This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a bright, refreshing seafood dish loaded with plump shrimp, fresh vegetables, avocado, and a tangy tomato-lime sauce. Served chilled with crispy tortilla chips or saltine crackers, it’s the perfect seafood appetizer recipe for hot summer days, parties, or a light meal bursting with authentic Mexican flavor.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers, home entertainers, or anyone craving a healthy and refreshing Mexican recipe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight snack but impressive enough to serve at summer barbecues, Cinco de Mayo, or holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fresh, light, and packed with flavor.
- A no-fuss recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Loaded with protein and healthy fats from avocado.
- Perfect for summer parties, appetizers, or light dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Clamato juice (or tomato juice)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Cholula or Valentina)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ cucumber, peeled and diced
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Tortilla chips or saltine crackers, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the shrimp
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain, rinse with cold water, and chop into bite-sized pieces if large.
- Make the cocktail base
- In a large bowl, mix Clamato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add vegetables & shrimp
- Stir in tomato, cucumber, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and cooked shrimp. Chill for 15–20 minutes.
- Finish with avocado
- Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado.
- Serve & enjoy
- Spoon into glasses or bowls. Garnish with lime wedges. Serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium pot
- Mixing bowls
- Knife & cutting board
- Serving glasses or bowls
Storage Tips
- Best served fresh and chilled.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day (avocado may brown).
- To prep ahead, mix cocktail base and veggies, then add shrimp and avocado just before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes—just peel, chop, and add directly to the sauce.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
Definitely—add more jalapeño or hot sauce to taste.
Q: What’s the difference from American shrimp cocktail?
American shrimp cocktail is served with cold shrimp and a thick cocktail sauce, while Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is more like a shrimp and veggie salsa with a tangy tomato-lime broth.
Conclusion
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is zesty, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. With juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy tomato-lime sauce, it’s the perfect seafood recipe for hot summer days, fiestas, or light meals that feel like a trip to the coast.
Enjoy !!
