Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing, zesty appetizer made with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a bright tomato-based sauce. It’s served chilled, making it especially delicious for warm days, parties, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Water, for boiling
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
For the Cocktail
- 1 cup tomato juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce, to taste
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Cool the shrimp: Drain immediately and transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. Drain again and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Stir well until smooth.
- Add the vegetables: Mix in the chopped red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp: Gently fold the cooled shrimp into the cocktail mixture.
- Add the avocado: Carefully stir in the diced avocado last so it doesn’t become mashed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp cocktail into chilled glasses or small bowls. Add an extra squeeze of lime and a little cilantro on top if desired.
Helpful Tips
For the best texture, chill the shrimp thoroughly before adding them to the sauce. Fresh lime juice gives the cocktail a much brighter flavor than bottled juice.
You can adjust the hot sauce to make it mild or spicy. If you prefer a thinner cocktail, add a little extra tomato juice; for a thicker, richer version, add a little more ketchup.
Serving Ideas
Serve with saltine crackers, tortilla chips, lime wedges, or sliced avocado. It makes a great appetizer for gatherings and can also be served as a refreshing light meal.
