There’s something incredibly comforting about this dish despite its fresh, light nature. The combination of chilled shrimp, tangy sauce, and crisp vegetables creates a perfect balance that’s both satisfying and uplifting. It’s sunshine in a glass any time of year.

Ingredients

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup clam juice
1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
1 large avocado, diced
1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
Hot sauce to taste (such as Valentina or Tabasco)
Salt to taste

What You Need

Large pot for cooking shrimp
Ice bath for cooling shrimp
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board and sharp knife
Citrus juicer
Serving glasses or bowls (martini glasses or small bowls work well)
Saltine crackers or tortilla chips for serving

Time to Cook

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes

Steps to Make It

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
Immediately transfer shrimp to an ice bath to stop cooking.
Once cooled, drain well and chop into bite-sized pieces if desired (or leave whole for presentation).
In a large bowl, combine ketchup, lime juice, orange juice, and clam juice.
Add chopped onion, cilantro, and jalapeños to the sauce and stir well.
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, cucumber, and tomatoes.
Season with hot sauce and salt to taste.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado.
Serve in glasses or small bowls with saltine crackers or tortilla chips on the side.

Make It Perfect

For the most authentic flavor, make sure your shrimp are perfectly cooked – just until pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough. The sauce should be well-balanced between sweet, tangy, and spicy, so taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For the best presentation, reserve a few whole shrimp to garnish the top of each glass.

Mix It Up

Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño and hot sauce. For a more substantial dish, add diced octopus or crab meat alongside the shrimp. Some regions in Mexico add a splash of Clamato or even a touch of Mexican beer to the mixture for additional flavor.

Perfect Partners

Serve this refreshing cocktail with saltine crackers or tortilla chips for scooping. For a complete meal, pair with tostadas, quesadillas, or a simple side salad. A cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo, or a classic margarita makes for the perfect beverage pairing.

Busy Day Hero

This dish comes together quickly and most of the components can be prepared ahead of time. Keep the sauce and seafood separate until about an hour before serving, then combine for a stress-free appetizer that will impress guests without keeping you in the kitchen all day.

Work Ahead

You can cook the shrimp and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Chop vegetables (except avocado) a few hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Combine everything except the avocado up to 4 hours before serving, then add diced avocado just before serving.

Save Some For Later

This cocktail will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the vegetables may lose some of their crispness. The avocado may darken slightly, but a squeeze of additional lime juice helps prevent discoloration. For best results, consume within 24 hours of preparation.

Everyone’s Happy

This dish is naturally gluten-free (just watch your choice of crackers). For those who don’t enjoy spicy food, you can easily adjust the heat level or serve hot sauce on the side. Kids often enjoy this dish too if you dial back on the spiciness and serve it more like a shrimp salad.

Good For You Too

This cocktail is packed with lean protein from the shrimp and healthy fats from the avocado. The abundance of fresh vegetables adds fiber and essential nutrients. It’s relatively low in calories while being satisfying and nutritious – a perfect light meal for warm weather.

Easy Clean Up

This recipe requires minimal cookware – just one pot to cook the shrimp and a mixing bowl. Most of the preparation involves chopping and mixing, making cleanup quick and simple. Serve in individual glasses or bowls to minimize serving dishes.

Switch It Up

For a tropical twist, add diced mango or pineapple. You can also create a Campechana style cocktail by mixing in other seafood like octopus, crab, or scallops. For a non-seafood version, try using diced jicama or hearts of palm in place of some or all of the shrimp.

Simply Perfect

The beauty of this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail lies in its simplicity and vibrant flavors. The combination of tender shrimp, tangy sauce, and crisp vegetables creates a dish that’s balanced, refreshing, and utterly addictive. It’s a taste of coastal Mexico that never fails to please.

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FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. Just make sure to thaw them completely and add them directly to the sauce mixture.

Is there a substitute for clam juice?

You can use fish stock or even chicken broth in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is adjustable based on your preference. Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce.

Can I make this without avocado?

Absolutely! While avocado adds creaminess, the cocktail is still delicious without it.

What’s the difference between Mexican shrimp cocktail and ceviche?

Unlike ceviche, where raw seafood is “cooked” in citrus juice, this cocktail uses pre-cooked shrimp in a tomato-based sauce.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Yes! Increase the portion sizes and serve with plenty of sides for a refreshing main course.

How can I tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp should be pink, slightly opaque, and form a “C” shape when properly cooked. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked.

Conclusion

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail brings the refreshing flavors of coastal Mexico straight to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving a taste of the sea, this versatile dish balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in the most delightful way. Whether served as an appetizer or light meal, it’s guaranteed to transport your taste buds to a beachside restaurant with every bite!