Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Cóctel de Camarones, is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines cooked shrimp with a spicy-tangy tomato-based sauce, crunchy vegetables, and fresh cilantro. Served chilled, it’s perfect as a starter or light meal, especially on warm days. The zesty flavors and colorful ingredients make it a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or casual gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)tomato juice or Clamato juiceketchuplime juiceWorcestershire saucehot sauce (like Tabasco or Valentina)diced red onionchopped cucumberdiced tomatochopped celerychopped fresh cilantrodiced avocado (added last to avoid mushiness)salt and pepper to taste

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine tomato juice or Clamato with ketchup, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Mix well.

Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl and stir gently to coat.

Mix in the diced red onion, cucumber, tomato, celery, and cilantro.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting lime or hot sauce if needed.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado.

Serve chilled in individual glasses or bowls, optionally garnished with lime wedges or extra cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add a splash of orange juice for a hint of sweetness.

Use poached shrimp with a touch of garlic for more depth.

Include diced jalapeño or serrano peppers for added heat.

Top with crushed saltine crackers or serve with tortilla chips for crunch.

Swap Clamato with V8 if preferred.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Do not freeze, as the texture of the vegetables and shrimp will deteriorate.

Avoid reheating, as this dish is meant to be enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before use.

What kind of tomato juice should I use?

Clamato is traditional, but regular tomato juice or V8 are good alternatives.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare everything except the avocado up to a day in advance. Add avocado just before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be mild or spicy depending on the amount and type of hot sauce used.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the shrimp and add diced hearts of palm or mushrooms for a veggie version.

Do I need to cook the shrimp myself?

You can, but pre-cooked shrimp from the store works just as well.

Is Mexican Shrimp Cocktail the same as ceviche?

No, ceviche uses raw seafood marinated in citrus juice, while this recipe uses pre-cooked shrimp.

Can I serve it as a main dish?

Yes, serve it with tostadas or over lettuce for a light lunch or dinner.

Can kids eat this?

Yes, just adjust or omit the hot sauce for a milder version.

What kind of hot sauce is best?

Valentina, Tapatío, or Tabasco are all great choices depending on your heat preference.

Conclusion

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a zesty, colorful, and refreshing dish that brings together bold flavors with the lightness of seafood and crisp veggies. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a cool and easy meal, this recipe delivers vibrant flavor with minimal prep. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.