Escape the ordinary and dive into the vibrant world of Mexican cuisine with this refreshing shrimp cocktail recipe. A classic appetizer or light meal, this dish bursts with the bright, zesty flavors of Mexico, offering a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet. Forget bland shrimp salads; this recipe elevates the simple shrimp cocktail to an unforgettable experience, showcasing the succulent sweetness of shrimp perfectly complemented by a lively, homemade cocktail sauce. Imagine juicy shrimp swimming in a sea of invigorating flavors – a taste of sunshine in every bite.
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe is far from your average seafood starter. It's a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold seasonings, easily customizable to your spice preference. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the detailed step-by-step instructions below to make your own delicious and authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.
Tools Needed
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl with lid
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Celery: 2 stalks
- Spanish Onion (or mild white/yellow, Vidalia): 1/3 cup chopped (approx. ½ of a large onion)
- Lime juice (fresh or bottled): 1/4 cup
- Jalapeno peppers: 1-3 (seeded and finely chopped)
- Cucumber (English preferred): 1
- Roma tomatoes (or other tomatoes): null
- Precooked shrimp: 2 pounds (tails removed, washed)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Clamato (or V8 juice): 3 cups (double recipe; 1.5 cups for single)
- Ketchup: 2 cups (double recipe; 1 cup for single)
- Cilantro (or parsley): 1 bunch, chopped
- Hot sauce (Cholula, Tabasco, etc.): to taste
- Avocados: 2-4
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables and Shrimp
- Chop celery finely. You can remove the ribs if desired.
- Chop onion. Aim for consistent size with other produce.
- Mix chopped onion with lime juice to reduce strong flavor.
- seed and finely chop. Add more for extra spice.
- Chop cucumber into small pieces.
- Chop tomatoes into small pieces.
- Combine all chopped produce (celery, onion, jalapeno, cucumber, tomato) in a bowl with the lime juice and onion.
Step 2. Combine Ingredients and Marinate
- Add precooked shrimp, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Add Clamato (or V8 juice) and ketchup to the bowl.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add cilantro (or parsley) and hot sauce. Taste and adjust hot sauce as needed. The mixture will get spicier as it sits.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 4).
Step 3. Add Avocado and Serve
- Just before serving, add sliced avocados. Mix gently to distribute and prevent avocados from browning.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with blue corn chips, tortilla chips, saltine crackers, or tostadas.
Read more: Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe (Cold Salad)
Tips
- Use whatever onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers you have on hand. Fresh produce from a garden will enhance the flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper periodically throughout the process to ensure proper seasoning.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos and hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- The acidity of the lime juice helps to prevent the avocados from browning.
- If you dislike cilantro, substitute with parsley or another fresh herb.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cocktail sauce and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Add the shrimp just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
2. What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Use fresh, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Large or medium-sized shrimp work best.
3. Can I adjust the spiciness of the cocktail sauce?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili sauce or hot sauce to your preferred level of heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra zing.
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is the perfect embodiment of fresh, vibrant flavors, making it an ideal appetizer for any summer gathering or a satisfying light meal on a hot day. Its simple yet elegant presentation will impress your guests, and the burst of fresh seafood and zesty sauce will leave everyone wanting more. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by this refreshing and delicious dish!