Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (a.k.a. Cóctel de Camarones) recipe. It’s a chilled appetizer or light meal that’s like a cross between shrimp cocktail and a tangy gazpacho. Perfect for hot days, parties, or anytime you’re craving bold flavors.
🍤 Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarones)
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
-
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
Salt (for boiling water)
-
1/2 lime (for squeezing over shrimp after cooking)
For the Cocktail Sauce:
-
1 cup Clamato juice (or tomato juice with a splash of clam juice)
-
1/2 cup ketchup
-
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (2–3 limes)
-
2 tablespoons hot sauce (Valentina, Tapatío, or Cholula)
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
Add-ins:
-
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
-
1 large tomato, diced
-
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded & diced
-
1 avocado, diced
-
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
-
Optional: 1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, finely minced (for heat)
Instructions
1. Cook the Shrimp
-
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
-
Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
-
Pat dry and chop into bite-sized pieces if desired.
-
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and set aside.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together:
-
Clamato
-
Ketchup
-
Lime juice
-
Hot sauce
-
Worcestershire
-
Salt & pepper
Adjust to taste—add more lime juice for tang, or hot sauce for heat.
3. Add the Veggies & Shrimp
-
Stir in the red onion, tomato, cucumber, and chopped cilantro.
-
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and diced avocado last to avoid smashing.
-
Chill for 30 minutes (optional but enhances flavor).
4. Serve
-
Serve cold in chilled glasses, bowls, or large cocktail cups.
-
Garnish with extra avocado, lime wedges, or cilantro.
-
Pair with saltine crackers or tostadas for crunch.
Tips & Variations
-
Make it boozy: Add a splash of cold beer or michelada mix for extra depth.
-
Sweet touch: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity if your tomatoes aren’t sweet.
-
Seafood twist: Add crab or octopus for a deluxe version.