4.38 29 Published Apr 22, 2024, Updated Sep 20, 2024 When I think of shrimp cocktail I immediately think of a fancy dinner party with cold shrimp and cocktail sauce for dipping, but this recipe doesn’t involve cocktail sauce at all. It’s more like a shrimp salsa or like a gazpacho soup studded with shrimp. Traditionally Mexican shrimp cocktail is made with a tomato juice mix like V8 or Clamato juice (tomato juice mixed with calm juice). I like thicker dips so we’re skipping the juice and using tomato sauce instead. It’s seriously so good – I can’t wait for you to try this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein-packed – One serving is loaded with over 25 grams of protein making this dish the ultimate protein-packed appetizer or filling lunch. Simple – There’s no cooking required, making it super easy to prepare – just chop, mix and chill! Flavorful – There are so many wonderful flavors happening with this dish from the shrimp, fresh veggies, tomato sauce, lime juice and hot sauce. Every bite packs a punch! Crowd favorite – Mexican shrimp cocktail is always a hit with guests, offering a refreshing change from the usual appetizers.
Ingredients Needed
shrimp – the star ingredient! You can either purchased pre-cooked shrimp or cook the shrimp yourself, which I 100% recommend as the end result has better texture! tomatoes – chopped with juice, adding freshness and more tomato flavor to the sauce. ketchup – for a hint of sweetness and tang. Use your favorite brand here. tomato sauce – enriches the base of the sauce with a smooth tomato flavor. red onion, garlic, cucumber and celery – the veggies that add a refreshing crunch to the sauce. cilantro – I love adding fresh herbs to my dishes and fresh cilantro is the perfect addition to this dish. jalapeño – this is optional, but I love heat so I always add chopped jalapenos with the seeds removed. lime juice – freshly squeezed, brightening the dish with acidity. Mexican hot sauce – I recommend using an authentic Mexican hot sauce such as Cholula or Tapatio. avocados – chopped into chunks, offering a creamy addition to this dish. black pepper and sea salt – for seasoning.
How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Step 1: Mix the tomatoes, ketchup, tomato sauce, onion, cucumber, celery, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, pepper and salt in a large bowl. Refrigerate the mixture for 2-3 hours to chill and blend the flavors. Step 2: Before serving, add the shrimp and avocado chunks to the bowl and stir. Serve the cocktail in a bowl or glasses with tortilla chips.
How to Cook Shrimp
If you purchase raw shrimp here are some tips on how to cook it properly: Make ice bath – Start by adding ice to a large bowl and add water to cover. This will be used to stop the shrimp from cooking. Boil water – Add about 8 cups of water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 10 minutes on it’s own. then turn off the heat and add the raw shrimp to the pot. Poach shrimp – Let the shrimp sit in hot water for about 3 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pot with a slotted spoon or drain in a colander and transfer to the prepared ice bath. Let shrimp sit in ice bath for 5-10 minutes before draining. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and chill until ready to serve.
How to Serve Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
I love serving this dish as an appetizer, but there are so many different ways to serve it. Here are some ideas:
As an appetizer: Serve this Mexican shrimp cocktail in individual cocktail glasses for an elegant appetizer at parties or gatherings. You could also serve up this skinny margarita or paloma for an adult beverage. For lunch: Enjoy it straight up with a fork or spoon for a light, refreshing lunch. With tortilla chips: Pair it with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping. Tostada topping: Spoon it over tostadas for a quick, flavorful meal. Lettuce wraps: Use butter lettuce leaves to make shrimp cocktail lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing option. Avocado boats: Fill halved avocados with the shrimp cocktail for a nutritious and visually appealing dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored and enjoyed within 1-2 days. If your dish starts to smell fishy you’ll want to throw it away.
More Appetizers to Try
Smoked Salmon Dip Vegetarian Mezze Platter Easy Pineapple Salsa Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Easy Shrimp Cocktail Easy Ceviche
Be sure to check out more shrimp recipes as well as the full collection of appetizers on EBF!
