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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

by blogifyr

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing, flavorful dish often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal. The combination of crisp vegetables, chilled shrimp, tangy citrus juice, and a zesty tomato-based cocktail sauce delivers a bright, invigorating taste that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or any time you crave a taste of coastal Mexico.

Below is a step-by-step guide in English to help you recreate this delicious recipe at home.

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup Spanish onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 pound chilled cooked medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
  • 2 Roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups chilled tomato and clam juice cocktail (such as Clamato®)
  • 1 cup chilled ketchup (such as Heinz®)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro (stems discarded, leaves chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (such as Valentina®)
  • 2 avocados (peeled, pitted, and chopped)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Onions:
    • In a small bowl, combine the chopped Spanish onion with the freshly squeezed lime juice.
    • Allow this mixture to stand for about 10 minutes. This step helps mellow the sharpness of the onion while adding a citrusy bite.
  2. Combine Shrimp and Vegetables:
    • In a medium bowl, add the cooked, chilled shrimp.
    • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and jalapeño pepper.
    • Season this mixture with salt and ground black pepper.
    • Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Prepare the Cocktail Sauce:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the chilled tomato and clam juice cocktail (Clamato®), ketchup, chopped cilantro, and the hot pepper sauce.
    • Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preference for spiciness.
  4. Mix Everything Together:
    • Pour the prepared cocktail sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture.
    • Gently fold the sauce into the shrimp and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.
  5. Add Avocados and Onion Mixture:
    • Carefully fold in the chopped avocados, being mindful not to mash them.
    • Stir in the onion and lime juice mixture from Step 1.
  6. Chill Thoroughly:
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or place the mixture in a container with a lid) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
    • Chilling allows all the flavors to meld together and enhances the dish’s freshness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Traditionally, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is served cold in a tall glass or a large bowl.
  • Top it off with extra chopped cilantro or a slice of lime for garnish.
  • Offer tortilla chips or crispy saltine crackers on the side for dipping.
  • If you enjoy more heat, serve additional hot pepper sauce or diced jalapeños on the table.

Tips and Variations

  1. Protein Options: If shrimp aren’t your preference, you could use cooked scallops or crabmeat. Just be sure they’re thoroughly cooked and chilled before adding them to the cocktail mix.
  2. Extra Citrus: For an even brighter citrus flavor, add a splash of orange juice or more lime juice.
  3. Vegetable Additions: Some recipes include finely chopped red bell pepper or even a bit of fresh corn for sweetness and crunch.
  4. Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of jalapeño and hot pepper sauce based on your heat tolerance. You could also use serrano peppers if you enjoy more intense spice.
  5. Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared a few hours in advance. However, add the avocado just before serving to keep it from browning and to maintain the best texture.

Enjoy your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail as a light meal on a warm day or serve it as a festive appetizer at your next gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs zesty flavors with cool, refreshing ingredients—an ideal choice whenever you want something vibrant and satisfying!