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Authentic & Easy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

Close-up of a glass bowl filled with vibrant mexican shrimp cocktail, featuring plump shrimp, diced tomatoes, onions, and topped with chunks of fresh avocado.
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Make this refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Coctel de Camarones, that balances zesty lime, fresh vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce. It is a perfect, quick appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup clamato juice
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Valentina or Cholula)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large ripe tomato, diced
  • 1/2 medium white onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional, for extra spice)
  • 2 avocados, diced (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Tortilla chips or saltine crackers (for serving)

Instructions

  1. If using raw shrimp, cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately plunge the cooked shrimp into an ice bath to stop cooking and chill them quickly. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, prepare the sauce base. Combine the clamato juice, ketchup, fresh lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is uniform.
  3. Add the diced tomato, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine all the fresh vegetables.
  4. Add the chilled, cooked shrimp to the sauce mixture. Gently fold the shrimp into the sauce, ensuring they are coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Mexican shrimp cocktail for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to become fully chilled and refreshing.
  6. To serve, spoon the Coctel de Camarones into chilled glasses or bowls. Top each serving with diced avocado. Serve immediately with lime wedges and tortilla chips or crackers.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality, large shrimp. If you buy pre-cooked shrimp, make sure they are fully chilled before mixing them into the sauce.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp. Adjust the lime juice for more tang or the hot sauce for more heat to suit your preference.
  • This dish is best served very cold. Prepare it ahead of time to maximize the refreshing quality.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/mexican-shrimp-cocktail-recipe-easy/